Bark Busters Reviews and Customer Testimonials
9th December 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Barking, Puppy management, Separation anxiety, Toileting
Kelly has been an amazing source of support for my Maltese Shitzu dog! Soju was always a little shy and timid but to see her grow in confidence every day has been amazing. When I first met Kelly, I couldn’t leave my dog for more than a couple of minutes without crying and barking. Together, we worked on her separation anxiety issues and now I can leave her during the day whilst I work with no issues. Overall she seems a lot happier and healthier too! Kelly has always been on hand to revisit when I need additional help or lessons and her calm, patient approach has been really appreciated. Thanks so much!
Trainer note from Kelly
Soju is super smart! Managing the training (for toilet, lead, and visitor manners) around your injuries was easy, and we still managed the same results - so good, well done! Timidity and fear need to be managed correctly, and you took your time, and you are now seeing the benefits. She is so happy now, and on our most recent session we managed her fear reaction to cars and people on walks as well, and she improved once again. Thanks so much for allowing us to assist!
Soju is super smart! Managing the training (for toilet, lead, and visitor manners) around your injuries was easy, and we still managed the same results - so good, well done! Timidity and fear need to be managed correctly, and you took your time, and you are now seeing the benefits. She is so happy now, and on our most recent session we managed her fear reaction to cars and people on walks as well, and she improved once again. Thanks so much for allowing us to assist!
26th November 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Aggression, Barking, Puppy management, Recall
First day and already noticed a massive change in behaviour.
Dinner was prepared without dogs under our feet and boundaries were established. A treat in itself.
Looking forward to tomorrow’s walk with other issues to address.
Thank you Kelly for you insight, looking forward to seeing you again.
Trainer note from Kelly
What a delicious Shepherd pup!!! And I loved my cuddles with Snoop (your older boy), he is so well behaved! Slim on the other hand, what a handful LOL! By focusing on the human body language and timing, as well as adjusting how the dog was being corrected to re-focus and listen to commands, we had him recalling in minutes. It was wonderful to see how relaxed his body language became, soft eyes, relaxed ears, and low wagging tail - he loves to work! We also focused on barking, jumping up and the door issue (always nice to be able to walk in and out of your door without a Shepherd size bouncer blocking your way haha). Slim responded so nicely, and it's great to hear you have regained your kitchen! I am looking forward to improving his external manners at lesson #2, dog to dog work, confidence and calmness in public. Well done!
What a delicious Shepherd pup!!! And I loved my cuddles with Snoop (your older boy), he is so well behaved! Slim on the other hand, what a handful LOL! By focusing on the human body language and timing, as well as adjusting how the dog was being corrected to re-focus and listen to commands, we had him recalling in minutes. It was wonderful to see how relaxed his body language became, soft eyes, relaxed ears, and low wagging tail - he loves to work! We also focused on barking, jumping up and the door issue (always nice to be able to walk in and out of your door without a Shepherd size bouncer blocking your way haha). Slim responded so nicely, and it's great to hear you have regained your kitchen! I am looking forward to improving his external manners at lesson #2, dog to dog work, confidence and calmness in public. Well done!
26th November 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Aggression, Barking, Puppy management, Recall
First day and already noticed a massive change in behaviour.
Dinner was prepared without dogs under our feet and boundaries were established. A treat in itself.
Looking forward to tomorrow’s walk with other issues to address.
Thank you Kelly for you insight, looking forward to seeing you again.
Trainer note from Kelly
What amazing dog owners you both are! Slim's level of obedience is excellent for such a young dog, but being a German Shepherd, you recognised that his fear reactivity had a chance of sending him down the wrong path. Barking at visitors, jumping up, barging doors, lunging and barking on lead at dogs - all identified as issues that needed to be corrected before he gets any bigger. Even though you are both very experienced owners, you were also able to identify what needed changing, once pointed out, and could also see how it made such a change in Slim's behavior at the very first lesson. We love a dog that recalls when told! I can't wait for lesson two, working with distractions and focusing on dog manners, so your walks are enjoyable, and positive. Great job, well done to you both!
What amazing dog owners you both are! Slim's level of obedience is excellent for such a young dog, but being a German Shepherd, you recognised that his fear reactivity had a chance of sending him down the wrong path. Barking at visitors, jumping up, barging doors, lunging and barking on lead at dogs - all identified as issues that needed to be corrected before he gets any bigger. Even though you are both very experienced owners, you were also able to identify what needed changing, once pointed out, and could also see how it made such a change in Slim's behavior at the very first lesson. We love a dog that recalls when told! I can't wait for lesson two, working with distractions and focusing on dog manners, so your walks are enjoyable, and positive. Great job, well done to you both!
3rd November 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Digging, Hyperactivity, Pulling
Kelly was extremely helpful and kind during the first lesson. So much information was given. To truly understand what my boy needs has been a big insight to what I need to change . She was so lovely to talk to and has made the decision to take this opportunity so much easier to take on board.. I think there was an overload of information, but I know I can contact Kelly at anytime for her help.
First session was so much more than I expected. I am so grateful to have met her, And can't wait to see what I can achieve with my beautiful Hudson 💙
Trainer note from Kelly
Your dogs are so wonderful! Having a dog that is storm phobic, and panic escapes, is terrifying for the owner (and how ironic that our first lesson was in the middle of a thunderstorm LOL!). Thank you for allowing me to assist with Hudson's training, he responded like a dream. Being a herding breed, if you don't get given a job, they will make one, so working his brain to allow him to relax was very important. Lesson 2 was literally perfect, you have both followed through with consistent training, and his road walking was amazing! Go you! The plan for lesson 3 is walking with distractions and dog part entry manners, which I am looking forward to. Well done to you both!
Your dogs are so wonderful! Having a dog that is storm phobic, and panic escapes, is terrifying for the owner (and how ironic that our first lesson was in the middle of a thunderstorm LOL!). Thank you for allowing me to assist with Hudson's training, he responded like a dream. Being a herding breed, if you don't get given a job, they will make one, so working his brain to allow him to relax was very important. Lesson 2 was literally perfect, you have both followed through with consistent training, and his road walking was amazing! Go you! The plan for lesson 3 is walking with distractions and dog part entry manners, which I am looking forward to. Well done to you both!
27th October 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Aggression, Chewing, Puppy management, Recall, Separation anxiety, Sibling rivalry, Toileting
Kelly was knowledgeable, caring and beyond helpful. We have recently taken on a rescue dog and we have done a lot of training previously with other trainers with our 5 year old dog. However, I learnt so many new things that went far beyond what I thought I needed to learn to solve some challenges we've had with our new addition and the change in the family dynamics. We have two very content and stable dogs and a much more relaxed household thanks to Kelly's input. Nothing was beyond Kelly's scope including food, toys, training and implementing things for different family members such as our 4 year old son. I was feeling like I had lost my way with both dogs and now thanks to Kelly I have confidence in knowing what to implement so everyone is looked after! I can not talk higher of Kelly's knowledge, skills and coaching.
Trainer note from Kelly
What an amazing dog owner you are! So much knowledge, and so much applied skill, has made Tilly (Labrador) so well behaved! Bringing Winnie (Poodle x Border Collie) into the mix absolutely changed the dynamics, and when the owner gets caught up in a dog brawl, confidence goes out the window super fast. Recognizing where Tilly was (passively) pushing the point, and then balancing that with gaining Tilly's trust, was our main focus at lesson 1. Being a rescue, Tilly was a blank slate for education and by the end, her fear of me had subsided and I was able to show her all the positive pats that come with being such a good girl. We understand that having dogs that pull on lead on walks makes that exercise time incredibly frustrating, so we fine tuned that at lesson 2 - it was so rewarding to watch your confidence grow instantly, once they walked with you, not dragging you! Congratulations to you both for your consistency and hard work with training - I can't wait for our lesson 3 walk around the block and to the dog park :-)!
What an amazing dog owner you are! So much knowledge, and so much applied skill, has made Tilly (Labrador) so well behaved! Bringing Winnie (Poodle x Border Collie) into the mix absolutely changed the dynamics, and when the owner gets caught up in a dog brawl, confidence goes out the window super fast. Recognizing where Tilly was (passively) pushing the point, and then balancing that with gaining Tilly's trust, was our main focus at lesson 1. Being a rescue, Tilly was a blank slate for education and by the end, her fear of me had subsided and I was able to show her all the positive pats that come with being such a good girl. We understand that having dogs that pull on lead on walks makes that exercise time incredibly frustrating, so we fine tuned that at lesson 2 - it was so rewarding to watch your confidence grow instantly, once they walked with you, not dragging you! Congratulations to you both for your consistency and hard work with training - I can't wait for our lesson 3 walk around the block and to the dog park :-)!
10th October 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Hyperactivity, Puppy management, Other
Kelly was full of information and friendly.
Trainer note from Kelly
Thanks Brian! It was so lovely to work with you both, and gaining and understanding of how we could get the behaviour of Benny, your Cavoodle, to work in better with your requirements, was crucial. Teaching in to walk nicely near the mobility scooter, without getting tangled, only jump up when asked, barking, and recall. In both lesson 1 and 2 we focused on all of these, as well as setting kitchen boundaries and positive crate training, and starting his obedience journey towards a PAT. Well done, great job!
Thanks Brian! It was so lovely to work with you both, and gaining and understanding of how we could get the behaviour of Benny, your Cavoodle, to work in better with your requirements, was crucial. Teaching in to walk nicely near the mobility scooter, without getting tangled, only jump up when asked, barking, and recall. In both lesson 1 and 2 we focused on all of these, as well as setting kitchen boundaries and positive crate training, and starting his obedience journey towards a PAT. Well done, great job!
14th August 2024 - Kelly McClelland
We were a bit apprehensive about undertaking this training but we are impressed beyond words. Instantly we have seen changes in Stella for the best and we now have a much better understanding of her personality and needs. Thank you Kelly xx
Trainer note from Kelly
Stella is just so loveable and divine! But at 9 years old, the concern for her child safety and control was absolutely needing some fine tuning. Working breeds (Kelpies) like to work, and nipping is in their nature, however, teaching her when it is and isn't appropriate, and that it's not her job to take care of it all was necessary. And didn't she learn so quickly! Al of your family have been so consistent, and the changes in her behavior from first to second lesson was night and day! Well done, and the countdown to the baby arrival begins, with the tools in hand to make everything safe :-)
Stella is just so loveable and divine! But at 9 years old, the concern for her child safety and control was absolutely needing some fine tuning. Working breeds (Kelpies) like to work, and nipping is in their nature, however, teaching her when it is and isn't appropriate, and that it's not her job to take care of it all was necessary. And didn't she learn so quickly! Al of your family have been so consistent, and the changes in her behavior from first to second lesson was night and day! Well done, and the countdown to the baby arrival begins, with the tools in hand to make everything safe :-)
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!
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 :-)
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!
4th April 2024 - Kelly McClelland
I really can’t believe what great results we’ve had in just one session.
Franky responded so well to Kelly and her training methods and my family and I actually had fun learning how to correct some of Franky’s behavior problems and we are excited to continue our training so we can all enjoy our fur baby and not be so stressed always feeling embarrassed and anxious because we had no control.
The information left with us and knowing we can call Kelly with any questions at anytime is a great support.
We’ll be implementing our new skills into daily life and making sure we do our daily training sessions with him.
Thanks Kelly, we look forward to seeing you in 3 weeks 😊
Trainer note from Kelly
Thanks so much Gail! Having everyone in the family on board is so important, and it was super fun to work with you all :-). Franky is such a lovely boy, but had developed a lot of the issues we see with Maltese (barking, reactivity, door answering, pulling on lead, dog fear issues, etc). But once he realised that you and your family "had this under control", his whole body language changed straight away and he was so soft and sweet by the end of lesson #1. I am really looking forward to polishing his out in the world manners at lesson 2, introducing distractions, and getting him walking politely with you, whilst still having free time on his walks, to sniff, pee and "read" the doggy newspaper LOL. Great work, see you soon!
Thanks so much Gail! Having everyone in the family on board is so important, and it was super fun to work with you all :-). Franky is such a lovely boy, but had developed a lot of the issues we see with Maltese (barking, reactivity, door answering, pulling on lead, dog fear issues, etc). But once he realised that you and your family "had this under control", his whole body language changed straight away and he was so soft and sweet by the end of lesson #1. I am really looking forward to polishing his out in the world manners at lesson 2, introducing distractions, and getting him walking politely with you, whilst still having free time on his walks, to sniff, pee and "read" the doggy newspaper LOL. Great work, see you soon!
24th March 2024 - Kelly McClelland
Just want to say a massive thank you to Kelly. Even after one lesson, I have seen a massive turnaround in Cookie's behaviour and am so pleased with the results. Before I reached out to Kelly, I was unable to leave my apartment without Cookie barking continuously, however following the first lesson and the simple to follow daily training/exercises, Cookie is now comfortable at home and I can start to resume my normal routine without stressing over Cookie's wellbeing or upsetting my neighbours. The training was well explained and so gentle. Thank you again Kelly!
Trainer note from Kelly
It was so super nice to work with you - you came into the training with an open mind, and saw how quickly your gorgeous Chihuahua, Cookie, responded to our gentle methods. Being a prisoner in your own home due to separation anxiety is never fun, and I was thrilled to get a photo of Miss C relaxing solo, for 30mins, straight after the first lesson! Thanks for the continued updates, she is such a good girl - see you at lesson 2 for more positive training!
It was so super nice to work with you - you came into the training with an open mind, and saw how quickly your gorgeous Chihuahua, Cookie, responded to our gentle methods. Being a prisoner in your own home due to separation anxiety is never fun, and I was thrilled to get a photo of Miss C relaxing solo, for 30mins, straight after the first lesson! Thanks for the continued updates, she is such a good girl - see you at lesson 2 for more positive training!