Freephone 0808 100 4071

Bark Busters Reviews and Customer Testimonials

2nd January 2021 - Graham Milgrew

Graham dealt with Aggression, Recall

We came to Jo and Graham feeling like we were at the end of our tether with our 8 month old Chow Chow Indiana. She had started out as a very normal happy and playful puppy who loved interacting with new people and was very loving towards us. Then at about 5 months old she started to become very different, wary and aggressive towards new people, which led to her biting on multiple occasions. We were quick to realise that we needed to work on her behaviour immediately, so we sent her away to residential training in Kent, hoping for him to help with her people aggression. However the Trainers uncommunicative style and lack of openness about training methods wasn't suitable for us. Thankfully soon after this we found Jo and Graham at Barkbusters, who were helpful and reassuring with tips and advice even on our first phone call which was just to enquire about their training methods. They have continued to provide advice and information that has helped us in the journey towards sorting Indy's aggression problem. She still has a long way to go, as hers is not a problem that you can fix quickly and overnight, but we are making progress and we are thankful for the support that Jo and Graham have provided. We highly recommend.

- -.C, London (Testimonial)

Trainer note from Graham
It is common to blame owners if they have an aggressive dog and especially if the breed is known to be wary of people like a Chow Chow is. The thing is that you can do everything right and still have a problem. It is how you tackle it that problem that is the most important. These owners have gone the extra mile. As well as training, they have been doing behaviour modification to convince Indy that people are not as threatening as she thinks. As she looks like a beautiful Teddy Bear people are still not respecting her and ignoring instructions even with a muzzle on, but over time she is becoming less scared and is now having good interactions. This is entirely down to the diligence of her owners who have made every effort to help Indy cope.

30th December 2020 - Kevin McDonnell

Kevin dealt with Barking, Jumping up, Pulling, Puppy management

Excellent trainer. Very happy with how Kevin demonstrated and explained what he was doing and then supported us in doing the activity ourselves.

- -.E, Taunton, Somerset (Testimonial)

28th December 2020 - Gina Williams

Gina dealt with Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Pulling, Puppy management, Recall

We booked a session with Gina because our 18 week old Sprocker pup was becoming wilful and disobedient, having initially responded well to socialisation learning simple commands. Our session at home was conducted in a Covid secure manner- Gina was respectful of the situation we were in at the time. Gina quickly ascertained that our dog was overstimulated, and was beginning to control us rather than vice versa. She advised simple but effective manoeuvres to show the dog who was in control, and to make her feel less anxious as a result. This included a change in diet and planned rest time during the day. The results were apparent to us even after Gina left on that day, and our puppy has largely been very much more settled as a result of the changes in the daily routines we have instituted. The interventions have resulted in us being more confident in our handling of the dog and as a direct consequence of that has enhanced our enjoyment of our time with her. We are pleased that we intervened early as the changes we made avoided unhealthy behaviours becoming firmly established.

- -.A, Bristol, Cleveland (Testimonial)

28th December 2020 - Estelle Jackson

Estelle dealt with Jumping up, Pulling, Puppy management, Recall

Really helpful session. Time flew by. Estelle was really lovely and really got to grips with the problems we were having. We feel so much more confident with our puppy now. Estelle's knowledge was amazing. We also really enjoyed the session. Thank you

- -.C, East Bridgford, Nottinghamshire (Testimonial)

28th December 2020 - Sharon Chapman

Sharon dealt with Hyperactivity, Pulling, Puppy management

Sharon was extremely knowledgeable, patient and thorough. She listened to our concerns and helped greatly in showing us how to implement training techniques with our two 4 month old (lively!) puppies. Each aspect of the initial training was demonstrated before attempting the exercises with both pups ourselves. All questions we asked were answered and Sharon put us completely at ease. She was totally honest and made us fully aware of the hard work involved ahead. We felt progress was made in the few hours Sharon was with us and helped us to realise that had done the best thing in inviting her to help us move forward.

- -.S, Conwy (Testimonial)

27th December 2020 - Gavin Chambers

Gavin dealt with Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Pulling, Puppy management

Excellent really patient with Lexi and us. Lexi responded really well. Gavin was very clear with his instructions. Well worth the money immediate results

- -.D, Oughtibridge, South Yorkshire (Testimonial)

Trainer note from Gavin
THanks for the great review, Lexi did really well getting used to the cars and traffic.

23rd December 2020 - Jacquie Callaby

Jacquie dealt with Barking, Pulling

Very relaxed and informative. Gave us hope and confidence that we can help our dog adjust and reduce barking/ pulling when out walking. We adopted our labrador cross two months ago, she is 10 years old, has had a turbulent past and has various physical issues and we know her reaction to some people, and dogs especially, is one of fear. We were not sure we could teach an old dog new tricks, but with Jaquie's help we can already see some changes after one lesson, so hopefully this will continue.

- -.N, Godalming, Surrey (Testimonial)

20th December 2020 - Gavin Chambers

Gavin dealt with Aggression, Pulling, Separation anxiety

The training was very good and tailored advice to our specific issues with workable solutions provided as advice

- -.R, Sheffield, South Yorkshire (Testimonial)

Trainer note from Gavin
Thanks for the 5 Star review, keep up the good work with Ralph, he's fantastic.

18th December 2020 - Estelle Jackson

Estelle dealt with Barking, Pulling

Excellent communication and helpful advice.

- -.J, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire (Testimonial)

17th December 2020 - Graham Milgrew

Graham dealt with Pulling, Puppy management, Recall, Separation anxiety

Jo and Graham have not only been very helpful but also great fun. They both obviously have a great depth of knowledge and experience and they pass it on in a very clear and easy to understand way. I felt like an experienced dog owner but wanted advice on introducing a puppy to my older dog. Jo not only helped with the transition phase but also taught me a LOT about both the new and the old dogs. My wife and I actually felt empowered after speaking to her. Graham is the one who visits and he also has a lovely manner and a calm, sure way of explaining things. He got INSTANT results with the puppy and in seconds he solved the problem of our old dog pulling on the lead. This has been bothering us for 9 years!!! I can't recommend Jo and Graham enough and we will be continuing to work with them over the coming months/years as I now see how expert advice has improved our relationship with our dogs.

- -.G, Ealing, London (Testimonial)

Trainer note from Graham
These are wonderful owners with two amazing dogs.  The puppy Lurcher Elvis is a bouncing bundle of fun while the older dog Spike is like an elder statesman.  Spike was really nonplussed when Elvis arrived, but after a bit of hard work from their owners, in true elder statesman style he has decided that the young upstart can stay.  These owners are genuinely experienced including with Gun Dogs in the field but for anyone a new puppy can turn family life upside down - especially while so many of us are working from home and the puppy wants full time attention.  These owners have got it right and we look forward to seeing Elvis reach his full doggy potential.

17th December 2020 - Alex Fraser

Alex dealt with Aggression, Barking, Pulling

I am really happy with the training and all the tips. I am able to take a better control of my dog. Alex was able to explain everything to me and show me some techniques to teach my dog which were really helpful.

- -.P, Manchester, Greater Manchester (Testimonial)

Trainer note from Alex
Really great session and the owners dog responded really well. I’m delighted with the feedback I received in regards to how well she is behaving on her walks. She is far less stressed when out and about. But to achieve a happier less stressed dog on walks, it’s important to change the dynamic between the owner and their dog within the home first. Keep up the good work!!

12th December 2020 - Angela Young

Remote Training Team dealt with Aggression, Barking

The zoom call was very informative. Angela was friendly and easy to understand. She gave us lots of information about our dogs behaviour and why he does it.

- -.E, BOLTON, Greater Manchester (Testimonial)