Bark Busters Reviews and Customer Testimonials
5th July 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly was great - she talked and walked me through and advised me on ways and means to correct Mavericks behaviour. More importantly she educated me on what to do when these situations occurred and how I was to react and correct the situation. It has only been a few days but I (and others) have already noticed an improvement in his demeanor. She gave me lots of information and things to work on between sessions and how to get the best out of the training. Looking forward to the second session as the first was very positive.
Trainer note from Kelly
Golden retrievers are giant puppies, which is amazing - until you, as the owner, are healing from a broken leg! Modifying the training to suit your mobility was easy, and we saw improvements straight away. Mav is a cracker of a dog, lovely temperament, but so strong on the lead - we worked on this specifically at the 2nd and 3rd lesson, and all the humans assisting you with Mav's walking saw improvements using our fun system. Barking, jumping up, separation work, we corrected all of these concerns. You have an amazing companion, and it was so important not to be the fun police, not to change his personality, but simply gain control - it's so wonderful to still let him be a dog! Well done, Wally, you've done a great job, and he's an amazing dog!
Golden retrievers are giant puppies, which is amazing - until you, as the owner, are healing from a broken leg! Modifying the training to suit your mobility was easy, and we saw improvements straight away. Mav is a cracker of a dog, lovely temperament, but so strong on the lead - we worked on this specifically at the 2nd and 3rd lesson, and all the humans assisting you with Mav's walking saw improvements using our fun system. Barking, jumping up, separation work, we corrected all of these concerns. You have an amazing companion, and it was so important not to be the fun police, not to change his personality, but simply gain control - it's so wonderful to still let him be a dog! Well done, Wally, you've done a great job, and he's an amazing dog!
1st July 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Thank you Kelly for an amazing first session! Ares has already shown amazing signs of improvement after just one session! We are now able to have the kids play freely in the back yard with some simple commands! Thank you again
Trainer note from Kelly
Rescue dogs are always so blessed when they are adopted. Ares was next level - rescued in Greece and now he is a Brissy-boy! Lots of changes, lots of new exposures, and ensuring he was safe in a family environment was crucial. Lead training, separation work, safety for your children, dog reactivity, all these have been focused on, and we are almost due for another walk around the block to fine tune things - with out Lifetime Support Guarantee, a tailored approach comes as a given! See you soon for more training, and thanks so much for all your hard work :-)
Rescue dogs are always so blessed when they are adopted. Ares was next level - rescued in Greece and now he is a Brissy-boy! Lots of changes, lots of new exposures, and ensuring he was safe in a family environment was crucial. Lead training, separation work, safety for your children, dog reactivity, all these have been focused on, and we are almost due for another walk around the block to fine tune things - with out Lifetime Support Guarantee, a tailored approach comes as a given! See you soon for more training, and thanks so much for all your hard work :-)
29th June 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly is so knowledgeable. Our 2 bichon have stopped barking almost completely. I am amazed. I should have contacted Kelly years ago! I highly recommend her services.
Trainer note from Kelly
The joy of the Bichon Frise! Affectionate, smart, clean ...but wow, can they bark! Barking in the garden, at the door, on walks, the list goes on. At the first session we changed some small, and easy things, and they may a huge difference! We looked at sleeping and eating habits, body language, and how to re-focus the dog when they were onto something else. Subsequent lessons we consolidated this learning with door manners, recall, and the ever important pulling on the lead. Great job! Your family all did their (easy) homework, and I am always on hand to help if needed :-)
The joy of the Bichon Frise! Affectionate, smart, clean ...but wow, can they bark! Barking in the garden, at the door, on walks, the list goes on. At the first session we changed some small, and easy things, and they may a huge difference! We looked at sleeping and eating habits, body language, and how to re-focus the dog when they were onto something else. Subsequent lessons we consolidated this learning with door manners, recall, and the ever important pulling on the lead. Great job! Your family all did their (easy) homework, and I am always on hand to help if needed :-)
28th June 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly is amazing. We originally phoned her about getting a companion dog for our dog Frank as he was having issues and we decided to take the leap and get him some training first. Although Kelly is not in our area training session was conducted via zoom meeting and went splendidly. Kelly spent a great deal of time chatting getting to know us and Frank and our concerns and then training commenced. That afternoon we could not believe the change in Frank's behavior automatically just from a few small changes we had implemented and as the week went on it just got better and better. I would really encourage any dog owners to engage Kelly's services. She is approachable, patient and down to earth - no judgement just helpful and easy to deal with :) Looking forward to further changes to come with our Frank the Tank .
Trainer note from Kelly
Frank is so delicious and affectionate and we certainly didn't want to change that! Being in an area that is not serviced by ar Bark Busters trainer wasn't a hinderance to the training, as we got exactly the same results via zoom. It was amazing to see how happy Frank was after the first session, so relaxed, and much more responsive to your commands, massive well done :-)
Frank is so delicious and affectionate and we certainly didn't want to change that! Being in an area that is not serviced by ar Bark Busters trainer wasn't a hinderance to the training, as we got exactly the same results via zoom. It was amazing to see how happy Frank was after the first session, so relaxed, and much more responsive to your commands, massive well done :-)
7th June 2024 - Kelly McClelland
I was always sceptical about trainers and believing one would help our situation with two snags, Frankie (male) and Bonnie (female). They bark at the door, they bark at people/dogs on walks and they have severe separation anxiety.
It’s a work in progress but my wife and I couldn’t believe how effective Kelly’s queues were to get them on track. It’s true when they say, is it the owner or dogs being trained and 100% it’s us being educated about how to deal with different situations.
I took them out on a walk for the first time after the session with Kelly and was utterly blown away. Kelly taught us how to get them not to pull on lead (no bribery) and for 3km they didn’t once go in front of me (pack leading) they were my side for the entire walk.
I’m genuinely excited for our next session and couldn’t recommend Kelly enough. If you want straight forward/easy to follow instructions to get your puppy/dog on track, Kelly is the trainer for you!
Trainer note from Kelly
So many times I have heard "Dachshunds can't be trained, they are just inherent barkers". Well, your two could be heard from the car as I pulled up, so I knew from the start that their levels of noise, in a new home, would be causing you both so much stress! And what smart, delightful dogs you have! They responded to our calm corrections immediately (almost with a look of confusion as to why you were taking control LOL), and to see their eyes relax, and their body language settle through the lesson was just perfection. Thank you again for inviting us in to assist with the barking, anxiety, pulling, dog reactivity, and door manners - I can't wait to start working on the off site training for pulling, and dog reactivity at lesson two! After that, they can come along to their 2 free group training sessions. Thanks again!
So many times I have heard "Dachshunds can't be trained, they are just inherent barkers". Well, your two could be heard from the car as I pulled up, so I knew from the start that their levels of noise, in a new home, would be causing you both so much stress! And what smart, delightful dogs you have! They responded to our calm corrections immediately (almost with a look of confusion as to why you were taking control LOL), and to see their eyes relax, and their body language settle through the lesson was just perfection. Thank you again for inviting us in to assist with the barking, anxiety, pulling, dog reactivity, and door manners - I can't wait to start working on the off site training for pulling, and dog reactivity at lesson two! After that, they can come along to their 2 free group training sessions. Thanks again!
26th May 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly was reccomended to us by multiple people, and multiple people were absolutely right. She gave us so much information; from experience, research and such a well rounded knowledge I immediately felt reassured. Kelly gave us a specialised training plan and reassured us our Daschund can be trained!
In even 5 days since, our pup has improved MARKEDLY in all the areas of concerns.
Trainer note from Kelly
Aren't Dachshunds so much fun!!! It was a pleasure to be asked in to assist with your gorgeous pup's training - focus on sleeping patterns (did someone say screaming?!), separation issues, toilet training, lead training, cat integration, obedience, door manners and recall. You had both done such a great job already, but the fine tuning tools provided with the Bark Busters service allowed everyone to start getting sleep! With my in house puppy lessons, the client is always welcome to one FOC lesson of puppy school, as well - and it was so rewarding to watch how advanced Chorizo was in class last weekend - her commands, happy tail, and walking skills were brilliant. Massive well done, and I'll see you for lesson 2 soon, where we will start with public manners, walking and road safety!
Aren't Dachshunds so much fun!!! It was a pleasure to be asked in to assist with your gorgeous pup's training - focus on sleeping patterns (did someone say screaming?!), separation issues, toilet training, lead training, cat integration, obedience, door manners and recall. You had both done such a great job already, but the fine tuning tools provided with the Bark Busters service allowed everyone to start getting sleep! With my in house puppy lessons, the client is always welcome to one FOC lesson of puppy school, as well - and it was so rewarding to watch how advanced Chorizo was in class last weekend - her commands, happy tail, and walking skills were brilliant. Massive well done, and I'll see you for lesson 2 soon, where we will start with public manners, walking and road safety!
21st May 2024 - Kelly McClelland
We called Bark Busters after a crisis with Murphy, where his separation anxiety reached new levels, and he barked for hours seeking attention, then escaped into our neighbours yard and caused them stress and some vehicle damage.
Faced with expense to fortify our yard and detail their car, we decided it was time to address Murphy’s anxiety, and rather than fortify his home to make a prison, we decided to pay Bark Busters to help address his separation anxiety.
After the first training session, we now understand how to communicate with Murphy and we have the tools and an approach, and are beginning to see results.
Trainer note from Kelly
Thanks you so much, Julian, to you and your family, for inviting me in to assist with your gorgeous ESS (English Springer Spaniel), Murphy. Now Mr Murphy showed his levels of FOMO were off the chart (LOL), but he is such a delightful and happy boy, that he LOVED his new training schedule, and structure. By working his brain, and implementing some easy changes when you're home, the dog settles when you're not home - everyone should be able to work, go out, and enjoy life, and their dog is calm and simply waits for the humans to come home to lavish all their attention on the furry 4 legged one. Well done for being so focused on your gorgeous boy's welfare, can't wait for lesson 2!!
Thanks you so much, Julian, to you and your family, for inviting me in to assist with your gorgeous ESS (English Springer Spaniel), Murphy. Now Mr Murphy showed his levels of FOMO were off the chart (LOL), but he is such a delightful and happy boy, that he LOVED his new training schedule, and structure. By working his brain, and implementing some easy changes when you're home, the dog settles when you're not home - everyone should be able to work, go out, and enjoy life, and their dog is calm and simply waits for the humans to come home to lavish all their attention on the furry 4 legged one. Well done for being so focused on your gorgeous boy's welfare, can't wait for lesson 2!!
9th May 2024 - Kelly McClelland
I can’t thank Kelly enough! Cooper weighs almost half of my weight.
He is a gentle giant Labradoodle but I haven’t been able to control his very loud bark, jumping and pulling on lead, meaning I had lost my confidence out in public with him.
Kelly’s advice was absolutely straight forward and sensible and I am buzzing that both Cooper and I did well in our first lesson.
It’s really about training me as the human!
Kelly has given me so much confidence with such positive results in just 1 lesson. I am so excited for our next session!
Cooper ignored the rubbish trucks today, and ignored a courier delivery next door and for the first time ever hasn’t entered the kitchen.
Cooper enjoyed the training just as much as I did…
I 100% recommend Kelly as a dog and owner trainer…I can’t believe what we were able to achieve in 2 hours!
Thank you so much Kelly!!!
Trainer note from Kelly
I had so much fun working with you, Barb, thanks for allowing me to assist with Cooper! Labradoodle's can be a whole lot of trouble with their strength, and noisy barking, but Cooper is just delightful! He responded well to our gentle training methods, and within 15 minutes of the programming starting, his eyes relaxed, his body language settled, and his focus on you was noticeably better. We even got outside at lesson 1 for a walm walk (at heel!) down the street. So pleased for you! I am looking forward to lesson #2, for some training consolidation and new, fun, exercises. Thanks again!
I had so much fun working with you, Barb, thanks for allowing me to assist with Cooper! Labradoodle's can be a whole lot of trouble with their strength, and noisy barking, but Cooper is just delightful! He responded well to our gentle training methods, and within 15 minutes of the programming starting, his eyes relaxed, his body language settled, and his focus on you was noticeably better. We even got outside at lesson 1 for a walm walk (at heel!) down the street. So pleased for you! I am looking forward to lesson #2, for some training consolidation and new, fun, exercises. Thanks again!
3rd May 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Frankie responded so quickly to the new commands. Information was delivered in a very clear, warm manner. With further sessions I know Frankie will achieve his full potential
Trainer note from Kelly
Frankie is just a pocket rocket of fun! Jack Russell Terriers are super speedy, super bouncy and also super noisy (LOL), and it was amazing to watch the quick transformation from energizer bunny to calm and focused companion. At lesson 2, we successfully did stair manners and education, plus we introduced the starter exercises for Frankie's pulling on lead and dog reactivity. Watching you both walk away, with Frankie at heel, watching you with love, was just priceless! Next lesson, we're off to the fore-shore for some more dog interaction training, can't wait! Well done, Steve, great job!
Frankie is just a pocket rocket of fun! Jack Russell Terriers are super speedy, super bouncy and also super noisy (LOL), and it was amazing to watch the quick transformation from energizer bunny to calm and focused companion. At lesson 2, we successfully did stair manners and education, plus we introduced the starter exercises for Frankie's pulling on lead and dog reactivity. Watching you both walk away, with Frankie at heel, watching you with love, was just priceless! Next lesson, we're off to the fore-shore for some more dog interaction training, can't wait! Well done, Steve, great job!
2nd May 2024 - Kelly McClelland
First visit by trainer was very successful. We learn a lot and Penny responded well to training
Trainer note from Kelly
Gorgeous Penny! Beagles can be a little on the naughty side of the equation, but Penny is a sweet angel dog, so lovely! We were engaged for assistance with changing some undesirable habits, which would impede moving into an apartment. Baying for attention, door answering, pulling on lead and social skills were all the focus at the first lesson - moving house is hard enough, but moving to an apartment is just as stressful on the owner as it is on the dog! At the second lesson I was thrilled with Penny's improvement, and we focused on scene setting for toileting in the new apartment, lift manners, walking, and visitor manners. Lesson #3 will be in the new place, and I am looking forward to making some small suggestions to ensure your new life is calm for Penny, and stress free for yourselves :-)
Gorgeous Penny! Beagles can be a little on the naughty side of the equation, but Penny is a sweet angel dog, so lovely! We were engaged for assistance with changing some undesirable habits, which would impede moving into an apartment. Baying for attention, door answering, pulling on lead and social skills were all the focus at the first lesson - moving house is hard enough, but moving to an apartment is just as stressful on the owner as it is on the dog! At the second lesson I was thrilled with Penny's improvement, and we focused on scene setting for toileting in the new apartment, lift manners, walking, and visitor manners. Lesson #3 will be in the new place, and I am looking forward to making some small suggestions to ensure your new life is calm for Penny, and stress free for yourselves :-)
1st May 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly was absolutely knowledgeable and helpful. We got some very useful tips in what to do and what not to do. Highly appreciate her time and expertise. We were very happy with the session, looking forward to the future session/s and we have been practising and are excited about Tinkerbell's progress with certain behaviours :) Highly recommend Kelly.
Trainer note from Kelly
What amazing owners you both are - your love for Tink is very evident! Super pleased that you enjoyed our first session, and the focus was on barking, separation issues, crate training, lead work and recall. At the second lesson we consolidated the theory side of things, and set new tasks, and I am looking forward to seeing you all at your two free group training sessions soon! Great job!!
What amazing owners you both are - your love for Tink is very evident! Super pleased that you enjoyed our first session, and the focus was on barking, separation issues, crate training, lead work and recall. At the second lesson we consolidated the theory side of things, and set new tasks, and I am looking forward to seeing you all at your two free group training sessions soon! Great job!!
29th April 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly is an absolute dog whisperer. She is so full of knowledge & opened our eyes up to things we would never had thought about. Both our dogs responded straight away to the training. My partner & I were almost hopeless with what to do with our two, with constant fighting which just kept getting more aggressive & more constant, though just after the first session with Kelly & implementing the things she taught us & the training they are both like different dogs & have hardly fought since. We couldn't recommend Kelly enough! We were hesitant to try a another dog trainer again after bad experiences with past trainers but we are so grateful we did as Kelly is worth her weight in gold.
Trainer note from Kelly
Thank you for your kind review! Your British Bulldogs are so delicious! But, when larger breeds fight, it is absolutely terrifying for the owners. It was really important for you both to learn that you hadn't done anything wrong, it was more that the human way of looking at things, causes confusion for the dogs. Once we started their training, both dogs relaxed almost straight away, the jumping up stopped, their barking went to minimal very quickly, and the safety measures for food were introduced and proved to be easy, and maintainable. Thanks for being so open to small changes, they were different, happy, smiling puppies at lesson 2, I was thrilled to pieces with their relaxed demeanor and your level of calm control. Well done!!
Thank you for your kind review! Your British Bulldogs are so delicious! But, when larger breeds fight, it is absolutely terrifying for the owners. It was really important for you both to learn that you hadn't done anything wrong, it was more that the human way of looking at things, causes confusion for the dogs. Once we started their training, both dogs relaxed almost straight away, the jumping up stopped, their barking went to minimal very quickly, and the safety measures for food were introduced and proved to be easy, and maintainable. Thanks for being so open to small changes, they were different, happy, smiling puppies at lesson 2, I was thrilled to pieces with their relaxed demeanor and your level of calm control. Well done!!