Bark Busters Reviews and Customer Testimonials
14th January 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Barking, Hyperactivity, Jumping up
Kelly was extremely helpful from our very first lesson, with a marked improvement in our dog’s problem behaviour but also just his general demeanour from the first session. Kelly has a wealth of knowledge about all breeds. Highly recommend!
Trainer note from Kelly
Bulldogs for the win! I love this breed, they have an undeserved reputation of not being the smartest tool in the shed, but your gorgeous boy is smart as a whip! Child safety is so important, and being able to find a happy medium of safe family integration is key. We also worked on door racing, jumping up, recall, lead manners and sleeping patterns. I am looking forward to fine tuning the training in lesson #2, and looking to external issues and behaviours as well. Good job!
Bulldogs for the win! I love this breed, they have an undeserved reputation of not being the smartest tool in the shed, but your gorgeous boy is smart as a whip! Child safety is so important, and being able to find a happy medium of safe family integration is key. We also worked on door racing, jumping up, recall, lead manners and sleeping patterns. I am looking forward to fine tuning the training in lesson #2, and looking to external issues and behaviours as well. Good job!
12th January 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Pulling, Recall, Other
1st lesson went well. We learnt a lot from Kelly and found we were doing some things wrong as well as a few things right! In the few days since, Fran continues to be very responsive to the basic training.
The next big step will be when Fran has to be trained to overcome distractions and fear outside our fenced yard. We are confident that Kelly will show us how to fix this.
Trainer note from Kelly
I firstly like to thank you for taking on a rescue dog, they always deserve all the love! It was a pleasure to work with you both, you were already doing so many things right, and with some fine tuning, Ms Fran really responded to the extra layers of structure and focus via programming. Gaining control at home is crucial, and next lesson we'll be working on her external focus and dog reactivity, so you can start enjoying park walks and travelling with your gorgeous girl. Well done!
I firstly like to thank you for taking on a rescue dog, they always deserve all the love! It was a pleasure to work with you both, you were already doing so many things right, and with some fine tuning, Ms Fran really responded to the extra layers of structure and focus via programming. Gaining control at home is crucial, and next lesson we'll be working on her external focus and dog reactivity, so you can start enjoying park walks and travelling with your gorgeous girl. Well done!
9th January 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Barking, Jumping up, Pulling, Recall, Other
Kelly - you are a lifesaver. We honestly are amazed with the difference in Shijo after our first meeting with you. We know that we still have a way to go to perfect our new skills but what you have taught us has made a huge difference - we now don’t have to listen to incessant barking and can walk through the door without struggling to get inside before Shijo. I am sure that our neighbours are grateful too.
Trainer note from Kelly
It was amazing to meet you all at lesson one, thank you for ensuring everyone in the family is invested in Shijo's training, consistency is everything! So much noise LOL, so much barking, I could certainly see why you were all so worried for your neighbour's sanity (and your own!). At the first lesson, when corrected for the barking her response was instant - her body language relaxed, the pacing slowed to almost stopped, and she stopped trying to bully your adorable older boy. We focused on the barking, of course, but also door racing, cat management, walking politely on lead and recall - she is such a darling, and responded like a dream! I am looking forward to working on the street next lesson, focus on pulling, dog reactivity, lunging, road manners and safety and just being a good kid! No one needs a robot, I love her spunk, and it was great to see everyone pleased with her improvements - well done team!
It was amazing to meet you all at lesson one, thank you for ensuring everyone in the family is invested in Shijo's training, consistency is everything! So much noise LOL, so much barking, I could certainly see why you were all so worried for your neighbour's sanity (and your own!). At the first lesson, when corrected for the barking her response was instant - her body language relaxed, the pacing slowed to almost stopped, and she stopped trying to bully your adorable older boy. We focused on the barking, of course, but also door racing, cat management, walking politely on lead and recall - she is such a darling, and responded like a dream! I am looking forward to working on the street next lesson, focus on pulling, dog reactivity, lunging, road manners and safety and just being a good kid! No one needs a robot, I love her spunk, and it was great to see everyone pleased with her improvements - well done team!
30th December 2023 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Pulling, Recall
Kelly is very professional and responsive on phone/email! She is direct and clear with expectations and very knowledgeable in explaining the theory behind the training. It’s great there is no treat training or harmful techniques involved! And in the first lesson, our dog Banjo was already responding. Definitely recommend!
Trainer note from Kelly
Thank you both so much for your kind review - he is so much fun! Border Collie's need that focused mental stimulation, otherwise they make their own fun (which is generally not the same idea we have in mind LOL!). We focused on getting a ground work of control, recall, walking politely, racing doors to get inside (and the front door too!), and we will solely focus on his dog reactivity, lunging, crying / whining on lead out the front at lesson two. Seeing how relaxed his body language became at lesson one was brilliant, he is an amazing dog, and really loves to work for you both! See you soon for more fun training!
Thank you both so much for your kind review - he is so much fun! Border Collie's need that focused mental stimulation, otherwise they make their own fun (which is generally not the same idea we have in mind LOL!). We focused on getting a ground work of control, recall, walking politely, racing doors to get inside (and the front door too!), and we will solely focus on his dog reactivity, lunging, crying / whining on lead out the front at lesson two. Seeing how relaxed his body language became at lesson one was brilliant, he is an amazing dog, and really loves to work for you both! See you soon for more fun training!
22nd December 2023 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Jumping up, Other
Kelly is incredibly knowledgeable and provided so much practical information to implement for long term change. We’ve already seen such a massive difference with Puff within the week / it’s amazing!
Trainer note from Kelly
I love Rotti's! They are such a fun breed, always so inquisitive and wanting to put their big heads and noses into everyone's business LOL. What isn't fun is a large breed with severe storm anxiety, to the point of panic defecating, poor Puff. By implementing mental training (to work on brain fatigue), positive crate training for a safety zone (never to be used negatively or as a time out), we have already seen improvements with his issues. Of course being smashed by the tornado on Christmas Even wasn't ideal (so terrifying for you all!), but I was super pleased to be able to provide you with support in between lessons to ensure you stay on the right track. Second lesson will be managing his off site behaviour, strength on lead, pulling, lunging and dog reactivity - can't wait to show you how to improve these as well! You have both done an awesome job :-)
I love Rotti's! They are such a fun breed, always so inquisitive and wanting to put their big heads and noses into everyone's business LOL. What isn't fun is a large breed with severe storm anxiety, to the point of panic defecating, poor Puff. By implementing mental training (to work on brain fatigue), positive crate training for a safety zone (never to be used negatively or as a time out), we have already seen improvements with his issues. Of course being smashed by the tornado on Christmas Even wasn't ideal (so terrifying for you all!), but I was super pleased to be able to provide you with support in between lessons to ensure you stay on the right track. Second lesson will be managing his off site behaviour, strength on lead, pulling, lunging and dog reactivity - can't wait to show you how to improve these as well! You have both done an awesome job :-)
19th December 2023 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Barking, Sibling rivalry
Instant results from the first session with Kelly. She was so direct and clear on training methods. Couper is a whole new dog after just one session. She has really helped change our lives.
Trainer note from Kelly
Thank you so much! There is nothing more stressful for an owner with a new puppy, than that feeling they can't be left alone! Miniature Schnauzer have a bad rep (sadly) for being barkers, but Couper responded to our gentle training methods with a positive body response, focus, and by the end of lesson one, we left him alone to no noise! In between lesson 1 and 2 I provided support and guidance as to how to lengthen the time, and lesson 3 will be supporting your family members who also baby sit your delightful pup, so everyone stays focused and on the same page. His walking had improved out of site, to the point I needed to correct very little at lesson 2, so amazing, you've done a great job! See you soon for lesson 3 :-)
Thank you so much! There is nothing more stressful for an owner with a new puppy, than that feeling they can't be left alone! Miniature Schnauzer have a bad rep (sadly) for being barkers, but Couper responded to our gentle training methods with a positive body response, focus, and by the end of lesson one, we left him alone to no noise! In between lesson 1 and 2 I provided support and guidance as to how to lengthen the time, and lesson 3 will be supporting your family members who also baby sit your delightful pup, so everyone stays focused and on the same page. His walking had improved out of site, to the point I needed to correct very little at lesson 2, so amazing, you've done a great job! See you soon for lesson 3 :-)
17th December 2023 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Other
Kelly was informative, helpful, had an amazing manner with our dogs and showed us what we were not understanding about how our girl was feeling. The training was very good. She left us with a clear blueprint for us to follow and answered all our questions with a smile and detailed pertinent information. We have already seen an improvement and look forward to seeing our dog feel more confident and comfortable in the future.
Trainer note from Kelly
Thank you so much! Even though we were only working with one, your whole pack improved with the simple changes we implemented, so everyone felt safe to be able to relax! Being heavily involved in the world of the equine, you both understand the need for calm and positive control, and our easy and kind programming exercises showed your gorgeous girl that "you've got this" and she doesn't need to worry - which has really helped her lack of eating (she looked amazing at lesson 2, her weight was so much better!). I am looking forward to seeing you at group training, as your next step forward, for more positive control in public :-) - well done!!
Thank you so much! Even though we were only working with one, your whole pack improved with the simple changes we implemented, so everyone felt safe to be able to relax! Being heavily involved in the world of the equine, you both understand the need for calm and positive control, and our easy and kind programming exercises showed your gorgeous girl that "you've got this" and she doesn't need to worry - which has really helped her lack of eating (she looked amazing at lesson 2, her weight was so much better!). I am looking forward to seeing you at group training, as your next step forward, for more positive control in public :-) - well done!!
15th December 2023 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Pulling, Recall
I had Kelly come out to meet my stubborn frenchie. She instantly made me feel at ease and gave me so much confidence with training. I’m very excited to see the improvement and also to show Kelly how much lilah has improved! Kelly is very knowledgeable and is great at explaining the changes we need to make. I highly recommend for anyone who needs guidance with their training. Thank you Kelly 😊
Trainer note from Kelly
Thanks Michelle, she's a crack for sure! Child safety is so important, and when there is over the top exuberance, with a toddler, it usually ends in tears - thank you so much for inviting us in to assist before that happened! She is a fabulous dog, and to watch her focus and listen when our gentle methods were applied was awesome! First lesson focus was on jumping up, nipping, door racing, pulling on lead, and annoying your older border collie. I am looking forward to fine tuning this at lesson #2, and do walking work with distractions, so we can get her out and about on lead in a polite manner. Well done!
Thanks Michelle, she's a crack for sure! Child safety is so important, and when there is over the top exuberance, with a toddler, it usually ends in tears - thank you so much for inviting us in to assist before that happened! She is a fabulous dog, and to watch her focus and listen when our gentle methods were applied was awesome! First lesson focus was on jumping up, nipping, door racing, pulling on lead, and annoying your older border collie. I am looking forward to fine tuning this at lesson #2, and do walking work with distractions, so we can get her out and about on lead in a polite manner. Well done!
12th December 2023 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Barking, Pulling, Recall, Sibling rivalry
After just our first session, our 4 year old French Bulldog is barking much less, enjoying his single protein diet very much, is responding more often to our directions, and is calm and settled. While we still have a way to go, more to learn and consolidate, we are confident we are in the very best of hands with Kelly.
Trainer note from Kelly
Thank you so much, I am so glad you have enjoyed both training sessions so far! Having a dog wake you up when barking is so frustrating for the owners, and I was thrilled to see a much more relaxed dog at our recent second lesson :-). His door manners (racing through) have improved, and at lesson #3 we will work on park walking, pulling and recall with distraction. It has been a pleasure to work with you both, see you soon!
Thank you so much, I am so glad you have enjoyed both training sessions so far! Having a dog wake you up when barking is so frustrating for the owners, and I was thrilled to see a much more relaxed dog at our recent second lesson :-). His door manners (racing through) have improved, and at lesson #3 we will work on park walking, pulling and recall with distraction. It has been a pleasure to work with you both, see you soon!
12th December 2023 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Barking, Pulling, Recall, Sibling rivalry, Other
We contacted Bark Busters as we were having issues with our 2 and a half year old dog. Kelly can and was awesome. She was very helpful and knowledgeable with all our problems with our dog's behaviours. She certainly put our thoughts into perspective and gave us guidance as to what we were doing incorrectly. We have a long way to go but already we have seen improvements in our dog's behaviour. Looking forward to our next session.
Trainer note from Kelly
Labradoodles are so much fun to train and your gorgeous girl was no different! Once we identified all the ways she was successfully training her owners (LOL), we were able to switch it around, and make her brain work for good. Focus on barking, lead pulling / weaving, jumping up, door racing and generally showing her it was ok to relax were all actioned at lesson 1. I am looking forward to lesson 2, where we will guide her into a polite walking machine haha! Thanks so much for allowing Bark Busters to assist :-)
Labradoodles are so much fun to train and your gorgeous girl was no different! Once we identified all the ways she was successfully training her owners (LOL), we were able to switch it around, and make her brain work for good. Focus on barking, lead pulling / weaving, jumping up, door racing and generally showing her it was ok to relax were all actioned at lesson 1. I am looking forward to lesson 2, where we will guide her into a polite walking machine haha! Thanks so much for allowing Bark Busters to assist :-)
11th December 2023 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Chewing, Hyperactivity, Puppy management, Recall, Toileting
Kelly was very knowledgeable and it was great to have her come to Banjo's home environment and see him 'in action'. We have noticed immediate improvement in Banjo and we have learnt a lot too!
Trainer note from Kelly
Thanks Tom! It is always wonderful to work with clients who start their dog's education off early, and 12 weeks is an awesome time to get good manners on the right path. At this age, toilet training, mouthing, nipping (especially rough play with young children!) are also crucial to gain control with, so that as the dog grows they don't become major issues. Your Labradoodle puppy is so super smart, and picked up sit in seconds, and the mouthing stopped on correction too - well done, be nice and consistent and I will see you soon for more education and fun learning at lesson 2!
Thanks Tom! It is always wonderful to work with clients who start their dog's education off early, and 12 weeks is an awesome time to get good manners on the right path. At this age, toilet training, mouthing, nipping (especially rough play with young children!) are also crucial to gain control with, so that as the dog grows they don't become major issues. Your Labradoodle puppy is so super smart, and picked up sit in seconds, and the mouthing stopped on correction too - well done, be nice and consistent and I will see you soon for more education and fun learning at lesson 2!
4th December 2023 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Aggression, Jumping up, Separation anxiety
I got in contact with Bark Busters due to my youngest dog attacking our oldest dog this came out of nowhere and started to occur more often then not, leaving myself feeling very anxious. After my first phone call with Kelly there was already a sigh of relief, Kelly explained to me that our youngest wants to try and be Alpha and already got me started on certain changes to be made before our first meeting! I was already impressed and already started seeing a massive difference in our doggo's behaviour. Our first meeting was amazing, after implementing everything Kelly tought us, I now have submissive dogs, the humans are alpha's and we haven't had one dog-fight since Kelly visited! Our eldest doggo is definitely a lot more trickier to train but I have so much faith that we will get there in the next upcoming sessions. Can't wait!
Trainer note from Kelly
Thank you so much for your kind words! When you have two large breeds (Labrador and a Lab x GSD) it is imperative that no one gets hurt, and there is balance to create calmness. Sibling rivalry is terrifying for the owner, and both of your gorgeous dogs responded like a dream, showing respect, responding instantly to commands, and wagging tails the whole time! As shown, dogs love to know where they stand, and your positive attitude was awesome. Looking forward to getting out on the road for lesson 2, to target the pulling on lead, and his dog reactivity - exciting times ahead! Thanks again!
Thank you so much for your kind words! When you have two large breeds (Labrador and a Lab x GSD) it is imperative that no one gets hurt, and there is balance to create calmness. Sibling rivalry is terrifying for the owner, and both of your gorgeous dogs responded like a dream, showing respect, responding instantly to commands, and wagging tails the whole time! As shown, dogs love to know where they stand, and your positive attitude was awesome. Looking forward to getting out on the road for lesson 2, to target the pulling on lead, and his dog reactivity - exciting times ahead! Thanks again!