Reviews & Testimonials For Graham Milgrew
Back to Trainer14th March 2013 - Graham Milgrew
Graham dealt with Aggression, Barking, Pulling, Recall, Toileting
After receiving a letter from the council regarding a complaint about my dogs barking especially late at night, I contacted Jo at Bark Busters. Within days I had my dogs barking under control and so life is much less stressful for myself, my dogs and my neighbours. Jo has addressed every issue I have with my dogs explaining fully why they do it. I have been retrained in my approach and handling of my dogs and they have responded beautifully. I recommend Jo to all dogs and their owners!
Trainer note from Graham
This owner was distraught to find that she was upsetting her neighbours and quickly put everything she needed in place to get her dogs (Jack Russell Terriers/Chihuahua crosses) to stop barking and listen to her. Particular credit is due as one of her dogs has a very serious medical condition and his ill health was the main reason for her allowing bad behaviour in the first place. She has had such good results she is now methodically tackling other problems such as submissive weeing in the house and dog to dog aggression with very good effect. It is a delight for me to see such happy and settled dogs.
This owner was distraught to find that she was upsetting her neighbours and quickly put everything she needed in place to get her dogs (Jack Russell Terriers/Chihuahua crosses) to stop barking and listen to her. Particular credit is due as one of her dogs has a very serious medical condition and his ill health was the main reason for her allowing bad behaviour in the first place. She has had such good results she is now methodically tackling other problems such as submissive weeing in the house and dog to dog aggression with very good effect. It is a delight for me to see such happy and settled dogs.
3rd March 2013 - Graham Milgrew
Graham dealt with Aggression, Barking, Pulling, Recall, Other
I am very pleased with the progress of the training that Jo has suggested. I was not at all sure whether calling in Bark Busters was a good idea but I am really happy that I did. Jo has given me a lot of advice not only on behaviour but on feeding as well. She makes our meetings very enjoyable. I would not hesitate to recommend Bark Busters to friends. In fact I already have.
Trainer note from Graham
This lady has two lovely rough collies who are very nervous and barked constantly. One of the dogs lunged for joggers and cyclists and their owner found it very difficult to take them both out for a walk together. She is an experienced dog owner and has done very well resolving her dogs problems despite bouts of ill health. She can now take them out confidently and enjoy her walks.
This lady has two lovely rough collies who are very nervous and barked constantly. One of the dogs lunged for joggers and cyclists and their owner found it very difficult to take them both out for a walk together. She is an experienced dog owner and has done very well resolving her dogs problems despite bouts of ill health. She can now take them out confidently and enjoy her walks.
15th February 2013 - Graham Milgrew
Graham dealt with Barking, Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Pulling, Recall, Separation anxiety
Excellent. Millie has made tremendous progress in the 10 days since Jo visited.
Trainer note from Graham
Millie is a Cockerpoo who's owners needed a training program in place before going with her to France and Spain for several months. Millie was hyperactive and constantly attention seeking making it difficult for her owners to safely take her in their camper van and on their boat. She would also escape and run off and not come back. In a very short time she has truly made the "tremendous progress" her owners have commented on and they can now enjoy their extended holiday with their lovely dog.
Millie is a Cockerpoo who's owners needed a training program in place before going with her to France and Spain for several months. Millie was hyperactive and constantly attention seeking making it difficult for her owners to safely take her in their camper van and on their boat. She would also escape and run off and not come back. In a very short time she has truly made the "tremendous progress" her owners have commented on and they can now enjoy their extended holiday with their lovely dog.
5th February 2013 - Graham Milgrew
Graham dealt with Barking, Chewing, Separation anxiety, Other
We took on a Battersea rescue Staffie Cross, called Coco in August 2012. As relatively experienced dog owners we thought that when she presented any behavioural issues that we would be able to deal with it.
We were wrong, in reality, Coco was a very scared little dog, who if we left her alone in the house would chew her way through crates, eat and scratch our internal doors, be terrified of loud noises (fireworks and thunder storms) and in general looked very unhappy and unsettled whilst living with us. Outside of the house she would kill any ball within her eyesight and bark and jump at any dog larger than herself, all without us being able to distract or calm her. We had thrown every little tip and trick we had learnt with our previous dogs but had little to no success with these methods.
In January 2013, we could no longer deal with seeing our beautiful little dog looking so miserable with her life. I saw that Jo had worked with my local rescue, Hornchurch Animal Rescue with some success so as we had literally nothing to lose decided to make the phone call. This was one of the wisest decisions we had ever made.
Jo visits your home for a few hours and quickly assesses your dog by their body language. We had a very anxious dog and we were making her worse by not addressing her bad behaviour and reassuring her when she was really fearful. Jo leaves you with a given a tailored program of re-training her and reinforcing her good behaviour. As she is such an intelligent little girl she really took to the new regime like a duck to water. Jo really proves that if you are willing to put in a little of your time every day in training your dog that you will get repaid a thousandfold. We have a happy relaxed little dog who is now seen in the local neighbourhood as an ambassador for her breed.
Thank you Jo x
Trainer note from Graham
This family had taken on a beautiful Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross who was so anxious she found it hard to handle everyday situations. It is impossible to know if her time in rescue caused these problems or if she was in rescue because of them, but the end result meant that Coco spent her time reacting to situations she couldn’t handle with some pretty unpleasant consequences for her loving family. The worst of this being her separation anxiety where she would destroy the house if left on her own. Her owners have worked hard to build Cocos confidence and she has blossomed into a lovely friendly dog who now looks to them to look after her and is a dog who is enjoying her life to the full. An amazing turn around in this little dogs life.
This family had taken on a beautiful Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross who was so anxious she found it hard to handle everyday situations. It is impossible to know if her time in rescue caused these problems or if she was in rescue because of them, but the end result meant that Coco spent her time reacting to situations she couldn’t handle with some pretty unpleasant consequences for her loving family. The worst of this being her separation anxiety where she would destroy the house if left on her own. Her owners have worked hard to build Cocos confidence and she has blossomed into a lovely friendly dog who now looks to them to look after her and is a dog who is enjoying her life to the full. An amazing turn around in this little dogs life.
2nd February 2013 - Graham Milgrew
Graham dealt with Jumping up, Pulling
Before Jo became our trainer I almost could not walk my own dog on leash. Pepper would jump at me, bite the leash and at his worst he bit me in his over excited frenzies. As a 31kg boxer, this was becoming dangerous for us all, as well as heartbreaking
as all I wanted was to walk and jog with my boy. The previous (non Barkbusters) training we received in Germany (where we had been living) involved some overly harsh methods, meaning Jo had to undo and put right some bad learned behaviours (both Pepper and mine). Jo has some great training techniques and identified the areas that Pepper and I needed to work on. Not everything works for every dog, so Jo always had alternative training methods if our initial efforts did not go well and kept going until we found the solution. Jo gives very clear instructions and always leaves you with a clear plan of what you need to work on with your dog. The result? I can now walk, jog, run with Pepper and I can fully enjoy the benefits of dog ownership, like everyone should be able to. I know that Jo will continue to support us throughout our 12 month agreement and always responds quickly to any questions i have in between our meetings. One final comment, Jo recommended we shift to a raw food diet, which we did. Pepper loves it and looks really well for the diet change. I second her recommendation and advise dog owners to research and consider a raw food diet for their pet.
Trainer note from Graham
This owner had a really tough job on her hands. She had tried numerous ways to resolve the problem without success. Her Boxer Pepper is a really confident dog and although his general level of training was very good he would simply do what he wanted to do with no heed to his owner when over excited. Pepper has proved to be an extremely intelligent dog and his owner has worked very hard at getting her dog to listen to her in all situations and respond to her instruction even when distracted. This work means that Pepper is much calmer and his owner is now able to re-focus him onto her so that he doesn't run off after other dogs balls and more to the point doesn't treat the lead as a big game to play tug-of-war with. A fantastic result.
This owner had a really tough job on her hands. She had tried numerous ways to resolve the problem without success. Her Boxer Pepper is a really confident dog and although his general level of training was very good he would simply do what he wanted to do with no heed to his owner when over excited. Pepper has proved to be an extremely intelligent dog and his owner has worked very hard at getting her dog to listen to her in all situations and respond to her instruction even when distracted. This work means that Pepper is much calmer and his owner is now able to re-focus him onto her so that he doesn't run off after other dogs balls and more to the point doesn't treat the lead as a big game to play tug-of-war with. A fantastic result.
1st February 2013 - Graham Milgrew
Graham dealt with Separation anxiety
Our Dog Archie had very bad separation anxiety. The training was hard but fun and we kept on with the recommendations until eventually Archie stopped! Whilst we are still fearful of leaving him and record him while we are out, so far he has been brilliant.
Trainer note from Graham
This family had a very tough job. Their Cocker Spaniel had severe separation anxiety and became distressed as soon as they left the house. They managed the situation with family help and doggy daycare but wanted their dog to be settled and happy when they were out and have worked hard to get to where they are now. Archie can now be left without him howling, barking and pacing the house waiting for them to come back. A wonderful transformation they can be truly proud of.
This family had a very tough job. Their Cocker Spaniel had severe separation anxiety and became distressed as soon as they left the house. They managed the situation with family help and doggy daycare but wanted their dog to be settled and happy when they were out and have worked hard to get to where they are now. Archie can now be left without him howling, barking and pacing the house waiting for them to come back. A wonderful transformation they can be truly proud of.
28th January 2013 - Graham Milgrew
Graham dealt with Chewing, Digging, Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Pulling, Recall, Separation anxiety, Other
Third time lucky. Should have gone to Bark Busters the 1st time round. Been telling everyone about Jo our Trainer, even if they don't have a dog! The training is just what I have been looking for. Jo comes round to your house and spends time with you and your dog and that is great. Don't need to explain a lot as she can see what your dog is like and training is put in place straight away (and done from your own home). Jo makes it so easy. You can ask anything and Jo will help you solve the problem. I was helped with Tips diet which I have had trouble with since I have had him. Thank you Jo. Thank you Bark Busters.
Trainer note from Graham
This owner has a very active border collie and simply wanted to know how to deal with his problems quickly and efficiently. Tip was so hyperactive she struggled to get him to stop to try to learn anything and a series of health issues when he was a pup meant that general training had been almost impossible. Tip has responded brilliantly to the training. His owner simply needed to know what to do and she has stuck at it and now has a dog she can truly be proud of. Top marks!!!
This owner has a very active border collie and simply wanted to know how to deal with his problems quickly and efficiently. Tip was so hyperactive she struggled to get him to stop to try to learn anything and a series of health issues when he was a pup meant that general training had been almost impossible. Tip has responded brilliantly to the training. His owner simply needed to know what to do and she has stuck at it and now has a dog she can truly be proud of. Top marks!!!
28th January 2013 - Graham Milgrew
Graham dealt with Chewing, Digging, Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Pulling, Recall
We didn't know what to expect,but after a chat and an explanation to why Bonnie was acting the way she was (trying to be pack leader over the men in the family), we was told she was a frightened little pup who didn't want the responsibility that she had taken on. After a few training tasks set by Jo, it was amazing to see Bonnie react well. We have been doing the tasks for 2 weeks now and Bonnie is no longer pushing past us up and downstairs, she comes when called indoors and from the garden and growling is down to 2-3 times a week rather than countless times per day.
Trainer note from Graham
This lovely family adore Bonnie their collie cross dog and treated her as queen in the home, but Bonnie was uncomfortable with this and spent her time constantly growling at the men and would only listen to her female owner. Bonnie has thrived knowing what her boundaries are now and her true dog nature is showing through. Congratulations to her owners who have worked very hard to put rules in place for Bonnie and stick to them. She is a testament to their hard work and commitment.
This lovely family adore Bonnie their collie cross dog and treated her as queen in the home, but Bonnie was uncomfortable with this and spent her time constantly growling at the men and would only listen to her female owner. Bonnie has thrived knowing what her boundaries are now and her true dog nature is showing through. Congratulations to her owners who have worked very hard to put rules in place for Bonnie and stick to them. She is a testament to their hard work and commitment.
6th January 2013 - Graham Milgrew
Graham dealt with Aggression, Barking, Chewing, Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Pulling, Recall
Having never had a dog before I never realised how hard it would be to train one. My Pomeranian Marley was a terror, every bad behavioural trait you could expect in a dog he had, aggression, chewing, barking, attention seeking you name it. After my first phone call with Jo I knew she would be exactly what we needed, not only was she experienced she immediately made me feel at ease with her. From our first session Marley was a different dog, everyone who knew him was noticing the difference. Not only had his behaving improved dramatically it was clear to see that he was a happier dog. This is all thanks to Jo. She has shown me that with a few simple changes I can have the loving well behaved dog I thought I was getting in the first place.
Thank you Jo
Trainer note from Graham
Marley was an extremely nervous dog and almost all his behaviour came from fear. This owner got her whole family involved in his rehabilitation and took great delight in the amazing changes she saw in Marley as the training progressed. She enjoyed it so much she has even gone on to do additional obedience training with him and Marley is now confident enough to entertain family and friends rather than to bark and try and bite them. A truly amazing result.
Marley was an extremely nervous dog and almost all his behaviour came from fear. This owner got her whole family involved in his rehabilitation and took great delight in the amazing changes she saw in Marley as the training progressed. She enjoyed it so much she has even gone on to do additional obedience training with him and Marley is now confident enough to entertain family and friends rather than to bark and try and bite them. A truly amazing result.
18th December 2012 - Graham Milgrew
Graham dealt with Aggression, Puppy management, Recall, Separation anxiety, Toileting
Jo was brilliant. She showed us that our puppy could be trained quite easily with the right knowledge. She also showed us that we were at fault in lots of ways and gave us great guidance in how to resolve these issues. Bailey is coming along a treat and whilst it's work in progress, we can see light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks Jo
Trainer note from Graham
Bailey is a lovely little Bichon Frieze puppy who has had some health problems which made his issues harder to deal with. He didn't like to be on his own and was very demanding of attention to the point where he would bite his owners if they didn't give in. A lot of work has been done by his owners to make him more confident and settled and he is now very obedient and well behaved. The final issue - still toileting on puppy pads - has had to be put on hold owing to his ill health, but I am confident his owners will do a great job when he is well enough to tackle this.
Bailey is a lovely little Bichon Frieze puppy who has had some health problems which made his issues harder to deal with. He didn't like to be on his own and was very demanding of attention to the point where he would bite his owners if they didn't give in. A lot of work has been done by his owners to make him more confident and settled and he is now very obedient and well behaved. The final issue - still toileting on puppy pads - has had to be put on hold owing to his ill health, but I am confident his owners will do a great job when he is well enough to tackle this.