Bark Busters Reviews and Customer Testimonials
6th January 2026 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Chewing, Digging, Jumping up, Puppy management, Toileting
Really happy with the information that Kelly provided me with. She knows A LOT and helped me so much already! I love that you can contact her anytime with all sorts of (dog) questions! This is my first pet and I already feel much more comfortable in the training and nutrition after just one session. Would definitely recommend Kelly!
Trainer note from Kelly
First time puppy owner, thanks so much for choosing a rescue! Your wee little Staffy x, Winter, is a delight, and really enjoyed the training. With babies, at the first lesson, we focus on mouthing, biting, jumping up, lack of focus, toilet training, lead training, gate training and recall. We have just completed your second lesson, where we focused on heel work, sit, stay (obedience), gate racing and recall with distraction. I am looking forward to lesson #3, you're doing an amazing job with him, well done!
First time puppy owner, thanks so much for choosing a rescue! Your wee little Staffy x, Winter, is a delight, and really enjoyed the training. With babies, at the first lesson, we focus on mouthing, biting, jumping up, lack of focus, toilet training, lead training, gate training and recall. We have just completed your second lesson, where we focused on heel work, sit, stay (obedience), gate racing and recall with distraction. I am looking forward to lesson #3, you're doing an amazing job with him, well done!
3rd December 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Barking, Jumping up, Pulling, Recall, Separation anxiety, Toileting
Kelly was very patient with us and incredibly informed.
Trainer note from Kelly
I absolutely enjoyed working with you both, and Abby is the most delightful Bull Arab x Staffy - she was experiencing control issues with other dogs, dog reactivity, pulling, jumping up and door manners. Lesson 1 and 2 were all about these issues, and also the small changes that have been made to make your lives easier, and make Abby happy. Consistency is key, and you have both done an amazing job with her - as a young dog, we also cover any new issues that pop up, so we're always here to support!
I absolutely enjoyed working with you both, and Abby is the most delightful Bull Arab x Staffy - she was experiencing control issues with other dogs, dog reactivity, pulling, jumping up and door manners. Lesson 1 and 2 were all about these issues, and also the small changes that have been made to make your lives easier, and make Abby happy. Consistency is key, and you have both done an amazing job with her - as a young dog, we also cover any new issues that pop up, so we're always here to support!
14th November 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Aggression, Barking, Pulling
Kelly was amazing. She has shared information I have never heard before. Her way of training works. Day 2 and Vodkha already listens to my command. I can already see Vodkha following through.
Trainer note from Kelly
Thanks Nina! Your Frenchie, Vodkha, is just gorgeous, however I could certainly see how his irrational reactivity was causing you so much stress. When a dog is attacked (both by dogs, and in an undesirable human way), their confidence can shatter, and I am so grateful that you chose training, over anything else! We focused on correcting his aggression before he actually lunged, called scene setting, and by the end he was more focused on you than me, which was amazing. We worked on his lead training for pulling, his recall, and his door manners. Be nice and consistent, and I'll see you for lesson 2 very soon! Well done!
Thanks Nina! Your Frenchie, Vodkha, is just gorgeous, however I could certainly see how his irrational reactivity was causing you so much stress. When a dog is attacked (both by dogs, and in an undesirable human way), their confidence can shatter, and I am so grateful that you chose training, over anything else! We focused on correcting his aggression before he actually lunged, called scene setting, and by the end he was more focused on you than me, which was amazing. We worked on his lead training for pulling, his recall, and his door manners. Be nice and consistent, and I'll see you for lesson 2 very soon! Well done!
22nd September 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Other
Kelly was very thorough and I couldn't believe within 2 mins of her being at my front door she had my dog away and not barking
Trainer note from Kelly
Thank you for inviting us to come and do your canine assessment - your pup is smart as a whip, and responded well to some small training tips, provided as a part of the temperament assessment for council. We truly wish you both a positive outcome to the situation you're in, thanks again.
Thank you for inviting us to come and do your canine assessment - your pup is smart as a whip, and responded well to some small training tips, provided as a part of the temperament assessment for council. We truly wish you both a positive outcome to the situation you're in, thanks again.
11th September 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Pulling, Recall, Toileting
Kelly is amazing! It hasn't been a full week yet and we have already noticed a difference in Luna's behaviour which is a massive relief. We will be keeping on top of our homework so the packing order stays in place. Thank you Kelly!
Trainer note from Kelly
Whippets are the most underrated breed for a pet! They are absolutely the best, but not when they're marking, pulling on lead, and stealing food from the table and bench! We corrected Luna's counter surfing whilst we were still doing the theory (she responded immediately!), and then focused on her recall, door manners, demand behaviors (well, she is The Queen!), and also door manners. The implementation of some changes surrounding the marking are already showing improvement, and I can't wait for lesson 2! We will consolidate her learning, and work on loose lead walking / focus when distracted, lunging and road manners. Well done all!
Whippets are the most underrated breed for a pet! They are absolutely the best, but not when they're marking, pulling on lead, and stealing food from the table and bench! We corrected Luna's counter surfing whilst we were still doing the theory (she responded immediately!), and then focused on her recall, door manners, demand behaviors (well, she is The Queen!), and also door manners. The implementation of some changes surrounding the marking are already showing improvement, and I can't wait for lesson 2! We will consolidate her learning, and work on loose lead walking / focus when distracted, lunging and road manners. Well done all!
7th September 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Aggression, Barking, Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Puppy management, Recall, Sibling rivalry
Honestly I was VERY sceptical but I was amazed after one meeting. My older dog certainly learnt new tricks and my 7 month old quickly learnt her place in the pack. She has continued to be totally relaxed and at peace finally. Kelly knows her stuff and our whole family is better for it.
Trainer note from Kelly
I am so glad you took a leap of faith! Both of your bulldogs are delicious - we are working with your youngest Aussie Bulldog female, due to her fear reactivity, and attacking her older "brother". Finding out what your family expectations were, what you want from Mildred, and what your parameters were was crucial to tailoring the training to your environment. We worked on her over escalations, door manners, crate training (safety zone), and also discussed how certain ingredients in food can adversely affect a dog's behavior (just like a child!). Small changes, big improvements! A follow up lesson has been done, focusing on Mildred's lunging on lead, and attention on the owner out the front, and she was walking on a loose lead within minutes - she is so keen to be the best girl! Thanks again, and I am looking forward to lesson 3!
I am so glad you took a leap of faith! Both of your bulldogs are delicious - we are working with your youngest Aussie Bulldog female, due to her fear reactivity, and attacking her older "brother". Finding out what your family expectations were, what you want from Mildred, and what your parameters were was crucial to tailoring the training to your environment. We worked on her over escalations, door manners, crate training (safety zone), and also discussed how certain ingredients in food can adversely affect a dog's behavior (just like a child!). Small changes, big improvements! A follow up lesson has been done, focusing on Mildred's lunging on lead, and attention on the owner out the front, and she was walking on a loose lead within minutes - she is so keen to be the best girl! Thanks again, and I am looking forward to lesson 3!
4th March 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Chewing, Jumping up, Pulling, Recall
We couldn’t believe the change in Luna after just The first day with Kelly
Trainer note from Kelly
Puppies are a handful, but when they're a Great Dane x Shar Pei, well, we need to set some boundaries and rules LOL! Luna is just delightful, and you have absolutely done the right thing by engaging in early years training. Fear reactivity, visitor manners, jumping up, mouthing, stand over tactics on the lounge - all of this and more was targeted at lesson #1. Her brain was very tired sand relaxed by the time that we finished, and it was lovely to see her tail wagging - she might be timid but she loves a pat! Door and gate manners were also implemented, and at lesson 2, we'll start working on confidence external of the home. Thanks again for allowing me to assist, she's a great dog!
Puppies are a handful, but when they're a Great Dane x Shar Pei, well, we need to set some boundaries and rules LOL! Luna is just delightful, and you have absolutely done the right thing by engaging in early years training. Fear reactivity, visitor manners, jumping up, mouthing, stand over tactics on the lounge - all of this and more was targeted at lesson #1. Her brain was very tired sand relaxed by the time that we finished, and it was lovely to see her tail wagging - she might be timid but she loves a pat! Door and gate manners were also implemented, and at lesson 2, we'll start working on confidence external of the home. Thanks again for allowing me to assist, she's a great dog!
28th February 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Digging, Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Pulling, Recall
Kelly was lovely to deal with on the phone, and helpful and engaging in person. She explained everything well and was patient with our (many) questions. Kelly demonstrated clear techniques we could use when training Maggie, and gave us ample opportunities to practice them in front of her with Maggie ourselves. Kelly is open and happy to be contacted for further questions and follow-up. We were happy with the quick progress Maggie showed after only one or two days since Kelly had visited, and know we have a much happier dog. I am now very hopeful for the future with our dog. Thanks Kelly!
Trainer note from Kelly
Thanks so much for your kind feedback, it was so great to work with you both and your family. Chewing, destruction, pulling on lead, jumping up, these are all things that are so infuriating for an owner. We just want a lovely pet to be a positive part of our family. Maggie is a sweet wee little Cocker Spaniel (whose tail never stopped!) and she was a literal sponge with the training. She showed a level of calmness post training that was wonderful to see, and it will be great to be able to remove the garden barricades, now that we've targeted her destruction. Walking and in public manners will be lesson #2, plus stair manners, and focus away from the house. Well done, great job!
Thanks so much for your kind feedback, it was so great to work with you both and your family. Chewing, destruction, pulling on lead, jumping up, these are all things that are so infuriating for an owner. We just want a lovely pet to be a positive part of our family. Maggie is a sweet wee little Cocker Spaniel (whose tail never stopped!) and she was a literal sponge with the training. She showed a level of calmness post training that was wonderful to see, and it will be great to be able to remove the garden barricades, now that we've targeted her destruction. Walking and in public manners will be lesson #2, plus stair manners, and focus away from the house. Well done, great job!
18th February 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Chewing, Jumping up, Pulling, Puppy management, Recall, Separation anxiety, Toileting, Other
We are not the type of people to leave reviews but let me tell you....
We cannot recommend Kelly from Bark Busters highly enough! After just two sessions with her, we have seen a remarkable improvement in our 4 m/o pup's behaviour. Her expertise, deep knowledge, and years of experience in dog training are evident in everything she does.
Kelly is not only professional but also incredibly friendly, approachable, and even has a great sense of humour, making the training process enjoyable for both us and our pup. She explains everything in a way that is easy to understand and gives us the confidence to continue reinforcing the training at home.
What truly sets "Bark Busters" and Kelly apart is her deep understanding of all aspects of dog care. She has given us invaluable advice on everything from training and behaviour to nutrition- She even knew which plants in our garden are toxic to dogs and advised us on the risks and contraindications and "what needs to go". Her holistic approach ensures that we are not just training Delilah but also providing her with the best possible environment to thrive.
With Kelly by our side and the knowledge we have gained, we are more than confident that Delilah will grow into an intelligent, obedient, and well-mannered dog. Her guidance has given us the tools to ensure Delilah has the best quality of life and we too, get the best possible pup - bringing both Delilah and us to our highest potential - as pup parents.
We couldn’t be happier with the progress we’ve seen so far,
Thanks to Kelly, our girl is more responsive, calm, and well-behaved, and we are so grateful for her guidance.
If you are looking for an exceptional dog trainer or behaviouralist, we would absolutely recommend Kelly to anyone and everyone. She truly is amazing!
If you're considering making the call and are still unsure, this is your sign - Don't walk, RUN! - Kelly is your gal and you will not regret it!
with gratitude,
Kali, Scott & Delilah 🐾
Trainer note from Kelly
Ohhh, this is just so very lovely, you have both been so amazing to work with (I love a note taker!), and you have both engaged yourselves in every single step of Delilah's training journey. Of course we did the normal puppy management, that makes every owner's life easier - recall, sit, stay, mouthing, jumping up, lead training, toilet training, crate training and sleeping patterns. And Miss D responded like a dream, terriers love to be trained and she had so much fun! At the second lesson we had a quick look through the garden to sort out her reactive rash (Good old Moses in the Cradle was the culprit!), and then we moved onto recall with distraction, and calling her away from the neighbours fence / dogs. There were some control concerns with grooming and washing, so off to the wash area we went, and a clean puppy emerged - showing holding techniques, and how to bathe correctly will allow you to self manage her care as well. I am looking forward to lesson 3, up at the park, and getting Delilah out and about! Thanks again, you are all amazing!
Ohhh, this is just so very lovely, you have both been so amazing to work with (I love a note taker!), and you have both engaged yourselves in every single step of Delilah's training journey. Of course we did the normal puppy management, that makes every owner's life easier - recall, sit, stay, mouthing, jumping up, lead training, toilet training, crate training and sleeping patterns. And Miss D responded like a dream, terriers love to be trained and she had so much fun! At the second lesson we had a quick look through the garden to sort out her reactive rash (Good old Moses in the Cradle was the culprit!), and then we moved onto recall with distraction, and calling her away from the neighbours fence / dogs. There were some control concerns with grooming and washing, so off to the wash area we went, and a clean puppy emerged - showing holding techniques, and how to bathe correctly will allow you to self manage her care as well. I am looking forward to lesson 3, up at the park, and getting Delilah out and about! Thanks again, you are all amazing!
6th February 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Barking, Pulling, Puppy management, Recall, Separation anxiety
Kelly was fantastic, she was informative on all things. Even food, treats and toys to keep our dog Dolly amused.
We have had immediate success with her barking issue and are working on the rest of the lessons set by Kelly.
We are grateful for Kelly’s experience in helping us train Dolly to be a well balanced pup that can go on all adventures with us.
Looking forward to our next lesson.
Thanks Kelly
19th November 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Aggression, Chewing, Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Pulling, Puppy management, Recall, Separation anxiety, Toileting
A masterful delivery of helpful advice and of training instructions. Kelly held our interest over the 2 hour session, ( difficult when her students are old fossils) and managed this by injecting humour and by drawing on her wealth of stories relating to her history in her training of innumerable pooches ( and their carers) over the years.
Trainer note from Kelly
Thank you both so much for engaging with Bark Busters for training, I thoroughly enjoyed our lesson, and guiding you both into new ways of approaching training, to get results! Hugo, your Cavoodle, is a delightful wee pup, but his jumping up, barking, over guarding when people walk past, pulling on lead, and lack of recall skills was certainly causing you both stress! We worked on all of these things at lesson one, and Hugo was a very calm and mentally tired puppy by the end - and he showed such amazing improvements so quickly! I'll see you both soon for lesson 2, where we'll add distractions to the training, to focus on his external manners. Massive well done, you're both amazing!
Thank you both so much for engaging with Bark Busters for training, I thoroughly enjoyed our lesson, and guiding you both into new ways of approaching training, to get results! Hugo, your Cavoodle, is a delightful wee pup, but his jumping up, barking, over guarding when people walk past, pulling on lead, and lack of recall skills was certainly causing you both stress! We worked on all of these things at lesson one, and Hugo was a very calm and mentally tired puppy by the end - and he showed such amazing improvements so quickly! I'll see you both soon for lesson 2, where we'll add distractions to the training, to focus on his external manners. Massive well done, you're both amazing!
16th November 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Barking, Recall, Other
Kelly was informative about appropriate nutrition and toys for my toy Caboodle. She also provided tips on how I should become the alpha dog to assist with my dog’s anxiety around other new dogs. Although it has only been a few days, Finn is responding well to requests and I look forward to more advice on how to overcome his apparent fear of strange dogs.
Trainer note from Kelly
Thanks Cherrie, your kinds words and feedback mean a lot to me! You have done some amazing pre-training with Finn, you have consistent rules and boundaries, and you already have a lot of experience - thank you for allowing us to assist with the fine tuning! Barking, fence running, jumping up, gate manners and recall were all worked on in lesson #1, and you both picked up the training super easily! I am looking forward to lesson 2 with dog to dog scene setting and management, as that is the major issue - nice and calm, nice and positive for the win! See you soon!
Thanks Cherrie, your kinds words and feedback mean a lot to me! You have done some amazing pre-training with Finn, you have consistent rules and boundaries, and you already have a lot of experience - thank you for allowing us to assist with the fine tuning! Barking, fence running, jumping up, gate manners and recall were all worked on in lesson #1, and you both picked up the training super easily! I am looking forward to lesson 2 with dog to dog scene setting and management, as that is the major issue - nice and calm, nice and positive for the win! See you soon!