Reviews & Testimonials For Kelly McClelland
Back to Trainer5th August 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Barking, Jumping up, Pulling, Recall, Separation anxiety
My dachshund Frankie developed separation anxiety after the passing of our second dog. She would howl nonstop whenever left alone, making it nearly impossible to leave the house, let alone go to work. It was heartbreaking and incredibly stressful for both of us.
Working with Kelly from Bark Busters has been an absolute game-changer. Her calm, knowledgeable approach and tailored training plan gave us real hope. With consistency, patience, and Kelly’s guidance, Frankie now stays home peacefully and sleeps while I’m at work.
It’s been such a relief emotionally—and Frankie’s behaviour overall is better than ever. I can’t thank Kelly enough for helping us get through such a tough time. Highly recommend her to anyone dealing with behavioural issues, especially separation anxiety.
Trainer note from Kelly
Such a sad reason for training, it is so hard for the human to lose a loved pet, but so confusing for the dog, as they don't understand why their BFF is suddenly gone. I applaud you both, in your grief, for putting Frankie's care and welfare first, and WOW, isn't she such a good girl! From fearful, skittish, barking, growling to a lovely Dachshund with a happy wagging tail, who is now listening to commands, will recall when told, and doesn't race out doors like a gremlin. But, the separation anxiety has always been the main focus, and to get the news that she's sleeping the whole day away (lucky girl!) is music to my ears! No food bribes, no harsh shock collars, nothing but training the humans to understand their dog, and creating a much stronger relationship at the same time. I am thrilled to pieces for you both, and I am looking forward to lesson #3, walking in a high dog/people dense park, and managing those beahviours - massive well done, Tim!
Such a sad reason for training, it is so hard for the human to lose a loved pet, but so confusing for the dog, as they don't understand why their BFF is suddenly gone. I applaud you both, in your grief, for putting Frankie's care and welfare first, and WOW, isn't she such a good girl! From fearful, skittish, barking, growling to a lovely Dachshund with a happy wagging tail, who is now listening to commands, will recall when told, and doesn't race out doors like a gremlin. But, the separation anxiety has always been the main focus, and to get the news that she's sleeping the whole day away (lucky girl!) is music to my ears! No food bribes, no harsh shock collars, nothing but training the humans to understand their dog, and creating a much stronger relationship at the same time. I am thrilled to pieces for you both, and I am looking forward to lesson #3, walking in a high dog/people dense park, and managing those beahviours - massive well done, Tim!
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!
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!
18th November 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly has been an absolute life saver for us. I had Kelly train our first dog almost a decade ago. Since getting another dog we have struggled with sibling rivalry and general misbehaviour in both dogs. Kelly has been so available and supportive well before our first lesson, during our first lesson and since then. She is so insightful and has taught my husband and I so much about the canine hierarchy that has been so beneficial for us. I particularly appreciate Kelly’s responsiveness when things have gotten tough. I would 100% recommend Kelly to anyone who is struggling with their dog. It has been life changing.
Trainer note from Kelly
How lucky am I to have such amazing clients! Thanks so much for inviting me for a "refresher" with your original black Pug, and to add your stunning toy poodle onto the Guarantee. There is nothing so scary as your two loved animals turning your home into an MMA match, and I am so pleased that you've had immediate improvement (once again), and with getting both dogs back onto the control train, your world is a lot more relaxed! Keep up with the consistency, small (2min) sessions to be able to "find the time" to fit it in, and we'll focus on external control at your revisit (already booked in). Massive well done to you both!
How lucky am I to have such amazing clients! Thanks so much for inviting me for a "refresher" with your original black Pug, and to add your stunning toy poodle onto the Guarantee. There is nothing so scary as your two loved animals turning your home into an MMA match, and I am so pleased that you've had immediate improvement (once again), and with getting both dogs back onto the control train, your world is a lot more relaxed! Keep up with the consistency, small (2min) sessions to be able to "find the time" to fit it in, and we'll focus on external control at your revisit (already booked in). Massive well done to you both!
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!
31st October 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Puppy management
Kelly was amazing, she helped us make massive improvements with our Puppy Poppy with only 1 session. She’s given us great tools and knowledge that we can apply in our training and we really look forward to the next session.
Trainer note from Kelly
Ohhh, Miss Poppy, what a delightful pup you are! It is always tricky with working breeds for new owners (Border collie x poodle) how to get the brain working to calm the dog down, without replying on physical exhaustion. At lesson 1, we calmly showed her her how to stop nipping, recall, lead training, how to not grab the lead like tug of war, and most importantly, not to chase the broom/mop/vacuum. She responded very positively to our dog focused system, and I loved her pretty wagging tail! I can't wait to add more training at lesson #2 and beyond. Well done everyone!
Ohhh, Miss Poppy, what a delightful pup you are! It is always tricky with working breeds for new owners (Border collie x poodle) how to get the brain working to calm the dog down, without replying on physical exhaustion. At lesson 1, we calmly showed her her how to stop nipping, recall, lead training, how to not grab the lead like tug of war, and most importantly, not to chase the broom/mop/vacuum. She responded very positively to our dog focused system, and I loved her pretty wagging tail! I can't wait to add more training at lesson #2 and beyond. Well done everyone!
30th October 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Barking, Chewing, Digging, Hyperactivity, Puppy management, Recall, Separation anxiety
I didn’t know anything about dogs, and it was really hard to try and manage the pup on out own, and even trying to see some youtube videos made it even more confusing. I’m so happy with the results!! I am beyond happy!!
Trainer note from Kelly
Thanks Teresa for your kind words and feedback! Your whole family have committed to being the best owners for your new Golden Retriever pup, and you've done the right thing by engaging with a trainer early - it has been a pleasure to work with you all. "Normal" puppy issues aren't so normal when you've ever owned a dog! Mouthing, biting, barking, separation issues, recall, toilet training, door manners, obedience - these are all things we focused on at lesson 1 and lesson 2, and for our next lesson, we're heading outside, since he is now fully vaccinated, to start working on lead manners, social skills and road safety. Your Lifetime Support Guarantee also covers you for new problems down the track, so winning! Thanks for being so committed, well done :-)
Thanks Teresa for your kind words and feedback! Your whole family have committed to being the best owners for your new Golden Retriever pup, and you've done the right thing by engaging with a trainer early - it has been a pleasure to work with you all. "Normal" puppy issues aren't so normal when you've ever owned a dog! Mouthing, biting, barking, separation issues, recall, toilet training, door manners, obedience - these are all things we focused on at lesson 1 and lesson 2, and for our next lesson, we're heading outside, since he is now fully vaccinated, to start working on lead manners, social skills and road safety. Your Lifetime Support Guarantee also covers you for new problems down the track, so winning! Thanks for being so committed, well done :-)
12th October 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Recall, Other
Excellent first session
Trainer note from Kelly
Thanks Wendy! Taking on a mature dog can sometimes be tricky, but your love, focus and attention is definitely giving your British Bulldog everything he needs for a calm and fun life! Fear reactivity and growling are very concerning, and it was lovely o see how simple changes made a huge difference to his behavior before the end of the first session - I am looking forward to lesson #2 soon! Well done!
Thanks Wendy! Taking on a mature dog can sometimes be tricky, but your love, focus and attention is definitely giving your British Bulldog everything he needs for a calm and fun life! Fear reactivity and growling are very concerning, and it was lovely o see how simple changes made a huge difference to his behavior before the end of the first session - I am looking forward to lesson #2 soon! Well done!
8th October 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Aggression, Barking, Hyperactivity, Pulling, Recall, Separation anxiety, Toileting
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Absolutely life-changing! Everyone has noticed the dramatic transformation in my 2kg blue chihuahua.
He used to be constantly anxious and stressed — barking, lunging at every dog, losing fur, battling frequent ear infections, and always on high alert outdoors. Walks and cafés were a nightmare; my heart would race every time a dog passed. I avoided elevators, outdoor coffee spots, and couldn’t leave my two chi's at home without complaints from neighbours about the barking and crying.
Then Kelly from Bark Busters arrived — and everything changed!
Within one lesson, a simple command and technique, and a few dietary tweaks worked wonders. His barking was under control immediately after ONE LESSON, and within a month, his skin, ears, and oral health had completely improved.
He’s no longer anxious or stressed. His fur is growing back, his ears are clear, and he’s finally calm and content AND obedient. We can now leave him home alone — no barking, no panic, just peace. And he finally stopped marking everything in the house - as in zero peeing on my furniture, bedding and anything that's new.
Kelly is absolutely incredible — the best trainer we’ve had in seven years and the only one who’s made a true, lasting difference on every level.
Beyond grateful and happy with Kelly. We HIGHLY recommend Kelly, her knowledge is priceless.
Trainer note from Kelly
Thanks Kinga, it was been such a pleasure to work with you both, and your gorgeous Chi's! Whilst we were focused on your delightful male Chihuahua, the small changes made also positively impacted your delicious female Chi as well, so it was a Win-Win! Starting with controlling the barking, anxiety and marking at home, we gently moved into social skills and scene setting, with our most recent revisit lesson at the busy park on the foreshore at Paradise Point - and WOW, what a difference it has made! I am completely grateful for your commitment to the small changes and your existing knowledge was a beacon of light too (no need to re-invent the wheel!) - thank you again for your kind words - seeing the happiness on both of your faces as we walked past allll the dogs, people, scooter, etc, was absolutely joyous! Well done :-)
Thanks Kinga, it was been such a pleasure to work with you both, and your gorgeous Chi's! Whilst we were focused on your delightful male Chihuahua, the small changes made also positively impacted your delicious female Chi as well, so it was a Win-Win! Starting with controlling the barking, anxiety and marking at home, we gently moved into social skills and scene setting, with our most recent revisit lesson at the busy park on the foreshore at Paradise Point - and WOW, what a difference it has made! I am completely grateful for your commitment to the small changes and your existing knowledge was a beacon of light too (no need to re-invent the wheel!) - thank you again for your kind words - seeing the happiness on both of your faces as we walked past allll the dogs, people, scooter, etc, was absolutely joyous! Well done :-)
28th September 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Barking, Hyperactivity
Slowly, Slowly. One step at a time, but we are both feeling positive.
Trainer note from Kelly
Toby such a gorgeous Cavoodle and it has been so wonderful to assist you both with his training. I will continue to support you both with the changes in your lives, to ensure that Toby is always well cared for :-)
Toby such a gorgeous Cavoodle and it has been so wonderful to assist you both with his training. I will continue to support you both with the changes in your lives, to ensure that Toby is always well cared for :-)