Bark Busters Reviews and Customer Testimonials
14th October 2025 - Mark Gall
Mark dealt with Barking, Pulling
Very impressed with Mark's approach. Makes good sense and is realistically achievable with a little work and perseverance. Already seeing great results. Thanks so much :)
Trainer note from Mark
Arlo is a 3yr old male labrador . A lovely temperament who can manipulate the family with kindness but a random territorial barker ( owner said it makes them jump )plus pulling was an issue the owner was struggling to get on top of. One lesson has already seen huge improvements and a much more settled relaxed dog. I'm keen to hear of more progress soon.
Arlo is a 3yr old male labrador . A lovely temperament who can manipulate the family with kindness but a random territorial barker ( owner said it makes them jump )plus pulling was an issue the owner was struggling to get on top of. One lesson has already seen huge improvements and a much more settled relaxed dog. I'm keen to hear of more progress soon.
13th October 2025 - Mark Gall
Mark dealt with Barking, Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Pulling, Recall, Separation anxiety
We had Mark out on Friday to help us with some issues we were having with our wee mixture foxy x jack russell , she is very jumpy and in your face, reactivate to anything that passes by gate, and when walking will bark and bark at other dogs going by, I'm very impressed with the instant change in her listening to the commands and how much more calmer she is, we still have a long way to go but I'm positive with daily training and perseverance we will definitely get there, a work in progress.
Trainer note from Mark
Little Maggie is a wee gem of a fire cracker . full on mostly when I first visited. She and the family took on board the Speak dog to teach dog principles very well and Maggie's behaviors' starting adjusting quickly. Still some work to do but progress already after one lesson of her lifetime support program.
Little Maggie is a wee gem of a fire cracker . full on mostly when I first visited. She and the family took on board the Speak dog to teach dog principles very well and Maggie's behaviors' starting adjusting quickly. Still some work to do but progress already after one lesson of her lifetime support program.
12th October 2025 - Mark Gall
Mark dealt with Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Pulling, Sibling rivalry
It was great to have all the family here to listen to Mark and his help with the dynamics of the dogs in our household. Mark was able to help with the issues we had with Dora and her reactiveness for when people arriving at the door and how she is when we are out for walks and she encounters other dogs. There has been a huge improvement of when people arrive at our house and although she is still reactive with dogs on the street there has been some improvement. The new Wagg walker harness has really helped.
Trainer note from Mark
Dora the Explora, Dogue de Bordeaux , on my Facebook page Bark Busters South island. Lovely dog but very over the top and hyped with guests and dogs , not aggressive just full on and too excitable, no focus . She responded well to the owners new refocusing skills and were applied well to get Dora attending to them very quickly. Again she is a big breed at 40 odd kg already . We'll do another session soon to fine tune any kinks out . Great work guys and gals.
Dora the Explora, Dogue de Bordeaux , on my Facebook page Bark Busters South island. Lovely dog but very over the top and hyped with guests and dogs , not aggressive just full on and too excitable, no focus . She responded well to the owners new refocusing skills and were applied well to get Dora attending to them very quickly. Again she is a big breed at 40 odd kg already . We'll do another session soon to fine tune any kinks out . Great work guys and gals.
27th September 2025 - Mark Gall
Mark dealt with Aggression, Barking, Jumping up, Pulling
It was lovely to meet Mark today!! Our girl Xena was a terrible lead puller and very fear reactive around strange dogs. Mark taught us some great techniques to help Xena and make us better leaders for her. We still have a way to go on our journey together, but going forward we now have the skills and the homework to create wonderful peaceful walking days!! Can’t recommend Mark enough, great to have that on-going support too.
Trainer note from Mark
Xena is a 4yr old Huntaway x Lab, called in for dog reactive issues as well as pulling , jumping up ,barking ,recall issues. Loved by the family dearly but a struggle to walk down the street. After the lesson the knowledge imparted made such a huge difference to both Xena and the owners ability to calm Xena's world. There will be some work in progress that will be addressed on the next lesson. Great strides forward guys ,catch up soon .
Xena is a 4yr old Huntaway x Lab, called in for dog reactive issues as well as pulling , jumping up ,barking ,recall issues. Loved by the family dearly but a struggle to walk down the street. After the lesson the knowledge imparted made such a huge difference to both Xena and the owners ability to calm Xena's world. There will be some work in progress that will be addressed on the next lesson. Great strides forward guys ,catch up soon .
15th September 2025 - Mark Gall
Mark dealt with Aggression, Barking
We can’t recommend Bark Busters highly enough. Our dog Acorn used to bark and show aggression toward anyone visiting our home, which made having guests stressful. Within just one day of Mark’s training, we had a completely different dog — calm, relaxed, and welcoming. The training was simple, effective, and based on common-sense methods that worked straight away with out food treats constantly. We can now enjoy having visitors again without worry. Thank you, Mark, for giving us (and Acorn) such peace of mind!
Trainer note from Mark
Acorn is a 5yr old Mini Schnauzer x Cairn Terrier. It appears he had attitude to match the terrier breeds. Extremely barky at anything in his earshot or sight , he ownes the view, pulled and can be quite reactive ,verging aggressive to visitors especially men. Basically a fear aggressive wee man who needed guidance. Our first lesson was very good and he responded very well , although I'm sure he'll try and push the new house rules of engagement. I love seeing the results of finally teaching speaking dog. Great work guys , keen to have a follow up soon to fine tune anything not quite sorted.
Acorn is a 5yr old Mini Schnauzer x Cairn Terrier. It appears he had attitude to match the terrier breeds. Extremely barky at anything in his earshot or sight , he ownes the view, pulled and can be quite reactive ,verging aggressive to visitors especially men. Basically a fear aggressive wee man who needed guidance. Our first lesson was very good and he responded very well , although I'm sure he'll try and push the new house rules of engagement. I love seeing the results of finally teaching speaking dog. Great work guys , keen to have a follow up soon to fine tune anything not quite sorted.
5th September 2025 - Mark Gall
Mark dealt with Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Pulling, Sibling rivalry
I sought help from Mark in relation to my two dogs. Both Staffies. I was having major issues with them thinking they owned our place, hyperactive , barking at the passers by and walking Arlo was a nightmare with pulling. From the minute Arlo thought we were going for a walk, he would scream around the house, be really pushy, jumpy, totally unfocussed and then proceed to drag me around the streets. Just one lesson with Mark has made a massive difference. I can now identify Arlos triggers and have him settle before even leaving the house which is leading to better walks. Still a long way to go but I feel as though we are on the right track now! Mark was my last hope after already using three different trainers, and I wish I had of just used him from the beginning!!
Trainer note from Mark
Arlo is a full of energy Staffy who at 3.5yrs old should be relaxed. He responded well to our inside the house training which is where it always needs to start, minor adjustments in the house make a massive difference to his response outside the house. We walked nicely down the street with Mum in charge and no problems of over excitement or pulling. A first for Arlo ( video on face book: Bark Busters South island). Certainly there will be adjustments to be made but first lesson is a winner already . Awesome work master Arlo and team .
Arlo is a full of energy Staffy who at 3.5yrs old should be relaxed. He responded well to our inside the house training which is where it always needs to start, minor adjustments in the house make a massive difference to his response outside the house. We walked nicely down the street with Mum in charge and no problems of over excitement or pulling. A first for Arlo ( video on face book: Bark Busters South island). Certainly there will be adjustments to be made but first lesson is a winner already . Awesome work master Arlo and team .
2nd September 2025 - Mark Gall
Mark dealt with Barking, Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Pulling, Recall
Mark was fantastic, he was knowledgeable and provided instant results and showed us how to keep the techniques in place, would highly recommend Mark and the Bark Busters to anyone.
Trainer note from Mark
Russell is a 2 yr Swedish Valhund who has major attention seeking barking issues , constantly barking at the owners , lots of jumping , pulls , recalls an issue. Even with in the lesson he settled well once the owners were shown how to refocus Russell when his adrenaline jumped into ME mode. Geat work guys , hear from you soon with an update
Russell is a 2 yr Swedish Valhund who has major attention seeking barking issues , constantly barking at the owners , lots of jumping , pulls , recalls an issue. Even with in the lesson he settled well once the owners were shown how to refocus Russell when his adrenaline jumped into ME mode. Geat work guys , hear from you soon with an update
29th August 2025 - Mark Gall
Mark dealt with Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Pulling, Recall, Other
Mark was great, we've implemented many of the techniques he taught us and our dog changed instantly on many fronts. Mark also didn't make us feel like idiots as you don't know what you don't know, he was patient, clear and great to work with, would highly recommend the investment.
Trainer note from Mark
Watson is a Golden Retriever of about 6.5yrs. His stubborn passive dominance had become an issue especially now the house hold has blended and a cat introduced. He was extremely stubborn when asked to do a task , but cam through on the day to be much more pliable and willing, problems included Barking , jumping up , recall, separation anxiety , agro cats, and pulled on the leash. Good steps forward have been achieved already.
Watson is a Golden Retriever of about 6.5yrs. His stubborn passive dominance had become an issue especially now the house hold has blended and a cat introduced. He was extremely stubborn when asked to do a task , but cam through on the day to be much more pliable and willing, problems included Barking , jumping up , recall, separation anxiety , agro cats, and pulled on the leash. Good steps forward have been achieved already.
26th August 2025 - Mark Gall
Mark dealt with Chewing, Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Pulling, Puppy management, Recall
Excellent service from Mark. Very patient with inexperienced owners. Given us clear instructions and we know we can go back to him at any point for clarification, further support or advice. Looking forward to fruitful collaboration during the difficult puppy months ahead of us. Thanks Mark.
Trainer note from Mark
The owners dog is an English Bull terrier 6mths old and very stubborn . they are also new to dogs. Hard to get to focus . One major problem for mum was the physical play of nipping and biting. Although we dealt with all the problems of focus ,pulling , jumping attention barking and nipping there is a work in progress with this little girl. I look forward to chat with the owners for a follow up check up on progress. Good first steps guys.
The owners dog is an English Bull terrier 6mths old and very stubborn . they are also new to dogs. Hard to get to focus . One major problem for mum was the physical play of nipping and biting. Although we dealt with all the problems of focus ,pulling , jumping attention barking and nipping there is a work in progress with this little girl. I look forward to chat with the owners for a follow up check up on progress. Good first steps guys.
26th August 2025 - Mark Gall
Mark dealt with Barking, Chewing, Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Pulling, Recall, Separation anxiety
This training was a great help. I suspected that my dog did not see me as the "boss," but needed help to know how to show her that I am. She is already listening better and pulling less on the lead. With practice I think we will improve even more.
Trainer note from Mark
Early days yet for Ginny a 9mth old Golden retriever x labrador . Huge puller , no recall , Jumped up a lot , Separation anxiety issues and really didn't focus at all on the owners requests. being on a small livestyle block focus and recall are vital. Much improved since our lesson but still way to go . Great work Ginny.
Early days yet for Ginny a 9mth old Golden retriever x labrador . Huge puller , no recall , Jumped up a lot , Separation anxiety issues and really didn't focus at all on the owners requests. being on a small livestyle block focus and recall are vital. Much improved since our lesson but still way to go . Great work Ginny.
5th August 2025 - Mark Gall
Mark dealt with Barking, Pulling, Recall, Other
Baxter was such an anxious boy who was also quite stubborn. He also loves to run away which is how he ended up a rescue dog and being adopted by us.
Baxter has made incredible progress since starting the training program with Mark at Bark Busters South Island.
Baxter’s potential was always there, and this experience has truly brought out the best in him. Our training sessions are enjoyable and our walks have become so much more pleasant. Baxter is now no longer pulling on the lead, he comes back when called (most times) and is also able to have fun on walks OFF the lead with confidence that he will come back. Thank you, Mark - you are amazing!
Trainer note from Mark
Mr Baxter , lovely dog , rehome rescue, Was fear reactive of people and dogs , with other obedience issues . He responded very well and the owner has applied the refocusing skills learnt in the lesson. I'm keen to catch up and see how beautiful Baxter , the Bull breed rescue poster boy has progeressed. Great work guys.
Mr Baxter , lovely dog , rehome rescue, Was fear reactive of people and dogs , with other obedience issues . He responded very well and the owner has applied the refocusing skills learnt in the lesson. I'm keen to catch up and see how beautiful Baxter , the Bull breed rescue poster boy has progeressed. Great work guys.
1st August 2025 - Mark Gall
Mark dealt with Barking, Hyperactivity, Jumping up, Pulling
Herbie responded very well to the training and we were given lots of resources to refer back to in the future.
Trainer note from Mark
Herbie is 1yr 4mth old Australian Shepherd x Golden Retriever and the owners . Time is of the essence as well. He was jumping , pulling , barking , anxious of visitors, quite the worried dog. Lesson he responded well and we got good results , obviously a work in progress as the household will be changing dramatically shortly. Great job guys , we'll catch up soon.
Herbie is 1yr 4mth old Australian Shepherd x Golden Retriever and the owners . Time is of the essence as well. He was jumping , pulling , barking , anxious of visitors, quite the worried dog. Lesson he responded well and we got good results , obviously a work in progress as the household will be changing dramatically shortly. Great job guys , we'll catch up soon.