Bark Busters Reviews and Customer Testimonials

Lee was very helpful and gave us a good understanding of the techniques to use.

As a previous dog trainer, walker and dog boarder, and having had all but 2 of my seven dogs (all rescues and owned at the same time) as PAT dogs (Pet as Therapy Dogs) I prided myself on having friendly well behaved dogs. Last year I moved onto a narrowboat at Garstang and am now the proud owner of a Miniature English bull terrier (now 13 months old) and 2 mini bulldogs (10 months old & 12 weeks old). The training the older ones had was failing as testosterone came into play. The sheer strength of the two young dogs meant I had to get back into control NOW - or I could be in real trouble. I was too close to my new dogs to see what needed to be done - Angela, bless her heart not knowing she was coming onto a boat took all this in her stride and we worked out how to get over the usual doorway issues (i.e. mum going first) when exiting onto a narrow jetty. I was also really surprised at how quickly my dogs learnt the techniques (from just a few goes on initial visit). I have reclaimed my bed (although I miss my cuddles and warmers) and also my bathroom space - which on a boat is luxury. All in the space of one session. Consistency is the key and I would say to anyone who employs Angela or any other trainer - if you aren't prepared to put in, then don't expect to get anything out. Angela stayed with me for over five hours (and we still did not cover all the issues) but she left me with enough home training work to last for a month, but applying the standard techniques have worked on far more issues than I could previously have hoped for. I am only into a couple of days worth of training but already I can see a difference. Even on the first session when Angela fitted a harness to Jasper (Bull terrier) and a collar to Luca (10 month bulldog - as he could not get off the boat with the harness on and refused to walk). I said to Angela that I would train them separately as they all required different training elements, however I decided to put the harness and collar on them every time we went out to get them used to them. WOW what a difference, there was no pulling at all. Even on the first night of training people commented that I wasn't being pulled all over the place. Whilst they made fun of me - saying that I needed training (which is true, you train the owner to make a good dog; you do not train the dog). The next morning on the marina all the dogs were in their harnesses and there is a lot of noise as they copied Angela's techniques. No-one is above learning new techniques (even a previous trainer) and I am not ashamed to say that Angela showed me where I had got to close to see and resolve any problems. Angela - thank you, thank you, thank you; and sorry for the lock-in issue. I would rate Angela 10 out of 10 even from the first contact - nothing phased her and I have since updated her on my progress - even 2 days. The tools you get and the follow-up (when and if you need it) is brilliant. The only comment I would say is please don't waste your money or their time. If you want a good dog - put in the training they give you. Angela >>>>>>>huge 10 from me. To any-one else who has Angela:- Good Choice You are in good hands. I hope this review goes online; as I am sure that there will be very few reviews from boat owners, let alone previous dog trainers etc. P.S. I love the extra WaggTagg service as well. Kindest Regards and Thanks and looking forward to next visit. SALLY, JASPER, LUCA & BESSIE xxx

Had a really good session, Estelle took time to assess Roxie and gave very good advice which is working around the home. But I do realise there is no quick fix and it's down to us to put the effort in to help Roxie be the great dog we know is in there, and we'll not do it without the help and advice from Estelle. We did have 'help' from another dog trainer but we didn't agree on training methods - Bark Buster's way makes sense and is working

When Angela had been for our first session I felt encouraged that all was not lost with Wilf. She explained about how Wilf was probably feeling, and thinking he had to take responsibility for all of us. We had to take back leadership! We all have to be consistent with his handling. I am concentrating on his attentiveness as previously he wouldn't take any notice of us when on the lead. He was in charge! Today I felt encouraged when following Angela's demonstrations and persevering for the full 10 minutes Wilf was actually following me around the garden and watching where I was going, not trying to shoot out the back gate as he always has done. We still have a long way to go but I am more hopeful now that we may be able to enjoy taking our dog for a walk finally!

I was really really impressed with Alex's training. My dogs were a handful, always barking, going after other dogs and generally disobedient. After just one session with Alex, they are totally different dogs! They are such a joy to walk now. I'm not stressed and they aren't stressed, everyone enjoys it. So, Alex thank you so so much. You have been a god send! I would recommend Alex to anyone who needs help.

Jo was amazing she spent time listening to our concerns about the dogs there was no blaming accepting that each of us are individuals in caring for our dogs and as such our training plan was specifically aimed at our needs .I have to say once she explained where the disruptive behaviour came from it made it so easy for us to see why we had a problem .An excellent outcome to what had been a very worrying situation .I would have no hesitation in recommending Jo she has been a god send

We had our lesson only a week ago, and so naturally expect there to be ongoing improvements, but currently we are extremely pleased with the methods we have learnt, that are proving extremely effective. There is a clear change, and we are enjoying very much working with Phoebe on this.

Initial visit went well. Neil gave us some homework to continue throughout the week until his next visit. Looking forward to next time.

Graham came to help me with Chester, our working cocker spaniel puppy, as he was coming up to 6 months old. We had taken him to all the group puppy classes where he topped the class, and I had been working hard with him at home. But as he reached 5 months he had become snappy, barking at people all the time, especially if they came anywhere near me, scaring my 6 year old son and constantly demanding my attention. I worried that I had bought an aggressive dog! Graham was amazing on his firs visit - he very quickly observed that Chester's "aggression" was not an attempt to dominate, as I had feared, but that actually Chester is quite a subservient dog and was actually a bit nervous. A lot of his behaviour stemmed from trying to protect me when other people were around. Graham gave me great advice on how to give Chester firm boundaries to reassure him that I am the boss, and he doesn't have to worry. We saw an immediate improvement in Chester and he has turned back into the playful and loveable puppy that we hoped we had got! Graham also helped with walking on the lead - we were struggling even with a harness to keep up with Chester's pulling. After one session with Graham, Chester is transformed! The harness hasn't been used since then, and with gentle reminders when we need them, Chester is now happily walking with a long lead and collar. Graham has also done some specific work with Chester and my partner, as Chester used to ignore him and only respond to my commands. Now he is better bonded with both of us. I would highly recommend Graham to anyone looking for help. His intuitive understanding and experience of dogs is invaluable. He can definitely help translate dog language into human! And his calm, gentle manner is a pleasure to work with. I now have a happy dog, happy son and a happy partner - so I am happy and enjoying my puppy again.

Graham came to help me with Chester, our working cocker spaniel puppy, as he was coming up to 6 months old. We had taken him to all the group puppy classes where he topped the class, and I had been working hard with him at home. But as he reached 5 months he had become snappy, barking at people all the time, especially if they came anywhere near me, scaring my 6 year old son and constantly demanding my attention. I worried that I had bought an aggressive dog! Graham was amazing on his firs visit - he very quickly observed that Chester's "aggression" was not an attempt to dominate, as I had feared, but that actually Chester is quite a subservient dog and was actually a bit nervous. A lot of his behaviour stemmed from trying to protect me when other people were around. Graham gave me great advice on how to give Chester firm boundaries to reassure him that I am the boss, and he doesn't have to worry. We saw an immediate improvement in Chester and he has turned back into the playful and loveable puppy that we hoped we had got! Graham also helped with walking on the lead - we were struggling even with a harness to keep up with Chester's pulling. After one session with Graham, Chester is transformed! The harness hasn't been used since then, and with gentle reminders when we need them, Chester is now happily walking with a long lead and collar. Graham has also done some specific work with Chester and my partner, as Chester used to ignore him and only respond to my commands. Now he is better bonded with both of us. I would highly recommend Graham to anyone looking for help. His intuitive understanding and experience of dogs is invaluable. He can definitely help translate dog language into human! And his calm, gentle manner is a pleasure to work with. I now have a happy dog, happy son and a happy partner - so I am happy and enjoying my puppy again.

What a transformation... Before Alex came Ted was in total control of the house, attacking anyone that came around. I used to have keep him in a different room, which I hated because he used to cry. After only a couple of lessons the results where amazing he was no longer jumping up at friends or family and was just alround much more obedient with myself. I would fully recommend Alex to anyone with a troublesome pup!!!

We contacted Bark Busters looking for some general puppy management with our new miniature schnauzer - we were keen to start off on the right foot and avoid getting into too many bad habits that we would need to correct later on. Alex has been great in helping us achieve that. He has been supportive, encouraging and given clear advice on any issue or question that has popped up. We have since moved on to lead training and are progressing well. Peppa is a delight so far and part of that is down to the training advice we have been given by Alex. We took out the one year option so also feel assured that should any issues crop up Alex will be on hand to help us navigate our way through them.