Bark Busters Reviews and Customer Testimonials
3rd December 2017 - Lynn Prentice
Lynn dealt with Aggression, Barking, Pulling, Separation anxiety
Lynn quickly identified that Poppy thought she was the pack leader and that's why she was difficult to leave at home and lunged at everything that passed her when out on a walk. Lynn spent 3hrs with us and even in that short time Poppy's attitude changed. Now less than a week on and working hard with all the instructions we were given, I can leave Poppy for a short space of time which we are continuing to build on a daily basis, considering we started at no time and now after 6 days is 11mins, without yapping or jumping at the door is amazing, baby steps but on the right road. Walking her outside is now a great pleasure, she trots along beside me and doesn't want to lunge and yap at anything coming towards her. Even a dog on the opposite side of the road, now just gets a waggy tail without her pulling and wanting to get to them. I cannot thank Lynn enough for showing me how I was going wrong, Poppy is much calmer and an even bigger joy to be with than she was before I contacted Bark Busters.
3rd December 2017 - Lee Hardy
Lee dealt with Puppy management
Going well so far waiting for next visit when we take her out
1st December 2017 - Sharon Chapman
Sharon dealt with Aggression, Barking, Hyperactivity, Jumping up
My dog Missy is so giddy and just after 1hr 30mins of training and me doing more this morning I can't believe the change in Missy it is amazing thank you so much Sharon
30th November 2017 - Shauna Hoey
Shauna dealt with Puppy management
Shauna has helped us to understand Reggie's behaviour and to respond consistently. He has learnt his boundaries in the home and responds well when out and about. I would recommend her to anyone. Reg definitely knows she is the boss and never dares to misbehave during sessions! Shauna is always available to offer support and advice .
29th November 2017 - Graham Milgrew
Graham dealt with Aggression, Jumping up, Separation anxiety, Other
A breath of fresh air after a stressful couple of weeks ! Jo arrived to having Buddy come out of another room to him barking and quite threatening. He calmed down quite quickly. Buddy is a rescue dog , Maltese, we have for 7 weeks. After 3 weeks he had bitten a grandchild and 3 weeks later a second grandchild. 2 nights before the visit he had bitten my partner and the night before the visit had bitten me.
Jo identified his problems, he was ‘ resource guarding ‘ when he bit my partner ( he had approached his bed and food ) and when I was trying to clean his teardrop stains Jo identified that he didn't like handling and was scared. Buddy had been groomed 2 weeks previously. This had obviously stressed him.
He would get very stressed when we were leaving him, so we thought, but Jo told us this was excitement as he thought he was going out with us. We have been given detailed exercises to carry out with Buddy. Lots of information and tips.Jo was very relaxed during visit, made us feel at ease, took time to listen and answer all of our questions. Never did we feel her time was up ! she was supportive encouraging and very professional. Didn't know when we booked if this was the right path for us, but would highly recommend this to anyone who has any concerns about their dogs behaviour. Thank you Jo !
Trainer note from Graham
Buddy was a "pound dog" who was picked up off the street and rehomed by a rescue once his 7 days were up. His fur was horribly matted and he was in a very poor condition when he came to his new owners. Rehomed dogs have often been traumatised and it takes time for new owners to build the trust of their dog and for the dog to be confident in meeting visitors. Handling can be very scary and Buddy had been very distressed by the essential grooming he previously needed. He clearly loves to spend time with his new owners so it will take time to break it down so he can learn that handling will not hurt him. He is worried by the male owner approaching what he regarded as precious (his bed and toys). This is not personal. Dogs often guard important items like bones and the solution is to make approaches to him safe and non threatening. Rehomed dogs do often have separation anxiety as they fear abandonment, but Buddy does settle when he is left. However, he gets very excited when people leave. He jumps and nips rather like a young puppy does and can also do this to get his owners attention. The owner did not see the biting of the grandchildren but he was trying to get attention after playing at the time. Safety precautions have been put in place (play pen and dog gates) so that Buddy can be supervised closely alongside training to get his focus. These owners have taken on a dog who has a lot of needs, but are willing to do the large amount of work that is required. He responded extremely well on the day and I am confident that over time they will have a much happier and more settled dog. They acknowledge that they will always have to take precautions so that he is not triggered to bite and are happy to do so as responsible dog owners.
Buddy was a "pound dog" who was picked up off the street and rehomed by a rescue once his 7 days were up. His fur was horribly matted and he was in a very poor condition when he came to his new owners. Rehomed dogs have often been traumatised and it takes time for new owners to build the trust of their dog and for the dog to be confident in meeting visitors. Handling can be very scary and Buddy had been very distressed by the essential grooming he previously needed. He clearly loves to spend time with his new owners so it will take time to break it down so he can learn that handling will not hurt him. He is worried by the male owner approaching what he regarded as precious (his bed and toys). This is not personal. Dogs often guard important items like bones and the solution is to make approaches to him safe and non threatening. Rehomed dogs do often have separation anxiety as they fear abandonment, but Buddy does settle when he is left. However, he gets very excited when people leave. He jumps and nips rather like a young puppy does and can also do this to get his owners attention. The owner did not see the biting of the grandchildren but he was trying to get attention after playing at the time. Safety precautions have been put in place (play pen and dog gates) so that Buddy can be supervised closely alongside training to get his focus. These owners have taken on a dog who has a lot of needs, but are willing to do the large amount of work that is required. He responded extremely well on the day and I am confident that over time they will have a much happier and more settled dog. They acknowledge that they will always have to take precautions so that he is not triggered to bite and are happy to do so as responsible dog owners.
29th November 2017 - Gina Williams
Gina dealt with Aggression, Barking, Chewing, Hyperactivity
Gina has really helped us understand Max's behaviour. She suggested a change to a raw food diet would help him with his hyperactivity and we were amazed at the results, he is so much calmer now. Following her training advice he is also becoming less of the leader of the pack and is listening to us more. Early days but so glad we contacted Barkbusters.
27th November 2017 - Graham Milgrew
Graham dealt with Barking, Chewing, Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Puppy management, Recall
We could not be happier with the outcome of our first training session!! Jo is incredibly hands on, non judgmental, straight talking and really takes the time to listen to your concerns.
Jo also appreciates that every dog and family are different and that training sometimes needs a flexible approach to work for everyone. We will be working hard now to put everything on to practice (Jo makes everything look so easy!) And it is... once you have mastered things :)
I can't recommend Jo highly enough. She has given us the tools and confidence to ensure that we guide Teddy to being a happy, fun loving (but obedient) dog.
Thanks Jo for everything. We look forward to seeing you again in a months time!
Trainer note from Graham
These owners have a lovely Labradoodle who is a typical high energy adolescent dog. They have done some good basic training, but this was coming a little unstuck as he grew into a teenager who was pushing the boundaries. This is always difficult because dog training is not "one size fits all". It has to take into account the dog, its nature, how quick he or she learns and what environment the dog is living in. Teddy is very bright and responded really well to guidance and focus work. He loves to please and once he knew what was wanted he was really eager to engage in training.
These owners have a lovely Labradoodle who is a typical high energy adolescent dog. They have done some good basic training, but this was coming a little unstuck as he grew into a teenager who was pushing the boundaries. This is always difficult because dog training is not "one size fits all". It has to take into account the dog, its nature, how quick he or she learns and what environment the dog is living in. Teddy is very bright and responded really well to guidance and focus work. He loves to please and once he knew what was wanted he was really eager to engage in training.
27th November 2017 - Lee Hardy
Lee dealt with Chewing, Jumping up, Puppy management, Recall, Toileting
Lee gave us lots of advice and training techniques with Dewi's food and behaviour to start off with as this was his first visit. The things Lee advised us to do regarding the nibbling and jumping up, was quite a success straightaway and after Lee had gone we had quite a good response from our 5 month old puppy when we carried out what he had told us to do. Not been able to control our dog hardly at all when he keeps chewing things and jumping up and biting, even though he thinks he is only playing. So it has been a bit of nightmare at times. This technique, even in its early stages, seems to be working so it will make a big difference. Lee explains everything in a very straightforward way. He has made me feel confident about actually getting somewhere with the training instead of feeling like it has been 1 step forward and 2 back.
27th November 2017 - Graham Milgrew
Graham dealt with Aggression, Pulling, Other
Graham spent 4 hours with us -it was a very thorough, focused and useful session. I liked how Graham tailored it to what we needed most and took a holistic approach to all the factors affecting Archie's anxiety. He was very careful, thoughtful and affectionate with Archie which is the most important thing for us.
Trainer note from Graham
Archie is a 10 month old Whippet. He became very nervous after castration which can happen when a dogs testosterone levels are reduced. He found it particularly challenging to meet strange dogs especially when on the lead. His owners are now rebuilding his confidence and teaching him how to behave appropriately. This is not a quick fix for fearful dog, but he is making good progress.
Archie is a 10 month old Whippet. He became very nervous after castration which can happen when a dogs testosterone levels are reduced. He found it particularly challenging to meet strange dogs especially when on the lead. His owners are now rebuilding his confidence and teaching him how to behave appropriately. This is not a quick fix for fearful dog, but he is making good progress.
19th November 2017 - Lee Hardy
Lee dealt with Puppy management
Absolutely awesome. Jack was 10 weeks old and we had had him a week. He would not settle in the crate so we were experiencing sleepless nights because of his barking,whining and crying. He was completely stressed out.
Lee visited us after the first week and observed Jack around us and our other two dogs. Lee explained that Jack was not suffering from separation anxiety as I thought but letting us know that he was the boss.
Lee introduced us to the technique. Within half an hour, Jack was in his crate and sleeping soundly.
I used the same technique when it was time for bed and after 15 minutes Jack was settled and asleep. We used this technique for a couple of nights but Jack now goes to bed straight away with no issues and only cries to let us know that he needs the toilet. Mostly he sleeps through from 10 o'clock until 6 in the morning.
We are continuing with the training with further home training visits booked.
I cannot reccomend Bark Busters and Lee enough.
18th November 2017 - Angela Young
Remote Training Team dealt with Barking, Jumping up, Separation anxiety, Other
First session went really well.
Started with the dog running into the lounge barking ended with the dog relaxed
18th November 2017 - Sharon Chapman
Sharon dealt with Aggression
Did not know what to expect at all but session turned out to be so informative and enjoyable both for Elsie and ourselves. Sharon talked to us for a while about the difficulties we had with Elsie and explained things we were doing that weren't helping! She then did some exercises with Elsie and we got to practice too, you could see Elsie was really enjoying using her brain to think and learn. We have continued with the exercises Sharon showed us and Elsie is doing good. It's small steps but we feel confident Elsie will get there as will we with Sharon's help.