About Bark Busters

The Bark Busters Story Bark Busters was founded in Australia in 1989 by renowned behaviour therapists Sylvia and Danny Wilson. Their vision was to save as many dogs as possible from being surrendered to shelters or euthanised because of behaviour problems that were seemingly impossible to solve. Since then, Bark Busters has touched the lives of over 400,000 dogs. Bark Busters has grown in to the largest and most trusted dog training company in the world with trained therapists helping dogs in Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada, Japan, Israel, Taiwan and of course, here in the UK.

Our founders - Sylvia & Danny Wilson

Sylvia was born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and emigrated to Australia with her parents at the age of 5. Danny was born in Australia but was brought up near Newcastle-upon-Tyne and left for Australia when he was 26. It was years later when Sylvia was managing an RSPCA branch that she first met Danny! They realised there must be a way to stop dogs being returned to the shelter because of their behaviour and that's how Bark Busters came into being.

Bark Busters' mission is to promote clear and open communication between owners and their dogs using simple and effective training methods that appeal to the way dogs act and think.

Bark Busters therapists use techniques to encourage the dog to use his brain and, at the same time, to satisfy the dog's need for pack leadership. In the wild, dogs have a pecking order determined by their dominance in the group. When dogs perceive themselves to be higher up the pecking order than the owner(s), it usually results in a dysfunctional pack. The result can be stressful for both owner and dog.

Bark Busters behavioural therapists put you back in control. We coach you using quick and easy to learn methods that your dog will respond to.

Our behavioural therapists come to your home. This is where your dog spends in excess of 90% of his time, where he is most relaxed and open to learning. We teach you how to train your dog through effective use of your voice tones and body language.

Of course, where you are experiencing problems outside the home such as pulling on the lead or dog aggression, we will set up controlled training situations in the park or wherever is most practical.

About Bark Busters UK Tony and Carol O'Herlihy are the Directors of Bark Busters UK. They are two of Bark Busters most experienced trainers and have won numerous awards for their work. Both have attained the title of Grand Master Trainer and between them they have rehabilitated thousands of dogs. They personally train and support all of the therapists.

Tony & Carol O'Herlihy

Carol is Australian and Tony is Irish. It was on a visit to Tony's family in Ireland that they first discovered the full to overflowing dog shelters throughout Ireland and England. They knew that they could do much to stop the abandonment and killing of dogs with behavioural problems.

They are both passionate about the welfare of dogs and work long hours to rehabilitate dogs with all kinds of problems but especially the aggressive dogs that many others give up on.

They also present seminars such as Stand Right No Bite, Dog Handling and Capturing, Dog-proof the Kids and many lectures on dog behaviour and nutrition. All therapists follow Tony and Carol's example of giving their time freely to help any shelter with a no kill policy.

Bark Busters UK are proud to have achieved Investors in People recognition. First achieved in 2003, a reappraisal was successfully conducted in 2005. In addition to a commitment to our customers and their dogs, the IIP recognition demonstrates our commitment to the ongoing development of our people.

Bark Busters worldwide...