Bark Busters Reviews and Customer Testimonials
22nd September 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Other
Kelly was very thorough and I couldn't believe within 2 mins of her being at my front door she had my dog away and not barking
Trainer note from Kelly
Thank you for inviting us to come and do your canine assessment - your pup is smart as a whip, and responded well to some small training tips, provided as a part of the temperament assessment for council. We truly wish you both a positive outcome to the situation you're in, thanks again.
Thank you for inviting us to come and do your canine assessment - your pup is smart as a whip, and responded well to some small training tips, provided as a part of the temperament assessment for council. We truly wish you both a positive outcome to the situation you're in, thanks again.
11th September 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Pulling, Recall, Toileting
Kelly is amazing! It hasn't been a full week yet and we have already noticed a difference in Luna's behaviour which is a massive relief. We will be keeping on top of our homework so the packing order stays in place. Thank you Kelly!
Trainer note from Kelly
Whippets are the most underrated breed for a pet! They are absolutely the best, but not when they're marking, pulling on lead, and stealing food from the table and bench! We corrected Luna's counter surfing whilst we were still doing the theory (she responded immediately!), and then focused on her recall, door manners, demand behaviors (well, she is The Queen!), and also door manners. The implementation of some changes surrounding the marking are already showing improvement, and I can't wait for lesson 2! We will consolidate her learning, and work on loose lead walking / focus when distracted, lunging and road manners. Well done all!
Whippets are the most underrated breed for a pet! They are absolutely the best, but not when they're marking, pulling on lead, and stealing food from the table and bench! We corrected Luna's counter surfing whilst we were still doing the theory (she responded immediately!), and then focused on her recall, door manners, demand behaviors (well, she is The Queen!), and also door manners. The implementation of some changes surrounding the marking are already showing improvement, and I can't wait for lesson 2! We will consolidate her learning, and work on loose lead walking / focus when distracted, lunging and road manners. Well done all!
7th September 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Aggression, Barking, Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Puppy management, Recall, Sibling rivalry
Honestly I was VERY sceptical but I was amazed after one meeting. My older dog certainly learnt new tricks and my 7 month old quickly learnt her place in the pack. She has continued to be totally relaxed and at peace finally. Kelly knows her stuff and our whole family is better for it.
Trainer note from Kelly
I am so glad you took a leap of faith! Both of your bulldogs are delicious - we are working with your youngest Aussie Bulldog female, due to her fear reactivity, and attacking her older "brother". Finding out what your family expectations were, what you want from Mildred, and what your parameters were was crucial to tailoring the training to your environment. We worked on her over escalations, door manners, crate training (safety zone), and also discussed how certain ingredients in food can adversely affect a dog's behavior (just like a child!). Small changes, big improvements! A follow up lesson has been done, focusing on Mildred's lunging on lead, and attention on the owner out the front, and she was walking on a loose lead within minutes - she is so keen to be the best girl! Thanks again, and I am looking forward to lesson 3!
I am so glad you took a leap of faith! Both of your bulldogs are delicious - we are working with your youngest Aussie Bulldog female, due to her fear reactivity, and attacking her older "brother". Finding out what your family expectations were, what you want from Mildred, and what your parameters were was crucial to tailoring the training to your environment. We worked on her over escalations, door manners, crate training (safety zone), and also discussed how certain ingredients in food can adversely affect a dog's behavior (just like a child!). Small changes, big improvements! A follow up lesson has been done, focusing on Mildred's lunging on lead, and attention on the owner out the front, and she was walking on a loose lead within minutes - she is so keen to be the best girl! Thanks again, and I am looking forward to lesson 3!
24th August 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Barking, Chewing, Jumping up, Puppy management, Recall, Sibling rivalry
Kelly was amazing. We saw a positive change in Coco from the first lesson, most importantly she was obviously a happier dog now that we had unlocked how to communicate with her. We still have a lot of work to do but so far the results have been incredible and we can’t thank Kelly enough for teaching us about Coco’s behaviours. It was so eye opening to learn about how Coco’s minds works and exactly how to effectively communicate with her.
Trainer note from Kelly
Ohh, what a greeting I had at lesson one LOL! Barking, door answering, fear escalations, growling - Miss Coco had it all going on. But! Within minutes of implementing our gentle system, she stopped panicking, started focusing on you both, and learned that she is allowed to relax and be a dog. Since lesson one, there has been successful visitor attendance at your home, dinners, entertaining, and Coco has shown that she can accept new people in, doesn't need to growl and be scared, and her safe zone is hers alone to relax into. A check in follow up has been completed, and lesson three will focus on pre-natal information, how to ensure the dog feels safe before the new arrival, pre-baby training (baby play mat boundaries, etc) - so everyone has a relaxed journey over the next few months. Massive well done, huge improvements!
Ohh, what a greeting I had at lesson one LOL! Barking, door answering, fear escalations, growling - Miss Coco had it all going on. But! Within minutes of implementing our gentle system, she stopped panicking, started focusing on you both, and learned that she is allowed to relax and be a dog. Since lesson one, there has been successful visitor attendance at your home, dinners, entertaining, and Coco has shown that she can accept new people in, doesn't need to growl and be scared, and her safe zone is hers alone to relax into. A check in follow up has been completed, and lesson three will focus on pre-natal information, how to ensure the dog feels safe before the new arrival, pre-baby training (baby play mat boundaries, etc) - so everyone has a relaxed journey over the next few months. Massive well done, huge improvements!
23rd August 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Puppy management
Kelly was great and gave us plenty of useful tips, tricks and tools to help us with our puppy.
Trainer note from Kelly
Ball of fluff in the guise of a Bernadoodle! Having a new puppy can sometime not be sunshine and lollipops, and I am grateful that you invited us in to help with the early baby issues, so they didn't become big 30kg issues! Mouthing, lead training, toilet training and preventative barking were all on the list in lesson 1. Ensuring that Cookie didn't boss your sons around, and is well behaved in public is key, especially in an apartment / body corporate situation. At your follow up lesson we re-focused on the programming exercises, to keep Cookie's brain calm and relaxed, started on lead work in public, and recall. Great job, you have a lovely, happy ,and very responsive puppy!
Ball of fluff in the guise of a Bernadoodle! Having a new puppy can sometime not be sunshine and lollipops, and I am grateful that you invited us in to help with the early baby issues, so they didn't become big 30kg issues! Mouthing, lead training, toilet training and preventative barking were all on the list in lesson 1. Ensuring that Cookie didn't boss your sons around, and is well behaved in public is key, especially in an apartment / body corporate situation. At your follow up lesson we re-focused on the programming exercises, to keep Cookie's brain calm and relaxed, started on lead work in public, and recall. Great job, you have a lovely, happy ,and very responsive puppy!
19th August 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Jumping up, Pulling, Recall, Other
The first training session with Kelly was so informative and I have seen such a big change in Marshall’s behaviour already and that is only after 1 session with Kelly!
I am honestly so impressed and happy with the changes I can already see in his behaviour and I can’t wait for our next session.
It’s not just training for my dog, it’s training for me as well and Kelly makes it easy to understand and implement.
Trainer note from Kelly
Thanks so much for taking on a rehomed canine, and really committing to improving his manners! Dalmatian's are such a fun breed, but when there is visitor (fear) reactivity and dog reactivity, life gets difficult quickly. At both the first lesson, and second lesson, Marshall was a sponge with the training, taking it all on board, and learning that he didn't have to worry about it - because you've got this! Jumping up, door racing, pulling on lead, recall, stealing items - all the good things that have improved. For your 3rd lesson we'll do more street work, to get him out and walking, and focus on your control and confidence. Massive well done!
Thanks so much for taking on a rehomed canine, and really committing to improving his manners! Dalmatian's are such a fun breed, but when there is visitor (fear) reactivity and dog reactivity, life gets difficult quickly. At both the first lesson, and second lesson, Marshall was a sponge with the training, taking it all on board, and learning that he didn't have to worry about it - because you've got this! Jumping up, door racing, pulling on lead, recall, stealing items - all the good things that have improved. For your 3rd lesson we'll do more street work, to get him out and walking, and focus on your control and confidence. Massive well done!
18th August 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Aggression, Jumping up, Pulling, Recall
We engaged Kelly to assist with our one-year-old French Bulldog, Luna, who was exhibiting guarding tendencies and a few other behavioral issues. After just one Zoom session, we noticed an incredible improvement in her behavior and overall demeanor—she is noticeably calmer and more content. Kelly is extremely knowledgeable and has a remarkable ability to explain concepts clearly and effectively. We’re looking forward to seeing even more progress with additional training sessions. We highly recommend Kelly’s services—even virtually, the results speak for themselves.
Trainer note from Kelly
Thanks you so much for "taking a leap" into the world of training via the Zoom platform. It is so important that the owners are the ones to gain the control, and I was thrilled to pieces with how much Luna relaxed at the first lesson. Second lesson showed that her kitchen manners, door answering and pulling was absolutely on the right path, and lesson three will revolve around dog to dog management and control, reactivity, and road safety. What a fun few sessions we've had, well done!
Thanks you so much for "taking a leap" into the world of training via the Zoom platform. It is so important that the owners are the ones to gain the control, and I was thrilled to pieces with how much Luna relaxed at the first lesson. Second lesson showed that her kitchen manners, door answering and pulling was absolutely on the right path, and lesson three will revolve around dog to dog management and control, reactivity, and road safety. What a fun few sessions we've had, well done!
15th August 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Barking, Separation anxiety
Kelly is such an inspiring human. The knowledge is fantastic. I could have sat there all night listening to her. Such an easy going person and helping so much to teach me to train my puppy.
Trainer note from Kelly
Terriers = FUN! Your gorgeous Amstaff is loving, cheeky, and she really needed boundaries. Thanks so much for taking all the information in, and actioning things for the happiness of your new pup and family. Toilet training, mouthing, lead work, focus, separation, howling - all targeted at the first lesson, and at the following 2 lessons we've moved to external training, recall off site and pulling on lead (always great to have a large breed walk at heel!). You've tailored the system to suit your family, and it is great to hear that you're loving your new family member! Well done :-)
Terriers = FUN! Your gorgeous Amstaff is loving, cheeky, and she really needed boundaries. Thanks so much for taking all the information in, and actioning things for the happiness of your new pup and family. Toilet training, mouthing, lead work, focus, separation, howling - all targeted at the first lesson, and at the following 2 lessons we've moved to external training, recall off site and pulling on lead (always great to have a large breed walk at heel!). You've tailored the system to suit your family, and it is great to hear that you're loving your new family member! Well done :-)
5th August 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Barking, Jumping up, Pulling, Recall, Separation anxiety
My dachshund Frankie developed separation anxiety after the passing of our second dog. She would howl nonstop whenever left alone, making it nearly impossible to leave the house, let alone go to work. It was heartbreaking and incredibly stressful for both of us.
Working with Kelly from Bark Busters has been an absolute game-changer. Her calm, knowledgeable approach and tailored training plan gave us real hope. With consistency, patience, and Kelly’s guidance, Frankie now stays home peacefully and sleeps while I’m at work.
It’s been such a relief emotionally—and Frankie’s behaviour overall is better than ever. I can’t thank Kelly enough for helping us get through such a tough time. Highly recommend her to anyone dealing with behavioural issues, especially separation anxiety.
Trainer note from Kelly
Such a sad reason for training, it is so hard for the human to lose a loved pet, but so confusing for the dog, as they don't understand why their BFF is suddenly gone. I applaud you both, in your grief, for putting Frankie's care and welfare first, and WOW, isn't she such a good girl! From fearful, skittish, barking, growling to a lovely Dachshund with a happy wagging tail, who is now listening to commands, will recall when told, and doesn't race out doors like a gremlin. But, the separation anxiety has always been the main focus, and to get the news that she's sleeping the whole day away (lucky girl!) is music to my ears! No food bribes, no harsh shock collars, nothing but training the humans to understand their dog, and creating a much stronger relationship at the same time. I am thrilled to pieces for you both, and I am looking forward to lesson #3, walking in a high dog/people dense park, and managing those beahviours - massive well done, Tim!
Such a sad reason for training, it is so hard for the human to lose a loved pet, but so confusing for the dog, as they don't understand why their BFF is suddenly gone. I applaud you both, in your grief, for putting Frankie's care and welfare first, and WOW, isn't she such a good girl! From fearful, skittish, barking, growling to a lovely Dachshund with a happy wagging tail, who is now listening to commands, will recall when told, and doesn't race out doors like a gremlin. But, the separation anxiety has always been the main focus, and to get the news that she's sleeping the whole day away (lucky girl!) is music to my ears! No food bribes, no harsh shock collars, nothing but training the humans to understand their dog, and creating a much stronger relationship at the same time. I am thrilled to pieces for you both, and I am looking forward to lesson #3, walking in a high dog/people dense park, and managing those beahviours - massive well done, Tim!
13th June 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Puppy management, Recall, Toileting
We had used Kelly for our previous dog and he was a beautifully behaved boy. The techniques she uses are simple and make sense and the dogs respond well. Once again we are using Kelly to help
Us navigate the puppy journey with our new boy. She is very good at her craft!
Trainer note from Kelly
Another gorgeous boy for your home! Murphy is just delicious, and so super smart for a puppy. Once again you've done the right thing by getting onto training as a preventative measure, and we sorted mouthing, lead training, sits, and started on recall at lesson 1. You were able to apply the training principles to get toilet training under control, and at lesson 2, we'll work on door manners, drop, and stealing items. It is always so rewarding to work with a return client, thanks for trusting Bark Busters with our Lifetime Support Guarantee for your new Labradoodle - he'll also have a ball at his FOC session of puppy school, which is included! Thanks so much, and well done for your commitment :-)
Another gorgeous boy for your home! Murphy is just delicious, and so super smart for a puppy. Once again you've done the right thing by getting onto training as a preventative measure, and we sorted mouthing, lead training, sits, and started on recall at lesson 1. You were able to apply the training principles to get toilet training under control, and at lesson 2, we'll work on door manners, drop, and stealing items. It is always so rewarding to work with a return client, thanks for trusting Bark Busters with our Lifetime Support Guarantee for your new Labradoodle - he'll also have a ball at his FOC session of puppy school, which is included! Thanks so much, and well done for your commitment :-)
3rd June 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Barking, Pulling
Kelly was very insightful in helping us address our dogs behaviour! Her knowledge outside of just the training has been appreciated and we have seen a complete change in our dog.
Trainer note from Kelly
I have a very soft spot for Golden Retrievers, and your adorable boy is simply a big adolescent that was soooo keen and eager to please! Focusing on jumping up, racing doors, pulling on lead - all showed excellent improvements by the end of the first lesson. And the main issue? BARKING! What a booming voice he has! But, with our gentle methods, his brain engaged, and your ability to correct and recall him from the fence, has shown a drastic improvement with his fence barking habits in only a couple of weeks - I am super pleased with the results, and I will see you soon for lesson #3!
I have a very soft spot for Golden Retrievers, and your adorable boy is simply a big adolescent that was soooo keen and eager to please! Focusing on jumping up, racing doors, pulling on lead - all showed excellent improvements by the end of the first lesson. And the main issue? BARKING! What a booming voice he has! But, with our gentle methods, his brain engaged, and your ability to correct and recall him from the fence, has shown a drastic improvement with his fence barking habits in only a couple of weeks - I am super pleased with the results, and I will see you soon for lesson #3!
10th April 2025 - Kelly McClelland
Kelly dealt with Digging, Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Pulling, Recall, Separation anxiety
I highly recommend Kelly. She's cool, calm and a wealth of knowledge. Although Bruce and I had been trained in the past, I discovered just how much more training we need! From lesson 1, I am feeling so much more confident. We have homework sheets, information sheets and I know Kelly is just a phone call away. If you're thinking of doing it, just do it! 5 stars *****
Trainer note from Kelly
You are so kind, 5 *****'s gives me goosebumps, how wonderful! Your gorgeous big lad (Mastiff x) was certainly proving to be a handful, and your previous experiences as a dog owner absolutely put you on the right track - thanks for inviting me in for fine tuning! Pulling on lead, reactivity, jumping up, door racing - always so important when there is 40+ kgs of bulk involved! Bruce is delicious and responded like a dream (with a couple of tantrums) and I am looking forward to working on public manners, walking the block, and street / road safety when I return for lesson #2. Well done!
You are so kind, 5 *****'s gives me goosebumps, how wonderful! Your gorgeous big lad (Mastiff x) was certainly proving to be a handful, and your previous experiences as a dog owner absolutely put you on the right track - thanks for inviting me in for fine tuning! Pulling on lead, reactivity, jumping up, door racing - always so important when there is 40+ kgs of bulk involved! Bruce is delicious and responded like a dream (with a couple of tantrums) and I am looking forward to working on public manners, walking the block, and street / road safety when I return for lesson #2. Well done!