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!
22nd September 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Other
Kelly was very thorough and I couldn't believe within 2 mins of her being at my front door she had my dog away and not barking
Trainer note from Kelly
Thank you for inviting us to come and do your canine assessment - your pup is smart as a whip, and responded well to some small training tips, provided as a part of the temperament assessment for council. We truly wish you both a positive outcome to the situation you're in, thanks again.
Thank you for inviting us to come and do your canine assessment - your pup is smart as a whip, and responded well to some small training tips, provided as a part of the temperament assessment for council. We truly wish you both a positive outcome to the situation you're in, thanks again.
11th September 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Pulling, Recall, Toileting
Kelly is amazing! It hasn't been a full week yet and we have already noticed a difference in Luna's behaviour which is a massive relief. We will be keeping on top of our homework so the packing order stays in place. Thank you Kelly!
Trainer note from Kelly
Whippets are the most underrated breed for a pet! They are absolutely the best, but not when they're marking, pulling on lead, and stealing food from the table and bench! We corrected Luna's counter surfing whilst we were still doing the theory (she responded immediately!), and then focused on her recall, door manners, demand behaviors (well, she is The Queen!), and also door manners. The implementation of some changes surrounding the marking are already showing improvement, and I can't wait for lesson 2! We will consolidate her learning, and work on loose lead walking / focus when distracted, lunging and road manners. Well done all!
Whippets are the most underrated breed for a pet! They are absolutely the best, but not when they're marking, pulling on lead, and stealing food from the table and bench! We corrected Luna's counter surfing whilst we were still doing the theory (she responded immediately!), and then focused on her recall, door manners, demand behaviors (well, she is The Queen!), and also door manners. The implementation of some changes surrounding the marking are already showing improvement, and I can't wait for lesson 2! We will consolidate her learning, and work on loose lead walking / focus when distracted, lunging and road manners. Well done all!
7th September 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Aggression, Barking, Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Puppy management, Recall, Sibling rivalry
Honestly I was VERY sceptical but I was amazed after one meeting. My older dog certainly learnt new tricks and my 7 month old quickly learnt her place in the pack. She has continued to be totally relaxed and at peace finally. Kelly knows her stuff and our whole family is better for it.
Trainer note from Kelly
I am so glad you took a leap of faith! Both of your bulldogs are delicious - we are working with your youngest Aussie Bulldog female, due to her fear reactivity, and attacking her older "brother". Finding out what your family expectations were, what you want from Mildred, and what your parameters were was crucial to tailoring the training to your environment. We worked on her over escalations, door manners, crate training (safety zone), and also discussed how certain ingredients in food can adversely affect a dog's behavior (just like a child!). Small changes, big improvements! A follow up lesson has been done, focusing on Mildred's lunging on lead, and attention on the owner out the front, and she was walking on a loose lead within minutes - she is so keen to be the best girl! Thanks again, and I am looking forward to lesson 3!
I am so glad you took a leap of faith! Both of your bulldogs are delicious - we are working with your youngest Aussie Bulldog female, due to her fear reactivity, and attacking her older "brother". Finding out what your family expectations were, what you want from Mildred, and what your parameters were was crucial to tailoring the training to your environment. We worked on her over escalations, door manners, crate training (safety zone), and also discussed how certain ingredients in food can adversely affect a dog's behavior (just like a child!). Small changes, big improvements! A follow up lesson has been done, focusing on Mildred's lunging on lead, and attention on the owner out the front, and she was walking on a loose lead within minutes - she is so keen to be the best girl! Thanks again, and I am looking forward to lesson 3!
24th August 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Barking, Chewing, Jumping up, Puppy management, Recall, Sibling rivalry
Kelly was amazing. We saw a positive change in Coco from the first lesson, most importantly she was obviously a happier dog now that we had unlocked how to communicate with her. We still have a lot of work to do but so far the results have been incredible and we can’t thank Kelly enough for teaching us about Coco’s behaviours. It was so eye opening to learn about how Coco’s minds works and exactly how to effectively communicate with her.
Trainer note from Kelly
Ohh, what a greeting I had at lesson one LOL! Barking, door answering, fear escalations, growling - Miss Coco had it all going on. But! Within minutes of implementing our gentle system, she stopped panicking, started focusing on you both, and learned that she is allowed to relax and be a dog. Since lesson one, there has been successful visitor attendance at your home, dinners, entertaining, and Coco has shown that she can accept new people in, doesn't need to growl and be scared, and her safe zone is hers alone to relax into. A check in follow up has been completed, and lesson three will focus on pre-natal information, how to ensure the dog feels safe before the new arrival, pre-baby training (baby play mat boundaries, etc) - so everyone has a relaxed journey over the next few months. Massive well done, huge improvements!
Ohh, what a greeting I had at lesson one LOL! Barking, door answering, fear escalations, growling - Miss Coco had it all going on. But! Within minutes of implementing our gentle system, she stopped panicking, started focusing on you both, and learned that she is allowed to relax and be a dog. Since lesson one, there has been successful visitor attendance at your home, dinners, entertaining, and Coco has shown that she can accept new people in, doesn't need to growl and be scared, and her safe zone is hers alone to relax into. A check in follow up has been completed, and lesson three will focus on pre-natal information, how to ensure the dog feels safe before the new arrival, pre-baby training (baby play mat boundaries, etc) - so everyone has a relaxed journey over the next few months. Massive well done, huge improvements!
23rd August 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Puppy management
Kelly was great and gave us plenty of useful tips, tricks and tools to help us with our puppy.
Trainer note from Kelly
Ball of fluff in the guise of a Bernadoodle! Having a new puppy can sometime not be sunshine and lollipops, and I am grateful that you invited us in to help with the early baby issues, so they didn't become big 30kg issues! Mouthing, lead training, toilet training and preventative barking were all on the list in lesson 1. Ensuring that Cookie didn't boss your sons around, and is well behaved in public is key, especially in an apartment / body corporate situation. At your follow up lesson we re-focused on the programming exercises, to keep Cookie's brain calm and relaxed, started on lead work in public, and recall. Great job, you have a lovely, happy ,and very responsive puppy!
Ball of fluff in the guise of a Bernadoodle! Having a new puppy can sometime not be sunshine and lollipops, and I am grateful that you invited us in to help with the early baby issues, so they didn't become big 30kg issues! Mouthing, lead training, toilet training and preventative barking were all on the list in lesson 1. Ensuring that Cookie didn't boss your sons around, and is well behaved in public is key, especially in an apartment / body corporate situation. At your follow up lesson we re-focused on the programming exercises, to keep Cookie's brain calm and relaxed, started on lead work in public, and recall. Great job, you have a lovely, happy ,and very responsive puppy!
19th August 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Jumping up, Pulling, Recall, Other
The first training session with Kelly was so informative and I have seen such a big change in Marshall’s behaviour already and that is only after 1 session with Kelly!
I am honestly so impressed and happy with the changes I can already see in his behaviour and I can’t wait for our next session.
It’s not just training for my dog, it’s training for me as well and Kelly makes it easy to understand and implement.
Trainer note from Kelly
Thanks so much for taking on a rehomed canine, and really committing to improving his manners! Dalmatian's are such a fun breed, but when there is visitor (fear) reactivity and dog reactivity, life gets difficult quickly. At both the first lesson, and second lesson, Marshall was a sponge with the training, taking it all on board, and learning that he didn't have to worry about it - because you've got this! Jumping up, door racing, pulling on lead, recall, stealing items - all the good things that have improved. For your 3rd lesson we'll do more street work, to get him out and walking, and focus on your control and confidence. Massive well done!
Thanks so much for taking on a rehomed canine, and really committing to improving his manners! Dalmatian's are such a fun breed, but when there is visitor (fear) reactivity and dog reactivity, life gets difficult quickly. At both the first lesson, and second lesson, Marshall was a sponge with the training, taking it all on board, and learning that he didn't have to worry about it - because you've got this! Jumping up, door racing, pulling on lead, recall, stealing items - all the good things that have improved. For your 3rd lesson we'll do more street work, to get him out and walking, and focus on your control and confidence. Massive well done!
18th August 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Aggression, Jumping up, Pulling, Recall
We engaged Kelly to assist with our one-year-old French Bulldog, Luna, who was exhibiting guarding tendencies and a few other behavioral issues. After just one Zoom session, we noticed an incredible improvement in her behavior and overall demeanor—she is noticeably calmer and more content. Kelly is extremely knowledgeable and has a remarkable ability to explain concepts clearly and effectively. We’re looking forward to seeing even more progress with additional training sessions. We highly recommend Kelly’s services—even virtually, the results speak for themselves.
Trainer note from Kelly
Thanks you so much for "taking a leap" into the world of training via the Zoom platform. It is so important that the owners are the ones to gain the control, and I was thrilled to pieces with how much Luna relaxed at the first lesson. Second lesson showed that her kitchen manners, door answering and pulling was absolutely on the right path, and lesson three will revolve around dog to dog management and control, reactivity, and road safety. What a fun few sessions we've had, well done!
Thanks you so much for "taking a leap" into the world of training via the Zoom platform. It is so important that the owners are the ones to gain the control, and I was thrilled to pieces with how much Luna relaxed at the first lesson. Second lesson showed that her kitchen manners, door answering and pulling was absolutely on the right path, and lesson three will revolve around dog to dog management and control, reactivity, and road safety. What a fun few sessions we've had, well done!