Reviews & Testimonials For Kelly McClelland
Back to Trainer4th 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!
21st September 2023 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Aggression, Barking, Jumping up, Pulling, Recall, Separation anxiety, Sibling rivalry
Kelly from Bark Busters is a God send. Our 2 girls have had lots of trouble with sibling rivalry and aggression, jumping on people and anxiety. Kelly has helped us with all of these problems and we noticed an IMMEDIATE change in the dogs. When she had left from our session we had 2 new dogs. We have been continuing our program training every day and they keep getting better and we can finally live in peace! Thank you thank you thank you 🙏🏼
Trainer note from Kelly
Nothing will make anyone smile more than a pair of Staffordshire Bull Terriers, happy faces, wagging tails! Your girls are just gorgeous, but when there is fighting, everyone walks around on eggshells, trying not to set them off :-(. You have both done a great job to date with their training, but with an unbalanced pack, we had to look at food and sleeping options, structure within the home, and how we could show leadership without losing affection - no one wants a robot! They responded like a dream to the training (so grateful they didn't have to try and be the boss!), and I am looking forward to lesson #2, where we'll work on pulling, roadwork, and dog to dog management / reactivity. Then onto your free group sessions, with confidence! Awesome work!
Nothing will make anyone smile more than a pair of Staffordshire Bull Terriers, happy faces, wagging tails! Your girls are just gorgeous, but when there is fighting, everyone walks around on eggshells, trying not to set them off :-(. You have both done a great job to date with their training, but with an unbalanced pack, we had to look at food and sleeping options, structure within the home, and how we could show leadership without losing affection - no one wants a robot! They responded like a dream to the training (so grateful they didn't have to try and be the boss!), and I am looking forward to lesson #2, where we'll work on pulling, roadwork, and dog to dog management / reactivity. Then onto your free group sessions, with confidence! Awesome work!
18th October 2023 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Aggression, Barking, Chewing, Digging, Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Pulling, Toileting
Kelly not only helped our puppy but us too. She showed us how to work with the dog and get the best out of him. He went from being very hyperactive to relaxed and happy within a few minutes. It was amazing to watch the results that Kelly achieved with Boof and how easy it was for us to achieve the same results under her guidance. We had issues with Boof biting and jumping and well as destructive behaviour but it has improved immensley in just one lesson. We are looking forward to Kelly returning in a few weeks to help with the next stage of his training. She also discussed his diet and we found that it contributed to a lot of his bad behaviour so we are in the process of changing his diet and have found aclamer dog all round. I would highly recommend Kelly to anyone who needs help with their canine furbabies as her expertise and understanding of dogs is inspiring.
Trainer note from Kelly
What a dramatic change! From a bouncing, barking, biting puppy (Great Dane cross), to a calm, relaxed, lay by your feet happy fur kid! Your young pup is so super sweet, and responded to our calm methods in the first 5mins of the lesson starting. Focusing on mouthing and biting, lead training, obedience, lounge manners and night time craziness, as well as crate training and preventative night time barking - so pleased with the results! As always I have provided support after the first lesson, and I can't wait for lesson 2, where we'll focus on road safety, pulling and size management (he's going to be a big boy!). Thanks again for allowing me to assist :-)
What a dramatic change! From a bouncing, barking, biting puppy (Great Dane cross), to a calm, relaxed, lay by your feet happy fur kid! Your young pup is so super sweet, and responded to our calm methods in the first 5mins of the lesson starting. Focusing on mouthing and biting, lead training, obedience, lounge manners and night time craziness, as well as crate training and preventative night time barking - so pleased with the results! As always I have provided support after the first lesson, and I can't wait for lesson 2, where we'll focus on road safety, pulling and size management (he's going to be a big boy!). Thanks again for allowing me to assist :-)
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!
13th June 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Puppy management, Recall, Toileting
We had used Kelly for our previous dog and he was a beautifully behaved boy. The techniques she uses are simple and make sense and the dogs respond well. Once again we are using Kelly to help
Us navigate the puppy journey with our new boy. She is very good at her craft!
Trainer note from Kelly
Another gorgeous boy for your home! Murphy is just delicious, and so super smart for a puppy. Once again you've done the right thing by getting onto training as a preventative measure, and we sorted mouthing, lead training, sits, and started on recall at lesson 1. You were able to apply the training principles to get toilet training under control, and at lesson 2, we'll work on door manners, drop, and stealing items. It is always so rewarding to work with a return client, thanks for trusting Bark Busters with our Lifetime Support Guarantee for your new Labradoodle - he'll also have a ball at his FOC session of puppy school, which is included! Thanks so much, and well done for your commitment :-)
Another gorgeous boy for your home! Murphy is just delicious, and so super smart for a puppy. Once again you've done the right thing by getting onto training as a preventative measure, and we sorted mouthing, lead training, sits, and started on recall at lesson 1. You were able to apply the training principles to get toilet training under control, and at lesson 2, we'll work on door manners, drop, and stealing items. It is always so rewarding to work with a return client, thanks for trusting Bark Busters with our Lifetime Support Guarantee for your new Labradoodle - he'll also have a ball at his FOC session of puppy school, which is included! Thanks so much, and well done for your commitment :-)
3rd June 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Barking, Pulling
Kelly was very insightful in helping us address our dogs behaviour! Her knowledge outside of just the training has been appreciated and we have seen a complete change in our dog.
Trainer note from Kelly
I have a very soft spot for Golden Retrievers, and your adorable boy is simply a big adolescent that was soooo keen and eager to please! Focusing on jumping up, racing doors, pulling on lead - all showed excellent improvements by the end of the first lesson. And the main issue? BARKING! What a booming voice he has! But, with our gentle methods, his brain engaged, and your ability to correct and recall him from the fence, has shown a drastic improvement with his fence barking habits in only a couple of weeks - I am super pleased with the results, and I will see you soon for lesson #3!
I have a very soft spot for Golden Retrievers, and your adorable boy is simply a big adolescent that was soooo keen and eager to please! Focusing on jumping up, racing doors, pulling on lead - all showed excellent improvements by the end of the first lesson. And the main issue? BARKING! What a booming voice he has! But, with our gentle methods, his brain engaged, and your ability to correct and recall him from the fence, has shown a drastic improvement with his fence barking habits in only a couple of weeks - I am super pleased with the results, and I will see you soon for lesson #3!
10th April 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Digging, Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Pulling, Recall, Separation anxiety
I highly recommend Kelly. She's cool, calm and a wealth of knowledge. Although Bruce and I had been trained in the past, I discovered just how much more training we need! From lesson 1, I am feeling so much more confident. We have homework sheets, information sheets and I know Kelly is just a phone call away. If you're thinking of doing it, just do it! 5 stars *****
Trainer note from Kelly
You are so kind, 5 *****'s gives me goosebumps, how wonderful! Your gorgeous big lad (Mastiff x) was certainly proving to be a handful, and your previous experiences as a dog owner absolutely put you on the right track - thanks for inviting me in for fine tuning! Pulling on lead, reactivity, jumping up, door racing - always so important when there is 40+ kgs of bulk involved! Bruce is delicious and responded like a dream (with a couple of tantrums) and I am looking forward to working on public manners, walking the block, and street / road safety when I return for lesson #2. Well done!
You are so kind, 5 *****'s gives me goosebumps, how wonderful! Your gorgeous big lad (Mastiff x) was certainly proving to be a handful, and your previous experiences as a dog owner absolutely put you on the right track - thanks for inviting me in for fine tuning! Pulling on lead, reactivity, jumping up, door racing - always so important when there is 40+ kgs of bulk involved! Bruce is delicious and responded like a dream (with a couple of tantrums) and I am looking forward to working on public manners, walking the block, and street / road safety when I return for lesson #2. Well done!
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!
13th February 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Barking, Puppy management
Kelly was amazing. Her knowledge and experience plus her ability was incredible. She gave us valuable insight.
Trainer note from Kelly
Thanks Kirsten! I really enjoyed working with your family, and it was wonderful to have everyone there and on the same page. Barking dogs can cause so much stress (especially in a body corporate scenario) and your gorgeous Labradoodle responded like a dream to all of the programming exercises shown. At the first lesson we finished the session on door manners, and to be able to have a visitor walk in and out of the door (with no sit/stay/wait command), and Monkey staying well away was so reassuring for your family - especially being so close to traffic. Greta work, and I am looking forward to providing ongoing support to you all :-)
Thanks Kirsten! I really enjoyed working with your family, and it was wonderful to have everyone there and on the same page. Barking dogs can cause so much stress (especially in a body corporate scenario) and your gorgeous Labradoodle responded like a dream to all of the programming exercises shown. At the first lesson we finished the session on door manners, and to be able to have a visitor walk in and out of the door (with no sit/stay/wait command), and Monkey staying well away was so reassuring for your family - especially being so close to traffic. Greta work, and I am looking forward to providing ongoing support to you all :-)
13th February 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Barking, Puppy management
Kelly was amazing. Her knowledge and experience plus her ability was incredible. She gave us valuable insight.
11th February 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Aggression, Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Pulling
We noticed a complete change in our dogs behaviour after the first session, very excited to see how much he can learn with more training!
Trainer note from Kelly
Two lessons down, and what a change! When a large breed (Rottweiler x) is having issues with on lead reactivity, pulling, barking, door racing, and recall, it brings focus onto how important control is. And wow, what an amazing job you have both done! I am looking forward to some tailored social skills for lesson 3, then off to group training you will go :-). Great job - another happy canine client!
Two lessons down, and what a change! When a large breed (Rottweiler x) is having issues with on lead reactivity, pulling, barking, door racing, and recall, it brings focus onto how important control is. And wow, what an amazing job you have both done! I am looking forward to some tailored social skills for lesson 3, then off to group training you will go :-). Great job - another happy canine client!