Bark Busters Rockland and South Orange Counties Reviews

Reviews

164 Reviews ★★★★★(Average 5 out of 5)

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  • John F.
    17 months ago — Monroe, NY

    Photo of Barney We had Michelle McCarthy from Bark Busters out to assist us with our little guy, Barney. He had been living in constant fear and stress because we, as dog owners, simply didn't know what we were doing - we didn't know how to communicate with him. I am embarrassed to say, but also happy to understand, that it wasn't our dog who needed training - it was us. After four hours with Michelle, I really can't fully articulate all the "aha" moments or the wave of guilt that washed over me when I realized that my lack of awareness was stressing my dog out keeping in a state of high alert where his only mission was to lead the pack and keep it safe. The straight forward - but profoundly impactful - TTPs (Tools, Tactics, and Procedures) that Michelle imparted had an immediate impact on Barney.

    Michelle's meeting structure is very deliberate; she focused on on us (the owners) for the majority of the time, trained us up to "speak dog" and leverage straightforward, effective tools for getting Barney's attention and cooperation. By the time Michelle was done with training us and the moment arrived to practice lessons with Barney, I was pretty sure she already knew what the outcome would be: immediate impact. Immediate responsiveness. Yes, your best friend will go through an adjustment period as the Pack Hierarchy changes, but if you take in the lessons and apply them as instructed, you will likely see immediate results, as we did. I can tell already, that if applied calmly and consistently, the lessons we've learned will change our dog forever.

    Today I walked my dog without him barking at neighbors or other dogs for the first time in two years. We did so with very few corrections. In fact we past within feet of another dog and Barney just looked at me and continued trotting at my side. The experience was shocking, encouraging, and categorically justified every penny we spent with Bark Busters. We've decided to live these lessons, because that is the only guaranteed way to ensure continued success - and we are very much looking forward to doing so with full confidence that the Bark Busters' method works. Michele McCarthy is a well-traveled, confident Dog Trainer. A true professional we are thankful to have met. If you are on the fence, don't be. She's got you.

    • #Aggression
    • #Barking
    • #Pulling
    Trainer Note:
    Hi John, wow! Thank you so much for your Google review and kind words! I am so happy to hear of your "aha moments". Helping people understand their pups is my passion. There is never any reason to feel embarrassment or guilt because we all do what we know and it's only when we understand things from our dog's perspective that we can see the bigger picture :). Barney is an awesome dog and will be happier and calmer as he looks to you to make decisions and keep him safe. Well done!! You guys did great and I can't wait to see your progress. I'm always here to help! ~Michelle
  • Gayle C.
    17 months ago — Fort Montgomery, NY

    Photo of Holly Michelle helped us to take charge of an alpha diva dog. The tools and skills that she gave us have made a huge difference in our family. Our dog is more relaxed and we are in charge. I highly recommend Michelle. The tools she gives you will work if you are willing to commit the time it takes to program your dog.

    • #Barking
    • #Hyperactivity
    • #Jumping up
    • #Pulling
    Trainer Note:
    Hi Gayle, THANK YOU so much for your review! You were so diligent in your work with Holly and it has paid off! She is a strong-willed girl, and I have been so pleased to see how well you are doing with her. Keep it up and keep me posted! I'm here to help. ~Michelle
  • Jody I.
    18 months ago — West Nyack, NY

    We were amazed by how easily and quickly Michelle showed and taught us how to begin to become the leaders of our pack. Looking forward to our next visit after practicing what we’ve learned

    • #Pulling
    • #Recall
    Trainer Note:
    Hi Jody, Thank you so much for your review! I am so pleased to see the progress you guys have made and how you have been practicing with your pups. It's wonderful to see your new rescue, Ellie, fitting into your family! I'm always here to help! ~Michelle
  • Linda E.
    18 months ago — Monroe, NY

    Photo of Wilson Contacting Bark Busters was one of the best decisions I made. Michelle is a talented, knowledgable and motivating trainer. Learning how to "speak dog" and learning the basics of dog psychology is key to having a happy, healthy relationship with your pet. My main concern was with my reactive English Shepherd but after 1 session I was able to see issues with my other dogs and how they interact as a pack. My dogs response to Michelle's excercises were nothing short of amazing, and I'm happy to report we are progressing every day. Michelle also checks in to see how things are going and answer any questions that may arise. Being in the veterinary field I am frequently asked for recommendations for behaviorists and trainers. Bark Busters will be at the top of my list.

    • #Barking
    • #Other
    Trainer Note:
    Hi Linda, THANK YOU so much! I've loved being of service to you and your pack! You did AMAZING with your pups and it was great to see them calmer and more focused on you. That always makes my heart sing! :) I'm ALWAYS here to help :). ~Michelle
  • Aideen D.
    19 months ago — Monroe, NY

    Photo of Boscoe After Michelle left we saw immediate improvement in Boscoe's behavior. He was way more obedient. He's not rushing at the door whenever I open it like he was previously. He's not jumping to grab food. We're still at the beginning phases of the separation training, but so far he's been responding well. He's not following me into every room any longer and I'm happy to see he's finally starting to relax when I'm not in his sights.

    • #Jumping up
    • #Separation anxiety
    Trainer Note:
    Hi Aideen, Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I am so pleased to see how well you guys are doing with Boscoe. He's a great dog and I'm so happy he's relaxing more - he deserves it!! I'm always here to help! ~Michelle PS. I love this pic!! <3
  • Nicole W.
    20 months ago — Nyack, NY

    Simply amazing! Michelle was absolutely amazing, she really does teach you how to speak dog! Honestly I didn’t think I’d see any changes in my dog after 1 session like all the reviews claim, but I was wrong! After a thorough 3 hours 1st in person session, my dog is a new pup. My boy was displaying some major leash reactivity….walking him during the dog walking hours was something I dreaded. But honestly, her methods work. She explains how dogs communicate and understanding what’s going on in their mind can help us humans help them be their best. Highly recommend! I’ve now walked Exodus 3x and encountered other dogs and had minimal issues. Will continue practicing to help solidify.

    • #Aggression
    • #Pulling
    Trainer Note:
    Hi Nicole, THANKS SO MUCH for your review!! I'm so happy to hear how well you're doing with Exodus! He's a great dog and I'm so pleased to hear of you dedication to keep practicing with him! I look forward to our next session. I'm always here to help you! ~Michelle
  • Michael M.
    21 months ago — Blauvelt, NY

    Wonderful experience! Training is already changing how our Willow acts.

    • #Barking
    • #Hyperactivity
    • #Pulling
    • #Recall
    • #Separation anxiety
    Trainer Note:
    Hi Michael, thank you for leaving a review! I'm so pleased to hear that you guys are already seeing results. Well done! Stick with it and keep me posted. :) I'm always here to help you! ~Michelle
  • Mary M.
    21 months ago — Stony Point, NY

    Photo of Lucky I am absolutely amazed with all I learned from Michelle. Lucky is much calmer and relaxed. The training is simple but you must be consistent. She is like a different dog after one day. She is a much happier and content dog now that I am the leader. I honestly can’t believe how quickly she is taking direction. I’m sorry I waited 4 years to finally train her. I highly recommend Bark Busters and Michelle!

    • #Aggression
    • #Barking
    • #Hyperactivity
    • #Jumping up
    • #Pulling
    Trainer Note:
    Hi Mary, Thank you so much for leaving a review! I am so happy to hear that she is much calmer, happier and relaxed. That makes my heart sing! It was a pleasure meeting and working with you. Well done and keep up the good work. I'm always here to help! ~Michelle PS. What a sweet picture! I love it <3
  • Michael M.
    23 months ago — Pearl River, NY

    Michelle was so informative and knowledgeable. One session made a huge difference.

    • #Aggression
    • #Barking
    • #Jumping up
    • #Puppy management
    • #Other
    Trainer Note:
    Thanks so much for your review Michael! So glad to be able to help and see the positive difference in your dogs. Keep up the good work! I'm always here to help. ~Michelle
  • Monica M.
    2 years ago — Nyack, NY

    We were looking for a trainer for our good boy Schnitzel and found Michelle McCarthy with Bark Busters. Michelle has been such a life changer for us even after just a couple of sessions. We have been so impressed with the training and only wish we had found her sooner. Schnitzel is now much calmer and less stressed, no longer barks out the window all day, and is a true gem while out on walks. I highly recommend Michelle! The training has been so worth it for us.

    • #Aggression
    • #Barking
    • #Jumping up
    • #Pulling
    • #Recall
    Trainer Note:
    Hi Monica, Thank you so much for your kind words! I have loved working with your family, and helping Schnitzel learn to focus on you and your husband. He is a great dog! I'm always here to help! ~Michelle