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THE BARK BUSTERS 'TAIL'

Bark Busters Home Dog Training have been helping owners and their dogs since 1989. One of the world's largest dog training businesses, operating around the world

SPEAKING DOG THE BARK BUSTERS WAY

Bark Busters Dog Training

Following is the story of how Bark Busters was born and how it came to be. Our Head Office is in Wollongong NSW Australia.

BARK BUSTERS IS BORN

Bark Busters was formed in Australia in 1989 by Sylvia and Danny Wilson, expert dog trainers and authors of many dog training books on dog psychology and training.

Sylvia managed an RSPCA shelter for 10 years, in the Southeast of NSW Australia, before forming Bark Busters with her husband, Danny.

She had studied the behaviour and communication methods of dogs from childhood. While managing the shelter she was saddened by the number of dogs she saw being maltreated, abandoned and euthanised for behavioural problems, which she knew was due to a lack of consistent leadership, understanding and clear ‘canine communication’.

 

Meanwhile on the other side of the globe Danny was working with farm dogs and helping farmers deal with behavioural issues. Danny realised early on, that ‘communication’ between man and dog was one of the most important ingredients in stabilising and calming stressed and traumatised dogs. 

The merging of their ideas became the basis for creating the Bark Busters innovative, naturalistic and holistic training techniques. Our unique techniques have propelled Bark Busters' phenomenal growth worldwide.

Bark Busters is now the world's largest dog training company with more than 300 trainers worldwide.

 

ABOUT SYLVIA AND DANNY

Sylvia was born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the United Kingdom and emigrated to Australia with her parents at the age of 5.

Danny was born in Australia but was brought up near Newcastle-upon-Tyne United Kingdom. He returned to Australia when he was 26.

Some years later, Sylvia first met Danny when she was managing an RSPCA branch. They realised there must be a way to stop dogs from being returned to the shelter because of their behaviour. This is how Bark Busters came into being.

Danny and Sylvia’s comments:

"We realised, while working at the RSPCA centre, that many dogs were being surrendered in their prime by their owners who could not control their bad behaviour. At the time there was no help for these people whose problems fell through the cracks“
"We noticed that many dog trainers were reluctant to deal with dogs deemed dangerous or difficult to train. Many prefer to recommend euthanasia without even meeting these dogs face to face. We never recommend euthanasia. We never turn any dog away!"

 

AWARD WINNING COMPANY

  • 2017 Sylvia Wilson named winner of the PetAge Icon Award
  • 2015 Sylvia Wilson named by Smart Companies-Top 30 Female Entrepreneurs in Australia
  • 2014 Sylvia Wilson named Entrepreneur of the Year-Women in the Pet Industry Network USA
  • 2013 Sylvia Wilson named by Smart Companies-Top 30 Female Entrepreneurs in Australia
  • 2007 Bark Busters named Australia's 5th fastest growing franchise in BRW's Hot Franchises List
  • 2006 Sylvia Wilson (co-founder) recognised in BRW's Top 10 Australian Women Entrepreneurs List
  • 2005 Illawarra Business Awards - Winner of the Wollongong City Council Innovation category
  • 2004 Illawarra Business Awards - Winner of Exporter of the Year category
  • 2002 Australia Post Small Business Awards- Small Business of the Year Winner. Integral Energy Illawarra Small Business Awards - Winner of Oz Industry, Export & Small Business Categories
  • 1999 Sylvia Wilson inducted into Business Women's Hall of Fame-Australian Women’s Business Network
  • 1998 Telstra Small Business Awards - Winner and Telstra Small Business Awards Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year (NSW) - Winner

 

BARK BUSTERS TRAINING IS AHEAD OF THE PACK

OUR TRAINERS HAVE THAT SPECIAL SOMETHING!
  • Our trainers are passionate about the welfare of dogs
  • Bark Busters training never employs any harsh methods
  • They care for their clients
  • Follow the holistic teachings of the Founders
  • They deliver a professional service.
  • They get results, where others fail.
Bark Busters is a howling success!
  • Bark Busters is a well-established, respected worldwide dog training system, established in 6 countries.
  • Our system is holistic, kind and humane, using a unique method of training which is based on communication, not treats or pain.
  • Bark Busters has trained over 1 million dogs worldwide.
  • Bark Busters’ dog training is non-physical, effective and fast.
  • We use the dogs’ own language and teach the owners how to communicate with their dogs.

 

BEHAVIOURAL ISSUES ARE NORMAL DOG BEHAVIOUR

BEHAVIOUR THAT ANNOYS HUMANS

Dog behavioural issues, those things that humans think of as unacceptable, are just normal dog behaviour.

In the dog world, dogs bark, chew, jump up, dig holes, snap, bite, and chase animals.

It's when the dog enters the human world that this behaviour is frowned upon.

It's these behaviours that humans commonly need help to address.

Dogs understand and Speak Dog

Dogs in the ‘dog world’, living with other dogs, don’t seek help to address other dogs behavioural issues, they deal with things themselves in a ‘canine way’.

It’s called ‘canine communication’ and most dogs will do what we want them to do, if we also communicate in a canine way and speak in a language they understand.

 

BARK BUSTERS TRAINING PHILOSOPHY

We know dogs have their own form of "CANINE COMMUNICATION"

BARK BUSTERS use the dog’s form of communication to train, educate and form a strong ‘HUMAN-CANINE’ BOND.

We know that a ‘mother dog’ raises her puppies to LIVE with dogs, NOT humans.

We believe that she provided the BLUEPRINT to show us how to educate and COMMUNICATE with them.

Bark Busters BELIEVE that the human has to LEARN the WAYS of the DOG.

"...if they want to form a ‘BOND that will LAST and one that is built on Mutual RESPECT’."

"...it’s amazing the results we achieve in just two to three hours.”

 

A GUARANTEE NO ONE CAN MATCH

The Bark Busters worldwide guarantee is unique in the industry.

It is designed to help owners ensure that a dog’s behaviour and obedience issues are resolved, and to provide customers with ongoing peace of mind and is redeemable in any country where Bark Busters is established.

Dog owners who have moved from the USA to Australia, for example, would be able to redeem their guarantee in that country.

The guarantee moves with the dog!

If a dog is rehomed, the Bark Busters guarantee goes with the dog and is redeemable by the new owner.

Over 35 years of history - over 1 million dogs trained!

 

WE ARE ALWAYS GROWING AND LEARNING

OUR TRAINERS NEVER FINISH LEARNING.

We are constantly upgrading their training because dogs are always teaching us something new every single day.

 

THE BARK BUSTERS PROMISE: WE TRAIN ANY DOG, ANY AGE, ANY PROBLEM!

OUR PHILOSOPHY, IS NO DOG SHOULD EVER BE TURNED AWAY REGARDLESS OF ITS PROBLEMS, AGE, OR BREED.

"Ric was very clear with the training for Stevie. We train her everyday and she is like a different dog, hardly barking and getting better with her recall. I look after her sister a lot and she’s improving too. Thanks Ric for the difference that you’ve made with your training program and schedule."

Carole
Trainer: Ric Kennedy

"I highly recommend Philippa Dakin from Bark Busters. My Great Dane cross, Loki, had bitten two people, and I reached out to Philippa for her expert advice on his behaviour and training options. She responded immediately and quickly arranged a session, which gave me confidence right from the start. By the end of our very first session, the transformation in Loki was incredible—he was calm, responsive, and following my commands. Philippa didn’t just train Loki; she empowered me with the knowledge and confidence to take control, rather than feeling like Loki was in control of me. Through her expertise, it became clear that Loki is not a dangerous dog, but a misunderstood one. His biting behaviour was driven by fear, not aggression. Philippa provided a detailed report to the council, and as a result, the ranger withdrew the recommendation to have Loki declared a dangerous dog. This training has truly been life-changing and worth every dollar. Knowing that Loki has lifetime support through Philippa gives me complete peace of mind. I am beyond grateful and would highly recommend her to anyone needing help with their dog."

Kylie
Trainer: Philippa Dakin

"Sully is amazing working with both our dog and family! He explained everything we needed to know very well, and knew exactly how to help us understand our dog’s behaviours and body language. Sully was also very mindful of our dog’s limits (being an older dog and therefore tiring much easier) and it was a pleasure to work with him!"

Taleah
Trainer: Sully Arghand

"Kye was great. What he explained made sense and our GS responded immediately and has been getting better as we put the techniques into place."

Tracey
Trainer: Kye Morris

"We were feeling pretty desperate to find a dog trainer who could support us with our 7-month-old Rottweiler, especially with lead walking, scratching at the door, and improving his overall manners. Glenn provided a clear, easy-to-follow approach that made everything much more manageable. In just two hours at our home, we gained so much valuable insight and practical knowledge. We walked away feeling far more confident as dog owners, knowing we’re now using the right training techniques and, most importantly, ones that actually work. Thank you!"

Andrea
Trainer: Glen & Maureen Guelfi

"Cat has made a huge difference to the way we communicate with our dog in such a short time. From day one he was a different dog! 🐕 He no longer jumps at the door when visitors come - he stands back until he is allowed to greet, no longer pulls on the lead when walking and has a much calmer presence overall in the home. Totally worth the investment! Knowing Cat is a call or text away if we need help is invaluable. Thanks for enabling us to enjoy our dog at all times!"

Liane
Trainer: Catharina Jeffery

"We are impressed with Philippa's knowledge and approach. She took all the time needed to analyse our situation and propose a tailored training plan to address the reactivity issues with our dog, which was our main concern. She also proposed to improve behaviour around leash walking, recall and stay. Our dog, a 5 year old Kelpie cross responds well to the training methods. The training plan consists of daily short specific exercises based on "passively" establishing leadership and no-treats positive feedback. Our dog respond well to this approach and seems happier and more relaxed now. We're looking forward to our second session with Philippa."

Peter
Trainer: Philippa Dakin

"We were very pleased how much we achieved in our first lesson and the changes in Cruz"

Brett
Trainer: Martin Blattman

"I have just started my journey with Bark Busters, and i have not been dissappointed, Maureen is a brilliant trainer, she is thorough, kind and caring and really helps bring out the best in all dogs, My pup has been absolutely brilliant thanks to all the help from Bark Busters, i couldnt recommend Maureen enough. 🐶🐶🐶"

Fern
Trainer: Glen & Maureen Guelfi

"I cannot say enough positive things about Kelly. From the moment we met and she came to our home we felt reassured and knew we had made the right decision in joining BarkBusters. Kelly was so informative and caring, really listened and knew exactly what was needed to do in assisting us to train our cheeky toy poodle Rusty. :) We are excited for our next lessons and for the well trained dog I know Kelly will help us achieve. Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou......."

terriann
Trainer: Kelly McClelland

 

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