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THE BARK BUSTERS 'TAIL'

Bark Busters Home Dog Training have been helping owners and their dogs since 1989. One of the world's largest dog training businesses, operating around the world

SPEAKING DOG THE BARK BUSTERS WAY

Bark Busters Dog Training

Following is the story of how Bark Busters was born and how it came to be. Our Head Office is in Wollongong NSW Australia.

BARK BUSTERS IS BORN

Bark Busters was formed in Australia in 1989 by Sylvia and Danny Wilson, expert dog trainers and authors of many dog training books on dog psychology and training.

Sylvia managed an RSPCA shelter for 10 years, in the Southeast of NSW Australia, before forming Bark Busters with her husband.

She had studied the behaviour and communication methods of dogs from childhood. While managing the shelter she was saddened by the number of dogs she saw being maltreated, abandoned and euthanised for behavioural problems, which she knew was due to a lack of consistent leadership, understanding and clear ‘canine communication’.

Meanwhile on the other side of the globe Danny was working with farm dogs and helping farmers deal with behavioural issues. Danny realised early on, that ‘communication’ between man and dog was one of the most important ingredients in stabilising and calming stressed and traumatised dogs. 

The merging of their ideas became the basis for creating the Bark Busters innovative, naturalistic and holistic training techniques. Our unique techniques have propelled Bark Busters' phenomenal growth worldwide.

Bark Busters is now the world's largest dog training company with more than 300 trainers worldwide.

 

ABOUT SYLVIA AND DANNY

Sylvia was born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the United Kingdom and emigrated to Australia with her parents at the age of 5.

Danny was born in Australia but was brought up near Newcastle-upon-Tyne United Kingdom. He returned to Australia when he was 26.

Some years later, Sylvia first met Danny when she was managing an RSPCA branch. They realised there must be a way to stop dogs from being returned to the shelter because of their behaviour. This is how Bark Busters came into being.

Danny and Sylvia’s comments:

"We realised, while working at the RSPCA centre, that many dogs were being surrendered in their prime by their owners who could not control their bad behaviour. At the time there was no help for these people whose problems fell through the cracks“
"We noticed that many dog trainers were reluctant to deal with dogs deemed dangerous or difficult to train. Many prefer to recommend euthanasia without even meeting these dogs face to face. We never recommend euthanasia. We never turn any dog away!"

 

AWARD WINNING COMPANY

  • 2017 Sylvia Wilson named winner of the PetAge Icon Award
  • 2015 Sylvia Wilson named by Smart Companies-Top 30 Female Entrepreneurs in Australia
  • 2014 Sylvia Wilson named Entrepreneur of the Year-Women in the Pet Industry Network USA
  • 2013 Sylvia Wilson named by Smart Companies-Top 30 Female Entrepreneurs in Australia
  • 2007 Bark Busters named Australia's 5th fastest growing franchise in BRW's Hot Franchises List
  • 2006 Sylvia Wilson (co-founder) recognised in BRW's Top 10 Australian Women Entrepreneurs List
  • 2005 Illawarra Business Awards - Winner of the Wollongong City Council Innovation category
  • 2004 Illawarra Business Awards - Winner of Exporter of the Year category
  • 2002 Australia Post Small Business Awards- Small Business of the Year Winner. Integral Energy Illawarra Small Business Awards - Winner of Oz Industry, Export & Small Business Categories
  • 1999 Sylvia Wilson inducted into Business Women's Hall of Fame-Australian Women’s Business Network
  • 1998 Telstra Small Business Awards - Winner  & Telstra Small Business Awards Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year (NSW) - Winner

 

BARK BUSTERS TRAINING IS AHEAD OF THE PACK

OUR TRAINERS HAVE THAT SPECIAL SOMETHING!
  • Our trainers are passionate about the welfare of dogs
  • Bark Busters training never employs any harsh methods
  • They care for their clients
  • Follow the holistic teachings of the Founders
  • They deliver a professional service.
  • They get results, where others fail.
Bark Busters-is a howling success!
  • Bark Busters is a well-established, respected worldwide dog training system, established in 6 countries.
  • Our system is holistic, kind and humane, using a unique method of training which is based on communication, not treats or pain.
  • Bark Busters has trained over 1 million dogs worldwide.
  • Bark Busters’ dog training is non-physical, effective and fast.
  • We use the dogs’ own language and teach the owners how to communicate with their dogs.

 

BEHAVIOURAL ISSUES ARE NORMAL DOG BEHAVIOUR

BEHAVIOUR THAT ANNOYS HUMANS

Dog behavioural issues, those things that humans think of as unacceptable, are just normal dog behaviour.

In the dog world dogs bark, chew, jump up, dig holes, snap, bite, and chase animals.

It's when the dog enters the human world that this behaviour is frowned upon.

It's these behaviours that humans commonly need help to address.

Dogs understand and Speak Dog

Dogs in the ‘dog world’, living with other dogs, don’t seek help to address other dogs behavioural issues, they deal with things themselves in a ‘canine way’.

It’s called ‘canine communication’ and most dogs will do what we want them to do, if we also communicate in a canine way and speak in a language they understand.

 

BARK BUSTERS TRAINING PHILOSOPHY

We know dogs have their own form of "CANINE COMMUNICATION"

BARK BUSTERS use the dog’s form of communication to train, educate and form a strong ‘HUMAN-CANINE’ BOND.

We know that a ‘mother dog’ raises her puppies to LIVE with dogs, NOT humans.

We believe that she provided the BLUEPRINT to show us how to educate and COMMUNICATE with them.

Bark Busters BELIEVE that the human has to LEARN the WAYS of the DOG

"...if they want to form a ‘BOND that will LAST and one that is built on Mutual RESPECT’.

"...it’s amazing the results we achieve in just two to three hours.”

 

A GUARANTEE NO ONE CAN MATCH

THE BARK BUSTERS WORLDWIDE GUARANTEE IS UNIQUE IN THE INDUSTRY

It is designed to help owners ensure that a dog’s behaviour and obedience issues are resolved, and to provide customers with ongoing peace of mind and is redeemable in any country where Bark Busters is established.

Dog owners who have moved from the USA to Australia, for example, would be able to redeem their guarantee in that country.

The guarantee moves with the dog!

If a dog is rehomed, the Bark Busters guarantee goes with the dog and is redeemable by the new owner.

Over 35 years of history - over 1 million dogs trained!

 

WE ARE ALWAYS GROWING AND LEARNING

OUR TRAINERS NEVER FINISH LEARNING

We are constantly upgrading their training because dogs are always teaching us something new every single day.

 

THE BARK BUSTERS PROMISE: WE TRAIN ANY DOG, ANY AGE, ANY PROBLEM!

OUR PHILOSOPHY, IS NO DOG SHOULD EVER BE TURNED AWAY REGARDLESS OF ITS PROBLEMS, AGE, OR BREED.

"I contacted Keith via the BarkBusters website and he called me back for a chat. I specifically wanted a male to work with my dog Cleo, who has anxiety issues, barks at strangers and exhibits top dog behaviour at home. She is generally afraid of new men. I felt confident Keith could help us and I was right. He visited our home, watched Cleo in action and gave us some training tips that are simple and were immediately effective. Of course, it was really the humans who needed the training - we hadn't been doing our job of making it clear we're in charge and Cleo doesn't need to worry about having to be in charge. For us it was a case of getting some tips and tricks and consistently applying them. What I like best is all these approaches work in a calm way that doesn't negatively affect our relationship with Cleo - there is no sense of the dog being punished. Cleo is 10 years old and we would do things differently next time, but we didn't want to upend the way she currently lives - enjoying lots of cuddles on the sofa and off leash walking - so we were relieved we could incorporate the techniques into our lifestyle. If you are having issues with any of your dog's behaviour I recommend working with Keith, he will give you solutions that work with your situation; it has made a big difference for us."

Donna
Trainer: Keith Mockett

"Keith was great. Spent time discussing what we needed to do. Its only been 3 days with us being consistent and the difference is amazing. Looking forward to the next session"

Keely
Trainer: Keith Mockett

"Mark has really helped me with my nervous dog. Since our session she has become a pleasure to walk with. She seems much more settled, relaxed and far happier. Thank you Mark, for helping me to work with my best friend. "

Paul
Trainer: Mark Gall

"In early 2026 I moved houses, away from a quiet off-street standalone house, to a multi-flat building on a busy street. The move was stressful for my dog, Arlo, who had her entire routine disrupted and had a new life in a house which smelt different, and where she could constantly see people and cars going past. She was stressed, and with moving being chaotic for myself her routine became incredibly disrupted. She was freaking out about being in her crate (and thus sleeping in my bed every night), pulling on walks and barking at other dogs and men, barking at anyone who walked past the house, and howling, barking, shaking, and running around anytime I tried to leave. I became trapped in my own house, having to cancel plans or only able to attend places she could come with me out of fear of annoying my neighbours with her non-stopping barking and howling when I was away. I had to keep the curtains constantly closed so she wouldn't bark at the people going past, and had my sleep constantly disrupted as she lay in bed next to me snoring and kicking me in her sleep. Having engaged Bark Busters back in 2021, and I contacted Keith who had availability to come over a few days later to help me reclaim a sense of normality. We went over different techniques to reinforce myself as the leader, and the expectations of Arlo. Over the few days after meeting with Keith, and continuous and consistent reinforcement of Arlo's behaviour as directed by him, Arlo was a new dog. She started sleeping in her crate again with no issues, walking at heel the entire time, sitting and watching people walk past the house without a single bark, and overall being a much more relaxed dog. Three days after my appointment with Keith, I was able to leave the house for several hours, and Arlo did not bark or howl once. Through watching her on cameras I saw her look out the window before curling up and sleeping for the majority of the time I was away. Regardless of me being away from one hour or ten hours, she was content and happy to remain by herself. Even more amazingly, while I was not there she would watch people walk past the house and not bark at them! I was able to start going out again and trust that she would be well behaved and the curtain could finally remain open. I can sleep throughout the night with her fast asleep and safe in her crate. She's a different dog to what she was when I initially moved. Prior to Keith coming over, I honestly thought I would not be able to ever properly leave my house again. I was stressed about being able to go to work, and was looking into paying a lot of money for doggy daycares or someone to come pet sit just so I could leave the house. So not only did Keith make Arlo a much more happy, relaxed, and trusting dog; he also saved my sanity and saved me a lot of money."

Melanie
Trainer: Keith Mockett

"Second time back with Mark, originally had help with my american bulldog cujo who is now doing so much better and is like a new dog. Got a puppy, Hannibal (bull terrier x staffy) who is very excitable, chases the cat and didnt understand boundaries. After only a week Hannibal now doesn't chase the cat, waits when told and is a lot more easier to train. Will always recommend Mark to everyone, he helps make training dogs simple and easy to understand. Can't wait to see how Hannibal progresses as he gets older"

Elliott
Trainer: Mark Gall

"Mark was calm, thorough and explained things clearly. He responded promptly to questions both before and after the session. I could see the dogs settle quite quickly in his presence and am already seeing huge changes in Dina's behaviour and feeling more confident that I can handle the problems we were experiencing and generally more positive about our future. It may seem like a lot of money up front, but, when you break it down to an hourly rate and recognise that you have lifetime access and we will certainly be using up more than 6 hours of his time, this compares very well with other trainers that I have engaged with previous dogs with varying success."

Philippa
Trainer: Mark Gall

"It was a very positive experience. I feel I have some real tools to start to address the behaviour. We were a bit overwhelmed with Bens behaviours."

Evelyn
Trainer: Mark Gall

"I have two 12 month old Coltriever pups who were getting a bit boisterous around the house and hard to handle out on walks. Mark sussed them out very fast and after our first visit we learnt how even small tweaks to our daily household lifes can be valuable training tools for the pups. He left us with the knowledge to keep their energy levels down and they have been a joy to walk ever since. I would highly recommend Mark to anyone wanting a better relationship with their dog. The home visit is invaluable with Mark being able to see your own family dynamics. I look forward to learning more in his next visit."

Julia
Trainer: Mark Gall

"Exhausting but all pertinent. Personal instruction at end very useful. Very effective. Will need follow-up as there is a lot to learn. "

David
Trainer: Keiko Ruwhiu

"Fantastic! It's like the mute button has been activated."

Maree
Trainer: Keiko Ruwhiu

 

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