Bark Busters Newton, Waltham, Lexington & Surrounding Areas Reviews
Reviews
83 Reviews ★★★★★(Average 5 out of 5)
Margaret G.
17 days ago
— Billerica, MA
We had our first in-home session today with Bonnie, and I couldn't be more impressed. From the moment she arrived, she was professional, friendly, and clearly very knowledgeable about dog behavior. She took the time to really understand our dog's personality, routines, and the specific challenges we've been facing. What stood out most was how patient and encouraging she was - not just with our dogs, but with us as owners as well. She explained everything in a way that was easy to follow and gave us practical techniques we could start using immediately. By the end of the visit, we were already seeing small but meaningful improvements. Highly recommend to anyone looking for personalized, effective and compassionate dog training!
Thank you so much Margie - I so appreciate meeting you and your family and working with all of you - there is nothing like families committed to being the best pack they can be for their pups!
Kim N.
56 days ago
— Acton, MA
Today was my first training session with Bonnie(amazing!!) and I couldn't be more pleased. She thoroughly explained what we would be working on with my 5-year-old golden, as well as the reasoning and science behind it. I saw changes in my dog after only one session working on staying calm and greeting people coming through the front door, recall exercises, leash walking and most importantly, establishing myself as pack leader (a work in progress!!) I can't wait for my next session and to see how my dog progresses. I was very pleased and impressed with Bonnie. She is very knowledgeable and a great trainer for both dog and human.
It was so wonderful to meet you and your family as well- Isla is a very smart girl! Can’t wait to see the progress too!
Amanda K.
3 months ago
— Stow, MA
I’ve had my dog for six years and previously worked with another trainer during that time, learning a great deal—especially about managing a reactive dog and navigating the unfortunate misconceptions that often come with having an American Pit Bull Terrier.
When Miley and I moved in with my parents and their dog, we had the opportunity to work with Bonnie from Bark Busters. Working with Bonnie has been a wonderful experience. She reinforced much of the foundation we had already built while also introducing new techniques and perspectives that have made a real difference.
One of the biggest benefits of working with Bonnie is that her training is done in-home. Being able to observe how our dogs behaved in their own environment—and how they interacted with each other—was incredibly valuable. It also gave us the opportunity to practice real-life scenarios, like preparing for family and friends coming to visit, which made the training practical and immediately applicable.
Miley has a tendency to bark at anything walking or driving by outside, and Bonnie made a few simple but strategic recommendations that led to quick success. We saw improvement almost immediately. She also recently helped me transition to different walking tools, and our walks have noticeably improved as a result.
Beyond her expertise, Bonnie is always available as a resource outside of scheduled sessions. She listens without judgment and provides thoughtful, clear guidance. Her passion for dogs is obvious, and she truly cares about equipping owners with the right tools and knowledge to give their pets the best life possible.
Having worked with multiple trainers over the years, I can confidently and wholeheartedly recommend Bonnie and Bark Busters—especially for anyone navigating reactivity or multi-dog households.
Thank you for your continued good work with our girl, it means the world to me to help dedicated people like yourself to make the world better for Miley!
Kitty R.
7 months ago
— Maynard, MA
Bonnie was amazing to work with. She has excellent people skills. She explains things thoroughly. She is patient and gentle with my dog, and she is patient with me. I hired the right company to train my dog and me!
Thanks Kitty - the feeling is very mutual - it was a real pleasure working with you and Rosie!
Martha F.
7 months ago
— Newton, MA
About 6 months ago, I adopted a dog from our local rescue. He was 4-years-old, so I figured we would have NONE of the normal puppy behaviors. Boy was I wrong! I watched every video, read every article on how to overcome separation anxiety, peeing when a new guest came over, and aggression. And nothing I did worked. I mean nothing. I hired one trainer who believes in treat training. The only problem was, I didn't always have a treat with me. I was ready to give up, but had fallen in love with Patches, so failure was not an option.
Then I met Bonnie and our whole world changed. Our relationship changed. I stopped screaming "No" at every bad behavior. And I learned to communicate with Patches in a way he understood. Almost overnight, he started listening. At first I thought it was too good to be true. But by practicing the exercises she gave us for about 10 minutes each day, he was no longer afraid. Of guests, other dogs or my leaving.
My only regret? I didn't call her sooner. I could have saved myself from 6 months of stress!
The best owner Martha - and of course our Patches!!! My pleasure, you are doing great!
Mary Lynn O.
8 months ago
— Billerica, MA
I rescued a dog who was aggressive to other dogs whenever he was on leash. It was very hard to pull him back as he is a large German Shepherd. It got to the point that I would only walk him at night when other dogs weren't around. Enter Bonnie who gave us the methods to help him. We can now walk on a loose leash, and pass other dogs without growling, snapping or attempting to bite. The change in my dog's behavior was amazing. Bark Busters is one of the few trainers that can tackle the difficult behaviors.
Thanks so much Mary Lynn - Cuda just needed the correct communication to be successful!
Sally L.
9 months ago
— Stow, MA
Bonnie was very clear in her explanations of how to establish better boundaries with our pups. So far, the pups are doing really well with their homework. We are excited to see how they continue to progress.
Great news and work Sally-Looking forward to our next session!
Sally L.
10 months ago
— Wayland, MA
Bonnie was very clear in her explanations of how to establish better boundaries with our pups. So far, the pups are doing really well with their homework. We are excited to see how they continue to progress.
Amazing program! My dog’s nervous and anxious behavior was changed literally immediately! Bonnie listened very carefully to our story and drastically changed the life of my dog! Forever grateful
Bonnie really helped us to see that although we are clearly the leaders of the house, our dog did not see us that way. It's remarkable how a few simple changes and some practice led to our dog understanding that she is not in charge of security and she can calm down and be quiet. Bonnie had great insight and recommendations. Our pup had seen several trainers and she was still having issues. The wisdom and understanding that Bonnie provided really helped us to get our dog back on track. Thank you Bonnie!
Margaret G.
17 days ago
— Billerica, MA
We had our first in-home session today with Bonnie, and I couldn't be more impressed. From the moment she arrived, she was professional, friendly, and clearly very knowledgeable about dog behavior. She took the time to really understand our dog's personality, routines, and the specific challenges we've been facing. What stood out most was how patient and encouraging she was - not just with our dogs, but with us as owners as well. She explained everything in a way that was easy to follow and gave us practical techniques we could start using immediately. By the end of the visit, we were already seeing small but meaningful improvements. Highly recommend to anyone looking for personalized, effective and compassionate dog training!
PermalinkKim N.
56 days ago
— Acton, MA
Today was my first training session with Bonnie(amazing!!) and I couldn't be more pleased. She thoroughly explained what we would be working on with my 5-year-old golden, as well as the reasoning and science behind it. I saw changes in my dog after only one session working on staying calm and greeting people coming through the front door, recall exercises, leash walking and most importantly, establishing myself as pack leader (a work in progress!!) I can't wait for my next session and to see how my dog progresses. I was very pleased and impressed with Bonnie. She is very knowledgeable and a great trainer for both dog and human.
PermalinkAmanda K.
3 months ago
— Stow, MA
I’ve had my dog for six years and previously worked with another trainer during that time, learning a great deal—especially about managing a reactive dog and navigating the unfortunate misconceptions that often come with having an American Pit Bull Terrier.
PermalinkWhen Miley and I moved in with my parents and their dog, we had the opportunity to work with Bonnie from Bark Busters. Working with Bonnie has been a wonderful experience. She reinforced much of the foundation we had already built while also introducing new techniques and perspectives that have made a real difference.
One of the biggest benefits of working with Bonnie is that her training is done in-home. Being able to observe how our dogs behaved in their own environment—and how they interacted with each other—was incredibly valuable. It also gave us the opportunity to practice real-life scenarios, like preparing for family and friends coming to visit, which made the training practical and immediately applicable.
Miley has a tendency to bark at anything walking or driving by outside, and Bonnie made a few simple but strategic recommendations that led to quick success. We saw improvement almost immediately. She also recently helped me transition to different walking tools, and our walks have noticeably improved as a result.
Beyond her expertise, Bonnie is always available as a resource outside of scheduled sessions. She listens without judgment and provides thoughtful, clear guidance. Her passion for dogs is obvious, and she truly cares about equipping owners with the right tools and knowledge to give their pets the best life possible.
Having worked with multiple trainers over the years, I can confidently and wholeheartedly recommend Bonnie and Bark Busters—especially for anyone navigating reactivity or multi-dog households.
Kitty R.
7 months ago
— Maynard, MA
Bonnie was amazing to work with. She has excellent people skills. She explains things thoroughly. She is patient and gentle with my dog, and she is patient with me. I hired the right company to train my dog and me!
PermalinkMartha F.
7 months ago
— Newton, MA
About 6 months ago, I adopted a dog from our local rescue. He was 4-years-old, so I figured we would have NONE of the normal puppy behaviors. Boy was I wrong! I watched every video, read every article on how to overcome separation anxiety, peeing when a new guest came over, and aggression. And nothing I did worked. I mean nothing. I hired one trainer who believes in treat training. The only problem was, I didn't always have a treat with me. I was ready to give up, but had fallen in love with Patches, so failure was not an option.
PermalinkThen I met Bonnie and our whole world changed. Our relationship changed. I stopped screaming "No" at every bad behavior. And I learned to communicate with Patches in a way he understood. Almost overnight, he started listening. At first I thought it was too good to be true. But by practicing the exercises she gave us for about 10 minutes each day, he was no longer afraid. Of guests, other dogs or my leaving.
My only regret? I didn't call her sooner. I could have saved myself from 6 months of stress!
Mary Lynn O.
8 months ago
— Billerica, MA
I rescued a dog who was aggressive to other dogs whenever he was on leash. It was very hard to pull him back as he is a large German Shepherd. It got to the point that I would only walk him at night when other dogs weren't around. Enter Bonnie who gave us the methods to help him. We can now walk on a loose leash, and pass other dogs without growling, snapping or attempting to bite. The change in my dog's behavior was amazing. Bark Busters is one of the few trainers that can tackle the difficult behaviors.
PermalinkSally L.
9 months ago
— Stow, MA
Bonnie was very clear in her explanations of how to establish better boundaries with our pups. So far, the pups are doing really well with their homework. We are excited to see how they continue to progress.
PermalinkSally L.
10 months ago
— Wayland, MA
Bonnie was very clear in her explanations of how to establish better boundaries with our pups. So far, the pups are doing really well with their homework. We are excited to see how they continue to progress.
PermalinkAura N.
10 months ago
— Billerica, MA
Amazing program! My dog’s nervous and anxious behavior was changed literally immediately! Bonnie listened very carefully to our story and drastically changed the life of my dog! Forever grateful
PermalinkTamara M.
10 months ago
— Burlington, MA
Bonnie really helped us to see that although we are clearly the leaders of the house, our dog did not see us that way. It's remarkable how a few simple changes and some practice led to our dog understanding that she is not in charge of security and she can calm down and be quiet. Bonnie had great insight and recommendations. Our pup had seen several trainers and she was still having issues. The wisdom and understanding that Bonnie provided really helped us to get our dog back on track. Thank you Bonnie!
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