Reviews & Testimonials For Graham Milgrew

Contacted Bark Busters as our 12 week old cockapoo’s biting was getting out of hand. Graham came alone and in the space of 2 hours it was as if we had a different dog. Graham explained to us how Lily thought we were litter mates to play with and that the biting was part of the playing. He showed us what to do and say to show Lily that the biting wasn’t acceptable. Don’t get me wrong, all the problems didn’t vanish in those couple of hours, but Graham has given us some of the tools we need to show Lily what is/isn’t allowed. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Graham and Bark Busters to anyone with a dog that needs pointing in the right direction.

Graham is very likeable and confidence-inspiring. He managed to calm our nervous GSD Thea quickly, gave us very practical advice and demonstrated a series of commands and techniques that worked exceptionally well; he recommended leads and equipment that have been transformational with our dog. We are delighted with his service.

It was a good session with some helpful tips

Jo and graham have been absolutely amazing for us being first time dog owners! We NEVER would have thought about food making such a difference to a dog's behaviour, but Jo recommended new food and treats and it is like we have a new dog!

I had recently taken on two male pugs, very close in age. They would compete with each other; to have their harness put on first; to be first through the front door; to be first to sniff the approaching dog. Every walk was fraught. Then I came across Jo & Graham. Jo provided a very reassuring and understanding voice over the phone and took a great deal of time to talk through and note the issues we were experiencing, in order to equip Graham for his 1:1 visit with us. Graham arrived and immediately had gravitas with the dogs: they listened to him. He gave me very clear instructions to enable me to train and improve the dogs' behaviour. Things were improving, but there was still work to be done with the dogs and Graham kindly made another visit to us a few months later. That second training session with Graham really helped consolidate the training ideas I had been taught, and I now feel empowered and much more confident in dealing with any remaining behavioural issues. A huge thank you to both Jo and Graham - my "Manna from Heaven" - for helping us through our issues and for giving us the tools to keep improving.

We have received comprehensive guidelines both online and face to face. We feel comfortable with this and confident that this will help us and Bailey. We feel Jo and Graham will guide us with any issues that arise and already feel Bailey's taking notice. We have a long way to go yet but this is just week one.

My first lesson was a zoom call, with Jo. I found this invaluable as it gave me a real insight into my dog and his behaviour and I realised he isn't being naughty but just being a puppy. We did a lesson on 'watch me' or 'look at me' which was very successful as a first training method and Hector and I practice every day.

I contacted Bark Busters when I realised my puppy is very reluctant to stay on his own. I was not able to take a shower without him panicking and starting to bark like there's no tomorrow. I frantically googled what to do with him and advice was mainly: start by leaving him for short periods of time such as 5 minutes. I was not able to leave him for 5 seconds and this was starting to affect my mental health. I had considered getting a dog for years and I have had dogs before but nothing prepared me for what I was facing now with my puppy. I had the first Zoom session with Jo and she ensured me that I am not the cause of this problem and she was very understanding that I was struggling. Jo helped me by being very encouraging and ensuring me that progress is being made. I have a habit of seeing the negative things and ignore the positive ones. We are now at the stage where my puppy is able to be on his own for 2 hours and the time keeps increasing slowly but surely. I take this as a huge success when I think back: even 5 seconds of alone time was too much for the dog. Graham also came to visit us and gave me great tips how to train with the puppy. I am now about to contact Jo again to help us further with the training (barking etc.) Jo did not only help the puppy, she helped me to cope.

I came to Jo and Graham as I was incredibly upset that I was not doing well with my new puppy and thought I would have to give him up, which would have been devastating as I fell in love with Bob at first sight. But, I picked a border collie so an active dog - which I knew, but did not know it would be so hard. I was immediately reassured that I am not a bad Mum to Bob. I just needed to learn how to manage him and his needs. I hadn't appreciated the attention he needed 24/7 but that this could be on my terms. He also was a nipper so I thought he didn't like me as my arms could testify but I was again reassured that this was not good behaviour but could be changed. Yes! My puppy doesn't hate me! I learnt a lot from Graham's visits for training but have to say that Jo has been totally straight with me, honest and transparent when looking at dog behaviour. My relationship with Bob has become stronger as he has more direction from me and more structured time. My partner is happier when he comes home as Bob enjoys quality time but understands when to calm it down. Still very much work in progress as it's up and down but there are more positives and I am so pleased that I did not throw in the towel early doors as Bob has enhanced my life and I know he loves me as much as I love him. Should have got a lap-dog? No chance. He's the love of my life and I am going to do everything I can to make his life with me a good one. Thank you to Jo and Graham - highly recommended and always available for emergency chats x