Bark Busters Reviews and Customer Testimonials
27th May 2021 - Graham Milgrew
Graham dealt with Aggression, Barking, Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Recall
We have had our first virtual meeting with Jo, who I found to be extremely experienced within her role and completely open and honest. Felt totally relaxed and relieved by the end of our call. Thank you Jo !!!!
Trainer note from Graham
These owners have taken on a Springer Spaniel who has a truly terrible history with multiple homes in his short 4 years. He has finally found a home who are prepared to help him with his numerous problems. We foster and rehabilitate dogs ourselves and understand how much a damaged dog can disrupt the household. These owners have been doing a huge amount right and need help with some of the more complicated issues he is presenting with. Both Graham and I are looking forward to continuing to work with these owners and both their dogs.
These owners have taken on a Springer Spaniel who has a truly terrible history with multiple homes in his short 4 years. He has finally found a home who are prepared to help him with his numerous problems. We foster and rehabilitate dogs ourselves and understand how much a damaged dog can disrupt the household. These owners have been doing a huge amount right and need help with some of the more complicated issues he is presenting with. Both Graham and I are looking forward to continuing to work with these owners and both their dogs.
10th May 2021 - Graham Milgrew
Graham dealt with Aggression, Barking, Chewing, Hyperactivity, Jumping up
We were in desperate need of help as my brother had to go into hospital at short notice and we were left with four very wild and uncontrollable rescue dogs. Graham was very patient and helped us feel confident with the dogs. He gave us several tips and made us aware of how to read their body language and the signals they were giving us. Graham has been invaluable in assisting us to manage the dogs as without his intervention they may have had to be rehomed. Very grateful for Graham enormous support and years of experience with training dogs. These dogs are like children to my brother and it was so important as a family that we are able to care and look after them in the future when he is not with us any more.
Trainer note from Graham
As stated, the owner of these 4 older, rescue dogs was diagnosed with a terminal illness. The dogs were very bonded to him and protective of him. Due to his illness it became necessary for the family and external carers to visit regularly and, in some cases, live with him. The dogs handled this badly at first and there was a real concern that they might have to be moved on as people were scared of them. For the first week we simply concentrated on getting the dogs relaxed and desensitised to their new reality. I'm pleased to say that everyone got involved and very soon it became a calmer and more relaxed household. We are continuing to work with the family as they face the future.
As stated, the owner of these 4 older, rescue dogs was diagnosed with a terminal illness. The dogs were very bonded to him and protective of him. Due to his illness it became necessary for the family and external carers to visit regularly and, in some cases, live with him. The dogs handled this badly at first and there was a real concern that they might have to be moved on as people were scared of them. For the first week we simply concentrated on getting the dogs relaxed and desensitised to their new reality. I'm pleased to say that everyone got involved and very soon it became a calmer and more relaxed household. We are continuing to work with the family as they face the future.
9th May 2021 - Graham Milgrew
Graham dealt with Puppy management, Separation anxiety, Toileting
I was having issues settling my new puppy & contacted Barkbusters. My trainer was Jo Milgrew & she was an absolute lifesaver. Jo provided practice help & advice and supported me throughout. She gave sound tips on how to get my puppy settled into her new home, help on toilet training and provided guidance on setting a good night time routine. My puppy display separation anxiety and I had no clue about this or how to manage it and Jo was instrumental in guiding me through this really difficult and stressful time. I cannot recommend her services high enough she actually saved my sanity!! Jo is extremely knowledgeable, empathetic and professional and I would not have survived without her help. Thank you Jo and Barkbusters, you are providing a great service and worth every penny spent.
Trainer note from Graham
A new puppy is often much harder work than anyone can anticipate. This owner researched very carefully, prepared perfectly but had a puppy that was very fretful and unable to settle at night. This is exhausting for anyone and makes it difficult to cope. never mind enjoy the puppy you were really looking forward to. This is where we can help and give the ongoing support needed that cannot be found in books or online training (as much as both of those come highly recommended as well from us) to get owners through the difficult patches.
A new puppy is often much harder work than anyone can anticipate. This owner researched very carefully, prepared perfectly but had a puppy that was very fretful and unable to settle at night. This is exhausting for anyone and makes it difficult to cope. never mind enjoy the puppy you were really looking forward to. This is where we can help and give the ongoing support needed that cannot be found in books or online training (as much as both of those come highly recommended as well from us) to get owners through the difficult patches.
26th April 2021 - Graham Milgrew
Graham dealt with Pulling, Puppy management
We first contacted Jo when Norfi was a puppy and were immediately impressed by her warmth, knowledge and dog whispering skills! Jo gave us the confidence to practice many of her suggestions without her supervision and there's no doubt she's made a huge difference to Norfi as we've watched him grow into the happy and cheeky little rascal he is. Recently Jo has been helping us with Norfi's car anxiety which has been very helpful and I'm sure will make a big difference! Many thanks, Kip & Jo
Trainer note from Graham
Norfi is a gorgeous Norfolk Terrier and has grown into a dog his owners can be really proud of. He is a very confident little dog and was happy traveling in the car, but recently has become very fearful when there is no obvious reason. Programs can be done to gently get a dog used to travel in a car/on a train/on a bus, but sudden onset fear like this means that it is not straightforward and his owners will have to try different options to see what helps Norfi. Fear is tricky to deal with as a dog can become more sensitive but if handled carefully Norfi will be able to enjoy traveling again.
Norfi is a gorgeous Norfolk Terrier and has grown into a dog his owners can be really proud of. He is a very confident little dog and was happy traveling in the car, but recently has become very fearful when there is no obvious reason. Programs can be done to gently get a dog used to travel in a car/on a train/on a bus, but sudden onset fear like this means that it is not straightforward and his owners will have to try different options to see what helps Norfi. Fear is tricky to deal with as a dog can become more sensitive but if handled carefully Norfi will be able to enjoy traveling again.
6th April 2021 - Graham Milgrew
Graham dealt with Other
Our Miniature Goldendoodle, Indie, is a resource guarder. As our first dog, training a puppy was utterly new to us, and while we were successful in some areas, we were also struggling in others. It wasn't long before our lack of understanding showed, and our puppy soon developed a possessive aggressive nature over things she would pick up and find. We were at such a loss on what to do, and it was causing us a lot of stress and anxiety; cue Jo & Graham Milgrew, who – quite literally – came in and rescued us from this downward spiral. They showed us that it wasn't an issue with her alone but with how we were handling the situation and that we needed to change to help Indie. Indie's guarding was quite severe to give you some background, although it never happened with food or toys, her resource guarding came into play whenever she picked something up on her walk or if she found something around the flat. Instead of growling to warn us off, she would go straight to biting and with every episode, we knew the situation was getting worse. In our initial meeting with Jo, she talked us through resource guarding, explained the situation from Indie's point of view – which was eye-opening – and gave us some steps which we could take to help the situation. We immediately followed those steps, which centred around getting Indie to trust us again, and since then, she has completely changed. It took some time to build up that trust, but it was like a sudden switch in her behaviour one day. She would allow us to stroke her when she had something she would typically guard, and then she learnt to drop and swap it for something else. Which was just amazing and a point I'd never thought we'd get to. We understand that Indie is and probably always will be a resource guarder, but we don't take anything away from her as she listens to us and swaps it for something else. A key takeaway from the training was learning to remain calm and relaxed when she had something; if we got stressed, her guarding would worsen. We know now that dog training is not a linear process, but with both Jo & Graham's help, it can be an easier thing to tackle. We'd highly recommend getting in contact; it's a decision you and your best friend would never regret.
Trainer note from Graham
Resource guarding only happens when a dog is guarding something he or she prizes. It can be food, toys, items they like the look of (and steal), where they sleep and in some cases people they prize like their owner or owner's children. In many cases, this can be managed successfully like leaving a dog to eat in peace. However, that is not always possible, as in the case of Indie. Her owners took the time to do the work to ensure that Indie no longer feels threatened by an approach from them and is happy to give up items on request. It is well worth doing as a dog can be trained successfully and you can live in harmony with your dog.
Resource guarding only happens when a dog is guarding something he or she prizes. It can be food, toys, items they like the look of (and steal), where they sleep and in some cases people they prize like their owner or owner's children. In many cases, this can be managed successfully like leaving a dog to eat in peace. However, that is not always possible, as in the case of Indie. Her owners took the time to do the work to ensure that Indie no longer feels threatened by an approach from them and is happy to give up items on request. It is well worth doing as a dog can be trained successfully and you can live in harmony with your dog.
20th March 2021 - Graham Milgrew
Graham dealt with Pulling, Separation anxiety
We initially got in touch because Finzi had separation Anxiety and we couldn't leave him alone for any length of time without him becoming distressed. Jo met with us several times on Zoom and talked us through some techniques we could use. Our routine has been changing because of lockdown but the work we have put in has paid off. Finzi has had a very good week- I've been back on the school site for 2 weeks now and he is getting into the new routine with me not there and Tim coming and going or in meetings in another room. It was really good to see Graham last week and get some advice on walking Finzi. The specialist lead arrived during the week- what a difference it makes. We have had a few walks with it now and this morning I took him across the Heath and into Greenwich park without getting my arm pulled out of its socket! It has made such a difference. Every now and then he tries to get to off, but mostly is not bothered by it Let's hope it continues.
Trainer note from Graham
These owners had particular work setup difficulties which made it impossible to do the normal graduated separation program. They were happy to be quite creative and work with me to find what worked. There have been recent changes that disrupted Finzi because they were both at home again when the schools closed, but they have followed the advice and he has settled again. He is a beautiful looking and very powerful Lurcher which made lead walking difficult, but he is doing really well using a specific type of lead and head collar which ensures a dog can be walked safely and over long distances.
These owners had particular work setup difficulties which made it impossible to do the normal graduated separation program. They were happy to be quite creative and work with me to find what worked. There have been recent changes that disrupted Finzi because they were both at home again when the schools closed, but they have followed the advice and he has settled again. He is a beautiful looking and very powerful Lurcher which made lead walking difficult, but he is doing really well using a specific type of lead and head collar which ensures a dog can be walked safely and over long distances.
16th March 2021 - Graham Milgrew
Graham dealt with Puppy management
Jo and Graham have been so great. I had a long chat with Jo on Zoom to discuss training/biting and everything in between and then Graham has been to see us twice, both times have been so useful especially with leash training, it really has given me the confidence to ensure Winn and I working together. I'm really so pleased with their knowledge and helpfulness.
Trainer note from Graham
Winn is a whippet puppy. What many people don't realise is that young whippets can be a real handful - cheeky, nervous and very, very fast! Winn and his owner responded very well to their training and doing really well now.
Winn is a whippet puppy. What many people don't realise is that young whippets can be a real handful - cheeky, nervous and very, very fast! Winn and his owner responded very well to their training and doing really well now.
10th March 2021 - Graham Milgrew
Graham dealt with Aggression, Chewing, Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Pulling, Puppy management, Recall, Toileting
We contacted Bark Busters as we were new to owning a puppy and felt we needed guidance on all aspects associated with being a new dog owner. We found Graham to be a very calming influence to us and also Murray. His techniques for training Murray were excellent and covered all aspects of dog behaviour etc. It was great to see that after only a few minutes with Murray Graham had brought him under control. The instruction and face to face contact with Graham enabled us to see for ourselves what we should/should not be doing. Graham was always to hand when we were having a problem we could not deal with and he guided us through what to do. We found the notes he supplied to be very comprehensive and helpful. Murray is progressing with training, walking and recall work - not quite the finished article yet but we are getting there. He has said that should we need his help he is always at the end of a phone which we found reassuring. We were asked recently who our trainer was and we had no hesitation in recommending Bark Busters as we found Graham to be of great help to us.
Trainer note from Graham
Murray is a fantastic little fellow who just needed a guiding hand on his journey from puppy to fully grown dog. He's currently doing well in his teenage phase and his owners are coping brilliantly.
Murray is a fantastic little fellow who just needed a guiding hand on his journey from puppy to fully grown dog. He's currently doing well in his teenage phase and his owners are coping brilliantly.
4th March 2021 - Graham Milgrew
Graham dealt with Aggression, Hyperactivity, Pulling
Started my training way back in September 2019 with Jo and from the moment of meeting Jo I just knew I was in good hands. Jo was so knowledgeable, confident and put me and Gypsy at ease very quickly. The training tips she showed me helped so much with my feelings of despair. Gypsy was a rescue dog having been dumped in my daughter's front garden spray painted blue and her tail had been docked so she had a lot of issues. Fast forward to 2020 and COVID. Jo has always been ready and happy to help with any “niggles†whether by phone or text or email or video. Now in another new year and some problems have been causing me concern; in comes Graham and must say our meeting yesterday was “spot on†he had such simple answers to what I thought were big problems. All his ideas and answers have been so helpful. Jo and Graham thank you and you two are amazing.
Trainer note from Graham
This owner has had to deal with issues that not many owners have. The spray paint mentioned is used in the illegal world of dog fighting so Gyspy had a lucky escape whether from this or from general neglect where someone thought it would be fun to put paint on a puppy. Gypsy has many issues and her owner has always stayed in touch and got help when needed with Gypsy. As a result, she has brought Gypsy up to be a really lovely happy girl who has a great life. It has been a total pleasure to help.
This owner has had to deal with issues that not many owners have. The spray paint mentioned is used in the illegal world of dog fighting so Gyspy had a lucky escape whether from this or from general neglect where someone thought it would be fun to put paint on a puppy. Gypsy has many issues and her owner has always stayed in touch and got help when needed with Gypsy. As a result, she has brought Gypsy up to be a really lovely happy girl who has a great life. It has been a total pleasure to help.
28th February 2021 - Graham Milgrew
Graham dealt with Aggression, Hyperactivity
We are delighted with the progress made with Harley, and look forward to further, beneficial support from Bark Busters. We would certainly recommend them.
Trainer note from Graham
Harley is a 4 year old lurcher who is very friendly and affectionate to his human owners, who adopted him 6 months prior to asking us for some help. The main problem that they encountered was that Harley was very reactive to other dogs outdoors and would try to attack them. Walks were not fun or calming! After a couple of sessions we had reached the stage where the owners could go for a relaxing walk with Harley who, is now stand-offish rather than aggressive to other dogs. He still has his moments but things are progressing well.
Harley is a 4 year old lurcher who is very friendly and affectionate to his human owners, who adopted him 6 months prior to asking us for some help. The main problem that they encountered was that Harley was very reactive to other dogs outdoors and would try to attack them. Walks were not fun or calming! After a couple of sessions we had reached the stage where the owners could go for a relaxing walk with Harley who, is now stand-offish rather than aggressive to other dogs. He still has his moments but things are progressing well.
16th February 2021 - Graham Milgrew
Graham dealt with Barking, Hyperactivity, Pulling
The 3 sessions we have had with Jo and Graham have been so helpful. Jo helped us with a long zoom call to go through our concerns about Vita and gave us some helpful training strategies and also sent us notes. Graham came to visit us and went through training techniques and when I was concerned about Vita's behaviour came to see us very quickly and gave us some really useful advice. I have found them very supportive and not at all judgemental and would recommend them. Graham's calm approach had an almost immediate effect on our dog's challenging behaviour.
Trainer note from Graham
These owners have a wonderfully energetic young Miniature Schnauzer. Unfortunately, Vita found children particularly exciting and had started to chase after them barking which was scary for both the children, their parents, and Vita's owners. Chasing starts out as a novelty whether exciting or scary. It can be very difficult to control as it is natural dog behaviour and can also turn predatory with a dog trying to nip at feet and legs as they would if chasing an animal. Vita's owners have taken action while she is still young and they are having success at managing and retraining Vita. She is still an adolescent so this will take time, but they are progressing in the right direction and will have our support on the way to deal with any glitches in the process.
These owners have a wonderfully energetic young Miniature Schnauzer. Unfortunately, Vita found children particularly exciting and had started to chase after them barking which was scary for both the children, their parents, and Vita's owners. Chasing starts out as a novelty whether exciting or scary. It can be very difficult to control as it is natural dog behaviour and can also turn predatory with a dog trying to nip at feet and legs as they would if chasing an animal. Vita's owners have taken action while she is still young and they are having success at managing and retraining Vita. She is still an adolescent so this will take time, but they are progressing in the right direction and will have our support on the way to deal with any glitches in the process.
30th January 2021 - Graham Milgrew
Graham dealt with Aggression, Barking, Hyperactivity, Separation anxiety, Sibling rivalry, Other
Our Springer came to us as a rescue, with multiple issues, 5 years ago. At the time we had a lot of help from both Jo and Graham and due to their patience and advice we managed to settle her with our 2 other dogs. Fast forward 5 years and following major surgery poor Geri had a major meltdown, starting with not wanting to sleep at night and escalating into not being able to stop running around during the day unless restrained, really heart breaking. I called up Jo, and there were her and Graham ready to help with a whole new problem. Geri is a long way from fixed but with Jo and Graham's help we are taking little steps every day and moving in the right direction. Without them I am pretty certain i would have lost my girl by now. As you can imagine I can't recommend Bark Busters highly enough.
Trainer note from Graham
Geri had serious behavioural issues after her surgery. This was brought on by needing to be crated to recover from surgery when she has separation anxiety. The stress of this unbalanced her and once she recovered from her surgery she was unable to settle either in or out of her crate. Geri's owner is not exaggerating about losing her dog. The Vet had advised considering euthanasia the circumstances were so extreme. Fortunately we were able to advise on a behaviour program supported by Vet medication that alleviated the crisis. Geri's road to mental and physical recovery will be slow but she is on the way now.
Geri had serious behavioural issues after her surgery. This was brought on by needing to be crated to recover from surgery when she has separation anxiety. The stress of this unbalanced her and once she recovered from her surgery she was unable to settle either in or out of her crate. Geri's owner is not exaggerating about losing her dog. The Vet had advised considering euthanasia the circumstances were so extreme. Fortunately we were able to advise on a behaviour program supported by Vet medication that alleviated the crisis. Geri's road to mental and physical recovery will be slow but she is on the way now.