Bark Busters Reviews and Customer Testimonials
24th October 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Aggression, Barking, Chewing, Digging, Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Pulling, Separation anxiety, Toileting
Absolutely thrilled with the help we received from Kelly for our Frenchie, BOSS! He was definitely the boss of us, and we felt completely overwhelmed. After two years of struggling, we were on the brink of giving up, but Kelly's training was a game changer.
By the end of our first 3.5-hour session, we had a new understanding of BOSS and his behavior. We even switched his food to address his hyperactivity, and now we're working daily on the techniques Kelly taught us. I genuinely wish we had done this sooner!
The methods we’re using aren’t hard or time-consuming at all—far from what I had expected! If you’re feeling defeated like we were, I urge you to reach out to Kelly. The love and bond with your fur baby will only grow stronger as the hard work becomes manageable.
Thank you, Kelly! You’ve made such a difference in our lives!
Trainer note from Kelly
Your family has been so wonderful to deal with, you are all so lovely, and it was very clear to me from the second I arrived that you all love Boss dearly, but that his behaviour was almost pushing you to the point or surrender / rehoming. Correcting his visitor reactivity at lesson 1 was the main aim, positive crate training had some fine tuning, door answering solutions were presented and we started on his door work. Lesson 2 was just WOW! What a change! Even with incredibly difficult time restraints (work, kids, etc) you have all done a superb job, and his improvements were absolutely noticeable. Even road walking, stays and having him standing so close to me, a visitor, without reacting? Very rewarding indeed, and I was thrilled for you all. Huge well done!
Your family has been so wonderful to deal with, you are all so lovely, and it was very clear to me from the second I arrived that you all love Boss dearly, but that his behaviour was almost pushing you to the point or surrender / rehoming. Correcting his visitor reactivity at lesson 1 was the main aim, positive crate training had some fine tuning, door answering solutions were presented and we started on his door work. Lesson 2 was just WOW! What a change! Even with incredibly difficult time restraints (work, kids, etc) you have all done a superb job, and his improvements were absolutely noticeable. Even road walking, stays and having him standing so close to me, a visitor, without reacting? Very rewarding indeed, and I was thrilled for you all. Huge well done!
27th August 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Looking forward to continuing our work with Kelly. She has given us the tools and motivation to help Tobi with his behaviour problems - things we didn't even realise were a problem!
Trainer note from Kelly
Tobi is an absolute pocket rocket, and I can certainly see how his at home manners were causing so much stress, especially with a new (human) baby! Controlling barking, recall, door answering, door racing and lead work has certainly gotten you on the right path, and I am looking forward to starting at the door @ lesson #2, and doing walking with the pram manners. Excellent work!
Tobi is an absolute pocket rocket, and I can certainly see how his at home manners were causing so much stress, especially with a new (human) baby! Controlling barking, recall, door answering, door racing and lead work has certainly gotten you on the right path, and I am looking forward to starting at the door @ lesson #2, and doing walking with the pram manners. Excellent work!
18th August 2024 - Kelly McClelland
What a difference in my dogs. Kelly’s training really works for them and me. Consistancy and repetition is the key to polite dogs.
Trainer note from Kelly
Thanks Belinda, it was great to put some measures into place to ensure your boy is happy and safe, and being able to control the barking, door racing and on lead work, especially taking your injuries and mobility into consideration. We will work on walking with the mobility scooter at your next lesson, as well as dog to dog confidence - you've done am amazing job!
Thanks Belinda, it was great to put some measures into place to ensure your boy is happy and safe, and being able to control the barking, door racing and on lead work, especially taking your injuries and mobility into consideration. We will work on walking with the mobility scooter at your next lesson, as well as dog to dog confidence - you've done am amazing job!
7th August 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Helped break down all his behaviour problems and explained the causes. Saw improvements immediately during the training.
Trainer note from Kelly
Thanks Brendan, I appreciate your feedback! It's always stressful when the dog is being reactive to visitors, adn the measures put in place have shown excellent improvements, as has his walking behaviours! I am looking forward to lesson 3, where we'll start on his dog to dog management, well done!
Thanks Brendan, I appreciate your feedback! It's always stressful when the dog is being reactive to visitors, adn the measures put in place have shown excellent improvements, as has his walking behaviours! I am looking forward to lesson 3, where we'll start on his dog to dog management, well done!
30th July 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly was the most caring and in tune trainer and loved my 7 month old Dashie.
Within 2 minutes of training my puppo was a different girl! She just needed some direction.
To people that think Bark Busters training isn't as good as shoving treats in your puppy's mouth....I totally think they just don't want to admit they need to work with their dog and trainer and learn to speak dog!
Early days but Kenzi has already made so much improvement in her behaviour and is more relaxed and calm for it.
Keep up the awesome work Kelly!
Trainer note from Kelly
Isn't Kenzi just the bomb! What an adorable pup, so happy and so full of life! Having had no separation work done, she went down the anxiety rabbit hole, so by the time she became your dog it was a set behaviour. BUT! After the first lesson, and after the second, she showed that she could correct, was fine to be left along, could self entertain, and that allowed us to start work on her other manners. Pulling on lead, jumping up, using the ramp to the lounge to protect her spine, positive crate training, so much fun! We also corrected her cat reactivity at the first session (no need for them to be BFF's, but to co-habit is needed). Massive well done, you've worked so consistently on her, she is a credit to you!
Isn't Kenzi just the bomb! What an adorable pup, so happy and so full of life! Having had no separation work done, she went down the anxiety rabbit hole, so by the time she became your dog it was a set behaviour. BUT! After the first lesson, and after the second, she showed that she could correct, was fine to be left along, could self entertain, and that allowed us to start work on her other manners. Pulling on lead, jumping up, using the ramp to the lounge to protect her spine, positive crate training, so much fun! We also corrected her cat reactivity at the first session (no need for them to be BFF's, but to co-habit is needed). Massive well done, you've worked so consistently on her, she is a credit to you!
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!
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!!
28th April 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly made me feel very capable with all of the techniques she showed me. She was extremely welcoming and explained everything very thoroughly!
Trainer note from Kelly
And isn't your Cavalier x the most adorable wee pup, so much fun! Cosmo is super smart, and once shown the right method, he picked it up instantly! Being in a gated community, it is so important to control barking, pulling on lead, and recall - thank you for being such an amazing and responsible dog owner :-). His toileting has improved, and at lesson 2, we'll work on his fence running and social skills (excitability), without squashing his gorgeous personality. Well done!
And isn't your Cavalier x the most adorable wee pup, so much fun! Cosmo is super smart, and once shown the right method, he picked it up instantly! Being in a gated community, it is so important to control barking, pulling on lead, and recall - thank you for being such an amazing and responsible dog owner :-). His toileting has improved, and at lesson 2, we'll work on his fence running and social skills (excitability), without squashing his gorgeous personality. Well done!
18th April 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly was very responsive to our booking.
She was very respectful of our time and provided soooo much amazing and relevant information for our boy.
We have started using Kelly's tips and have been amazed at the effectiveness. Kelly went above and beyong and provided advice to assist with Bruce's skin issues.
Kelly handled Bruce with lots of love.
Trainer note from Kelly
Thank you for inviting me into your home, it was lovely to work with you both! Bruce is a well bred Frenchie, who felt that he ruled the roost (LOL)! It was so rewarding to show you both how to control his resource guarding, stealing items, barking, refusal to go for a walk, and jumping up - all in the first session, and all using Bark Busters gentle and proven methods. It is so important that the dog feels safe, and loved whilst training - no one wants a robot, their personalities are the best!!! Thanks for being so consistent with the training, can't wait to see how much he has improved at our next lesson - well done :-)
Thank you for inviting me into your home, it was lovely to work with you both! Bruce is a well bred Frenchie, who felt that he ruled the roost (LOL)! It was so rewarding to show you both how to control his resource guarding, stealing items, barking, refusal to go for a walk, and jumping up - all in the first session, and all using Bark Busters gentle and proven methods. It is so important that the dog feels safe, and loved whilst training - no one wants a robot, their personalities are the best!!! Thanks for being so consistent with the training, can't wait to see how much he has improved at our next lesson - well done :-)
10th April 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Gabi 2YO Miniature Poodle has been with the family for only a week and came to us as a rehome. She had come from a family with no men and was quite fearful of the men in our house. Kelly was amazing! She gave us lots of pointers and showed us the techniques to show the dog who the boss was, this is all without treats. That night she slept in the laundry with our other dog (they were in our room to help her integrate) and didn't hear a sound. She now loves the men in the house and the barking is almost non-existent when new people come over. We have set a boundary with the kitchen, the dogs aren't allowed in the area between the island and the oven as they get in under the feet and could potentially create an accident. It works they know. Some lapses in memory, however, 90% of the time they get it right. That includes the old dog, she looks at me confused lots. LOL. The stress levels are down dramatically as the dogs aren't getting in the way. She now loves the Man of the house. WINNING! Now to keep consistent with the reinforcing. Any tips on training the kids & Hubby to put the dishes in the dishwasher? ;-)
Trainer note from Kelly
Hahaha - let's work on the dishwasher lesson 2 (LOL). Your family are so amazing, everyone was on board, and Gabi is just a delightful addition to your home. Since your property enjoys the gorgeous wallabies that come to say hi, recall is imperative, so that it keeps both the wildlife, and Gabi, safe, and everyone can still enjoy the surroundings. We'll work with recall and distraction more at lesson 2, but Gabi responded like a dream, and she really enjoyed learning new things, and realizing that the men in her life will be the ones t spoil her the most. So pleased for you all, thanks so much!!
Hahaha - let's work on the dishwasher lesson 2 (LOL). Your family are so amazing, everyone was on board, and Gabi is just a delightful addition to your home. Since your property enjoys the gorgeous wallabies that come to say hi, recall is imperative, so that it keeps both the wildlife, and Gabi, safe, and everyone can still enjoy the surroundings. We'll work with recall and distraction more at lesson 2, but Gabi responded like a dream, and she really enjoyed learning new things, and realizing that the men in her life will be the ones t spoil her the most. So pleased for you all, thanks so much!!
20th March 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly came out to help us with Winston’s behavioural issues, separation anxiety, pulling and lead issues. We have already noticed such a massive difference in Winston’s attitude towards us and he is LOVING learning new techniques and better behaviour. Can’t believe how quickly we have seen a change! Can’t wait to work on more of his issues outdoors in our next session. Thanks so much Kelly!
Trainer note from Kelly
I honestly enjoy Dachshunds as a breed - they are so full of attitude and spunk! Mr Winston, however, was taking barking to extreme levels, and I can see how embarrassing his behaviour was to both of you! By the end of the lesson, there was no door reactivity, we were able to move in and out without him racing through, his recall was on point, and he was able to be corrected for his barking using the gentle dog friendly Bark Busters methods. See you at lesson 2 for public manners work (reactivity, pulling, etc) - you've both done an amazing job with him, thank you!
I honestly enjoy Dachshunds as a breed - they are so full of attitude and spunk! Mr Winston, however, was taking barking to extreme levels, and I can see how embarrassing his behaviour was to both of you! By the end of the lesson, there was no door reactivity, we were able to move in and out without him racing through, his recall was on point, and he was able to be corrected for his barking using the gentle dog friendly Bark Busters methods. See you at lesson 2 for public manners work (reactivity, pulling, etc) - you've both done an amazing job with him, thank you!
3rd March 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly’s strategy and techniques in dog training got us all in awe. She truly knows her craft, her demonstrations are on point and effective. We also appreciate that we can call her if we have questions and her personalized approach. She’s very responsive to our messages as well. Our rottie Chop Chop is much more loved cause he now follows our calls and obeys commands. Kelly’s Australia’s dog whisperer :) we are grateful for all your help. Thank you!! 👍👍👍
Trainer note from Kelly
Hi Beth, your family were so amazing to work with! Chop Chop is an adorable Rottweiler, and at 10 months, a very very large puppy LOL! Looking at the issues such as lead chewing, pulling, barking, over guarding, jumping up, visitor excitement.....all of this was tackled at our first session, and wow, isn't he a super smart pup! I can't wait to fine tune the obedience work, get him out the front and do walking with distractions, and have him heeling nicely on your daily walks! Then, onto group training for social skills - he is going to be amazing! Thanks again for inviting me in, I really appreciate everyone's involvement :-)
Hi Beth, your family were so amazing to work with! Chop Chop is an adorable Rottweiler, and at 10 months, a very very large puppy LOL! Looking at the issues such as lead chewing, pulling, barking, over guarding, jumping up, visitor excitement.....all of this was tackled at our first session, and wow, isn't he a super smart pup! I can't wait to fine tune the obedience work, get him out the front and do walking with distractions, and have him heeling nicely on your daily walks! Then, onto group training for social skills - he is going to be amazing! Thanks again for inviting me in, I really appreciate everyone's involvement :-)