Central Kentucky Serving: Frankfort, Georgetown, Lexington, Midway, Nicholasville, Versailles Click here to contact the trainer who services your area, or call 1-877-500-BARK.
Vanessa Bell with Pippi

I am a Central Kentucky native, where I grew up on a farm in Woodford County. My childhood playmates were dogs and horses, and my playtime was spent teaching my dogs games, manners, and quirky tricks. During high school summer, I stayed with my aunt in Cincinnati, who let me volunteer and work at the Cincinnati Zoo. One day I proclaimed to my grandmother that when I grew up, I was going to be Dr. Dolittle.

In college I assumed I would have to surrender that dream because I found myself struggling with chemistry yet excelling in social sciences. My academic counselors encouraged me to detour vet school and focus on political science and human behavior – preparing me for my studies at the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce, from where I graduated in 1995.

Several years into my career, however, I yearned to find a way to merge my talents and my love for dogs. Then my friend Kendra (Bark Busters Greater Lansing, Michigan) told my about Bark Busters. I immediately began researching the company, and during the process I was surprised to see how well the techniques impacted my own dog, Pippi. Learning canine communication and leadership while getting to the root of my dog’s behavioral problems had amazing results…it truly enhanced my relationship with my dog and helped me address issues that I didn’t think could be corrected. I was sold!

In August 2005, I completed my training and certification and opened the doors of Bark Busters Central KY – Kentucky’s first Bark Busters franchise. And I have been amazed at the unique results the techniques have on each of my clients. The system starts a chain reaction in the dog’s behavior: When its stress is addressed and the household is balanced, results surface like you would never imagine. I love what I do and I especially love the joy experienced by both the owner and his dog as a result of the training. I really do feel like Dr. Dolittle!

I am married to a schoolteacher and I’m a proud stepmom and new mother. Because of my own recent experience having a baby, Bark Busters’ "Preparing Dog for New Baby" techniques were put to the test. I now considers this training one of my biggest strengths. See below for testimonies from some of my clients.

What Central KY clients say about Bark Busters . . .

Everything [Vanessa] said and did was right on.  We are amazed at the response we got the first visit.  I have recommended Bark Busters to a number of friends, Vanessa was wonderful – I can’t say enough good things about her.  We have been very excited and pleased with the results she has helped us accomplish! –Pam, Lexington

Best training ever!  Couldn’t believe the results!  The trainer was knowledgeable and personable.  Bark Busters is absolutely the best! –Jacqueline, Nicholasville

Vanessa brings both expertise and compassion to her work.  She is a natural excellent trainer, and very patient with the owner…She is the most effective dog trainer I have ever worked with. –Nanci, Lexington

The techniques were easy and explained well…A totally different dog after one session!…Very beneficial and much easier than I imagined…Best investment we made for our dog!  We are very pleased! –Leigh Ann, Lexington

Just one session was necessary to achieve my most serious training goal.  I have [recommended Bark Busters] because results with my dog were immediate.  Amazing that something so easy works so well. –Phyllis, Lexington

The explanation and follow-through was so simple that it seemed unreal that it would work.  It is the best! …it has been a pleasant transition and most welcome change in our home. --Sheryl, Lexington

Training gave me more confidence with my dog.  She seemed to respond fairly quickly to the techniques and now I feel that I can train her to do just about anything. –Sandy, Lexington

The training techniques were very easy, especially once the pack psychology was explained.  It puts man and beast on the same page…Most other training programs don’t involve the family to the extent that Bark Busters does…We really like the pack paradigm, it makes sense and provides a sound method for dealing with problems. –Skip, Lexington

Our dog was noticeably different after her first session…I work at a vet clinic and I recommend Bark Busters to all our clients. –Angie, Lexington

Vanessa was explicit and good on detailed follow-up…One visit to the back yard and the barking reduced by 80%…I have had my rescue dog in prior training, this approach is much better. –Lisa, Lexington

We have three dogs with different personalities and temperaments but they responded very well and very quickly after the therapist discovered the dogs’ motivation and our shortcomings…Our therapist was so observant and insightful and taught us so much about the dynamics among our dogs…We were expecting our second child and strongly considered giving away our dogs until Vanessa improved their behavior with just a few sessions. –Ria, Lexington

Bark Busters natural training techniques seem to work better than constant treats and threats or spankings.  [Our dog] comes for pets and praise instead of treats and even if he hesitates to get in the kennel, bathtub, etc. he will obey without begging, threatening or dragging. –Charlene,  Lexington