Client Reviews and Testimonials

Sharon truly has a gift. I have two non-trusting chihuahuas: a 10 yr old and a 6 mo old. I initially requested service for the puppy. Within 10 minutes, it was clear that my puppy was looking to my older dog, and the older one was teaching my puppy bad habits and needed training also. I thought it was too late for a 10 yr old who has always feared and barked at strangers, but he was quite responsive to Sharon. She was quite soothing for them both, which enhanced their ability to learn the tasks being taught. Within a short period of time, I was taught skills that allowed me to be in control and not controlled. I could turn off the barking and get them to walk with a loose leash. I was also impressed with the fact that canine communication, not treats, was the tool used for behavior modification. I felt like I was in a session with Cesar Milan!!!! Thanks Sharon! Permalink

I originally contacted Bark busters to help me with my 15 month old Yorkie, Scout's food aggression. Since the moment Rob Machi walked in, with his calm yet assertive demeanor, my dogs immediately knew he was the boss and listened to him! He explained everything very clearly and left me with detailed instructions. I saw an immediate change in one visit! It is definately a work in progress, but at least I know now how to get my dogs to listen to me! I also now have Jem's barking when someone enters the house under control with one word and Rob witnessed it on his second visit. Rob has made himself available saying I can contact him at anytime with any concerns. I will definately recommend Rob Machi and Bark busters to anyone who needs help with their four-legged family members! Permalink

Our first session was amazing. After the teaching of a few leader traits our dogs began responding almost instantly to us. Permalink

I am in awe of how effective this training system is....I thought I'd have to get rid of one of my dogs as they were fighting between them and with other dogs and it was getting increasingly worse. Marsha Engel came out and explained how and why dogs fight and how I needed stronger leadership to overcome these issues. I can already see a difference in my dogs! Permalink

Jan, Thank you for all you have taught us during our sessions. All four of us have made a lot of progress. Freddie is no longer shaking in fear all the time, and Fiona is much calmer and more manageable. You're the best! Permalink

John is very personable and easy to be around, and GREAT with Bella! Permalink

Excellent training. The techniques come naturally to the dog and the owners for quick results! NATURAL is truly the method of this training! Permalink

We felt as though Robin was very professional and we could tell she was experienced. We had a wonderful time. Excellent training. Permalink

One month prior to meeting Karen Edstrom at Bark Busters, we had written an ad to place our very ornery 2 yr old labradoodle on Craigslist. We had just returned from a 3 day vacation and our kennel told us they would NOT take Cooper back. He had been too much trouble for the staff and other dogs barking incessantly. Afraid that Cooper would wreak havoc on another family and someone may hurt him we decided to try one last attempt with some training. I really didn't want to spend any more money on this dog, who seemed like such a waste of time. We had already done PetSmart training twice at $200. Ahhh! We were so skeptical and laughed on the inside when Karen listed the things she would have our dog doing like: sitting in the living room while visitors came to the door, not jumping on guests, not stealing food from our kitchen counter, not shoving us down the stairs when we walked. Not barking incessantly for attention. On the very first visit, Karen came to our home and gave us the tools to accomplish all of this and more. My dog has not entered my kitchen since she left. Cooper stays in the living room when the doorbell rings and waits for us to tell him to greet guests. Cooper doesn't jump on our guests. He waits for us to walk down the stairs before he even starts down. We enjoy our dog. We love being with him. There are new things we work on each month. We can't believe we wanted to give Cooper away. It is by far the BEST MONEY I HAVE EVER SPENT! There is no cruelty involved and you do not use food treats - just petting and "good boy!"� It's like we are speaking a language he finally understands. Our dog seems so less stressed. We know what to expect from each other and we are getting along fabulously. Even our kennel says, they would love to have him back. There are not enough wonderful things I can say about Karen and Bark Busters. Permalink

Bark Busters lived up to its reputation. Ken was fantastic- patient, clear, open to hearing questions- and we saw immediate improvements with our dog. Two months ago another trainer called our dog a "crazy dog", a comment that made my heart sink at the time. Ken helped us to understand that Cricket's behavior was normal and better yet, fixable. We are feeling very encouraged and would recommend Ken to anyone! Permalink