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!
29th September 2026 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Chewing, Jumping up, Pulling, Recall, Separation anxiety, Toileting
I enjoyed working with Kelly! Kelly gives very clear instructions and advices on how to take better of my pomapoo. Also, she answers all my questions professionally and actually gives me an answer. Definitely recommend her.
Trainer note from Kelly
How adorable is Bella, your little Pomeranian x Poodle - she literally fits in one hand, and she was so much fun to work with! Her vibrant personality and beautiful temperament need to be cherished, so in this puppy management lesson, we focused on calm corrections, showing her non physical escalations to gain the focus, and giving her an absolutely party for reward when she understood the task and got it right. She is so very smart, and I look forward to working on her external work (social skills, pulling, recall, etc) once she is fully vaccinated - in house training was such a brilliant move for you to make, she'll be on the right path so quickly! I'll also see you at your one free session of puppy school, that has been included as well. Massive well done!
How adorable is Bella, your little Pomeranian x Poodle - she literally fits in one hand, and she was so much fun to work with! Her vibrant personality and beautiful temperament need to be cherished, so in this puppy management lesson, we focused on calm corrections, showing her non physical escalations to gain the focus, and giving her an absolutely party for reward when she understood the task and got it right. She is so very smart, and I look forward to working on her external work (social skills, pulling, recall, etc) once she is fully vaccinated - in house training was such a brilliant move for you to make, she'll be on the right path so quickly! I'll also see you at your one free session of puppy school, that has been included as well. Massive well done!
29th September 2026 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Barking, Digging, Hyperactivity, Separation anxiety, Sibling rivalry, Toileting
I have seen such a huge improvement in my dog Poppy after just one session with Kelly! The training was really eye opening and I realised I had unknowingly been creating all of these unwanted behaviours in my dog by not leading her properly, so it was more training for me (haha!). Kelly is very knowledgeable and has lots of experience, which was very evident after having the session with her and made me feel very confident that I made the right decision. I was feeling very stressed out about Poppy's behaviour and now I am really excited about the training and the possibilities of everything we can do together now 😊
Trainer note from Kelly
Poppy is just the sweetest scaredy cattle dog cross, she thinks she's tough, but she's just a wee little scaredy cat! You were able to gain her focus and control within 5mins of the practical part of lesson 2 (the theory part got everything on the right track knowledge wise!). To to watch her go from a barking, tail tucked, worried working breed to simply relaxing with you, and listening to all your commands, within one session, was incredibly rewarding. At lesson 2 we will focus on her fence running, pulling on lead off site, and start on her dog to dog manners. Setting some boundaries, and putting safe zones into place will definitely her her manners with your older dog as well! Great job, can't wait to see you both again in a couple of weeks for more support and tailored training!
Poppy is just the sweetest scaredy cattle dog cross, she thinks she's tough, but she's just a wee little scaredy cat! You were able to gain her focus and control within 5mins of the practical part of lesson 2 (the theory part got everything on the right track knowledge wise!). To to watch her go from a barking, tail tucked, worried working breed to simply relaxing with you, and listening to all your commands, within one session, was incredibly rewarding. At lesson 2 we will focus on her fence running, pulling on lead off site, and start on her dog to dog manners. Setting some boundaries, and putting safe zones into place will definitely her her manners with your older dog as well! Great job, can't wait to see you both again in a couple of weeks for more support and tailored training!
29th September 2026 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Aggression, Jumping up, Pulling, Recall, Sibling rivalry, Other
Kelly’s knowledge, expertise and ‘dog magic’ are nothing short of amazing!!
Trainer note from Kelly
Thank you so much for your kind words! You are such a wonderful lady for taking on a rescue German Shepherd Dog, and her fear reactivity certainly needed some focus and love. You are the most amazing owner for getting Scarlet the help she needs - we assessed how "on edge" behaviour by touching on what she is being fed, how she sleeps, and also consolidated and simplified your commands and instructions. Keeping it easy for the win! At lesson 1, we dealt with barking, over guarding, lunging / snapping at visitors, her lack of confidence - and she responded like a dream to our easy and gentle methods. Please be nice and consistent and we will focus on door manners, visitor reactivity, dog to dog manners and her lack of focus when on walks. I am really looking forward to suppporting your journey!
Thank you so much for your kind words! You are such a wonderful lady for taking on a rescue German Shepherd Dog, and her fear reactivity certainly needed some focus and love. You are the most amazing owner for getting Scarlet the help she needs - we assessed how "on edge" behaviour by touching on what she is being fed, how she sleeps, and also consolidated and simplified your commands and instructions. Keeping it easy for the win! At lesson 1, we dealt with barking, over guarding, lunging / snapping at visitors, her lack of confidence - and she responded like a dream to our easy and gentle methods. Please be nice and consistent and we will focus on door manners, visitor reactivity, dog to dog manners and her lack of focus when on walks. I am really looking forward to suppporting your journey!
5th August 2026 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Aggression, Barking, Digging, Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Pulling, Recall
Kelly is an absolute lifesaver! The massive difference my border collie has made in less than a week is mind blowing! She’s has opened my eyes so much on my dog’s reactivity and has taught me so much. She’s very thorough with her explaining and I can’t recommend her enough!
Trainer note from Kelly
Love a good working dog breed! Thanks so much for inviting us in to assist with your girl, who was showing severe fear reactivity, fence running, barking, visitor aggression, and pulling on the lead. Your commitment to the easy daily training saw a change in her behaviours straight away, and at the second lesson she only alert barked, walked on a loose lead, and didn't rush the door at all! I am looking forward to lesson 3 where we'll work on her lunging at moving objects (cars, scooters, etc), and dog reactivity - then it will be onto group training for your two FOC lesson! Great work!
Love a good working dog breed! Thanks so much for inviting us in to assist with your girl, who was showing severe fear reactivity, fence running, barking, visitor aggression, and pulling on the lead. Your commitment to the easy daily training saw a change in her behaviours straight away, and at the second lesson she only alert barked, walked on a loose lead, and didn't rush the door at all! I am looking forward to lesson 3 where we'll work on her lunging at moving objects (cars, scooters, etc), and dog reactivity - then it will be onto group training for your two FOC lesson! Great work!
28th July 2026 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Separation anxiety
After just the first session rockets anxiety is incredibly better. I couldn’t put him outside and leave without him absolutely losing it. Putting him to bed of a night time he would cry. I’m now able to leave the house again without him absolutely losing it and crying. I can’t wait to see the dog he becomes in the next few months as he’s already shown so much progress I can’t believe it.
Trainer note from Kelly
Thanks Georgia! Taking on a mature dog as a rehome can come with some inherent issues, and I am so thrilled that this amazing Amstaff is now in your care. Separation anxiety needs to be treated with calm confidence, letting the dog know that you're handling everything and it's ok to be alone. He picked up the gentle training like a dream, even responding to separation time at lesson one with scene setting. Thanks so much for following through with the easy daily programming, and I can't wait to get into his external manners (pulling, excitability with dogs, road manners) at lesson two! Well done :-)
Thanks Georgia! Taking on a mature dog as a rehome can come with some inherent issues, and I am so thrilled that this amazing Amstaff is now in your care. Separation anxiety needs to be treated with calm confidence, letting the dog know that you're handling everything and it's ok to be alone. He picked up the gentle training like a dream, even responding to separation time at lesson one with scene setting. Thanks so much for following through with the easy daily programming, and I can't wait to get into his external manners (pulling, excitability with dogs, road manners) at lesson two! Well done :-)
12th July 2026 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Barking, Jumping up, Pulling, Recall
We had heavenly bliss the first night after Kelly's visit, from a dog who barked at every little noise he could hear to nothing, I just never thought it would be this easy. The training begins to making him even better than I could imagine. Thank you Kelly
Trainer note from Kelly
Poodles are the most wonderful companion, and it is so important that the training improves the negative habits, without changing their beautiful personalities. Bark?! Wow, what a top notch guard dog - but tempering the barking to things that are to guarded against (door knock, someone on the premises, etc) was crucial. No one needs to know a leaf fell 3 suburbs away and has to be barked at LOL! Your gorgeous baby picked up door manners, corrective barking habits, lead work, and recall were all focused on at lesson 1, and we'll get down to some fine tuning, and on the street manners at lesson two. Such a great wee doggo!!!
Poodles are the most wonderful companion, and it is so important that the training improves the negative habits, without changing their beautiful personalities. Bark?! Wow, what a top notch guard dog - but tempering the barking to things that are to guarded against (door knock, someone on the premises, etc) was crucial. No one needs to know a leaf fell 3 suburbs away and has to be barked at LOL! Your gorgeous baby picked up door manners, corrective barking habits, lead work, and recall were all focused on at lesson 1, and we'll get down to some fine tuning, and on the street manners at lesson two. Such a great wee doggo!!!
6th July 2026 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Puppy management, Sibling rivalry, Toileting
Kelly has been amazing. We were feeling so anxious about buying two dogs and already she has given us so much information and guidance and we haven’t even had our one on one training yet!
Trainer note from Kelly
Double Trouble! Getting a puppy is overwhelming, getting two is a major committment. I applaud your family for taking the step of getting training done before the pups came home, and then following through once they arrived. Setting up safe zones, positive crate training, gentle lead introduction, recall - it's all happening! I'll see you all soon for lesson 2, then you and bring both pups to an FOC session of puppy school to start their social journeys in a safe environment. Huge well done, I am looking forward to continuing their training journey!
Double Trouble! Getting a puppy is overwhelming, getting two is a major committment. I applaud your family for taking the step of getting training done before the pups came home, and then following through once they arrived. Setting up safe zones, positive crate training, gentle lead introduction, recall - it's all happening! I'll see you all soon for lesson 2, then you and bring both pups to an FOC session of puppy school to start their social journeys in a safe environment. Huge well done, I am looking forward to continuing their training journey!