By Budd Riddle

Is there a communication gap between you and your dog? Does he or she bark too much, jump on guests, or perhaps the family pet just can't be nabbed when it's bath time. Whatever the problem, there's now a solution. It is called "behavior modification" and dog owners can now have their canine family members taught at home.

Budd and Donna Riddle, co-owners of Family K-9 Training Services, will bring their regimented obedience program right to your door, or if you prefer, on-site facilities are available.

Family K-9 does not train your dog to be a vicious guard dog. We train your dog to be the loving, obedient pet that you wanted when you decided to become a dog owner.

"In earlier years, a family's pet was able to spend more time with family members and seemed to fit in just fine," says Budd. "But," he added, "the 90s dog is spending more time alone, with more family members working out of the house, so man's best friend has to be taught."

While Donna takes care of the business end of the company, Budd works one- on-one with the dogs; he doesn't work with groups. With 17 years in the business, Budd is an animal behaviorist and a certified trainer, having graduated from Vanguard Canine Academy of Florida in 1975.

"A dog can become part of a person's family. However, the dog and the owner must both realize the proper rank or position the dog holds in the family," says Budd. Also, sometimes the owner can cause behavioral problems of a do.