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Has anyone used Bark Busters?

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7.5K views 60 replies 19 participants last post by  ShibaPup  
#1 ·
I've been looking into local dog behaviourists and there's a Bark Burster trained behaviourist in my area. I was wondering if anyone else has used them and what they thought of them? I know each individual trainer will be a bit different, but from their website, it looks like they adhere to a certain guarantee and way of training, so any feedback from anyone who's used them would be wonderful :)

Aside from that, is there any sort of thing to look out for/check for when looking into dog behaviourists?

Thanks :)
 
#4 ·
Don't know anything about them I'm afraid, but a quick peruse of their website and the heavy emphasis on "we don't use treats" puts me off.

What behaviors are you looking to address?
That put me off a little bit too, as thus far my training with Daisy has been treat based. I did like that their guarantee includes no extra cost for each subsequent visit, though, as I'd struggle to afford it otherwise.

There's a bit of a list, really. There's her aggression and viciousness at the vets, although the vet is working with me on that and we've got a plan with the receptionists to bring her in regularly for a fuss and treat and positive experience to try and help her past that.

She's a nervous dog, and her fear tends to make her aggressive. She barks a lot; in the car at people passing by, at bicycles, at other cars, at skateboards, push chairs, luggage cases, etc. She barks at people walking outside the house and she barks at visitors and it's very difficult to get her to stop. She gets overexcited very easily, which leads to yapping, jumping up, and biting - she's put holes in our clothes before from jumping up and biting. If she sees a lead, or collar, or anything she wants - like a cleaning sponge, or a mop or broom - she will jump and bite and bark. She also nips at other times, but it's worse when she's excited and jumps and bites.

(To clarify - she has never bitten anyone outside of me and my parents; with visitors, she's either in the kitchen, or now I have a crate, I pop her in there.)

She's okay with other dogs, but with our older dog, she is trying to be dominant, and she does food guard and growls when Poppy tries to go near. She also pulls on the lead. She's not keen on children and will bark, although she won't go near them (not that I'd let her get close to them anyway, of course).

She's a very, very clever dog. She's fantastic at training on Sundays; her recall is incredible. She does go off lead with Poppy when we walk her on the field and she is absolutely fine. If we pass anyone, she doesn't bark, or even go near them; she'll just do her own thing, and as I said, her recall is great.

I'd be reluctant to call her vicious, but I'm really not an expert, and I'm probably too close to it. My dad says he thinks she does have a vicious steak, which is upsetting, but I'm really hoping that with a behaviourist and a lot of time, hard work and training, I can resolve these issues while she's still young. Really, the jumping up and biting and aggression when she's overexcited, the occasional nipping and the barking and territorialism is what concerns me most.
 
#3 ·
As far as I am aware they are a franchise, I've only heard negative things about them, anyone can join and they often use aversives. Am happy to be corrected though. I would recommend looking at the association of pet dog trainers www.apdt.co.uk and the institute of modern dog trainers www.imdt.uk.com. Trainers associated with these organisations use scientific learning theory and positive reinforcement techniques and have a code of ethics to stay away from aversives such as spray collars and check chains.
 
#5 ·
As far as I am aware they are a franchise, I've only heard negative things about them, anyone can join and they often use aversives. Am happy to be corrected though. I would recommend looking at the association of pet dog trainers www.apdt.co.uk and the institute of modern dog trainers www.imdt.uk.com. Trainers associated with these organisations use scientific learning theory and positive reinforcement techniques and have a code of ethics to stay away from aversives such as spray collars and check chains.
I'll definitely check those out, thank you! I've not used dog behaviourists before so really had no clue how to do my research on them beyond a google search.
 
#6 ·
Just wanted to add if you want a proper clinical behaviourist they should have an animal behaviour degree from a university e.g. Letters after their name, and you should ask to be referred through your vet. Trainer or behaviourist will depend on the problem you are having with your dog. It is always worth having a vet check first for sudden behaviour problems.
 
#7 ·
I asked my vets, but they said they didn't know of any local dog behaviourists, only training classes, but advised me to contact a local dog trainer. I attended this trainer's 6 week puppy training class and wasn't really keen as I don't think the type of training suited Daisy.

I'll definitely check for behaviourists with degrees, thank you :)
 
#13 ·
@ais_rose Food can be used not only to reinforce the behaviour you want but also change a dog's emotions so his behaviour changes so I think they are wrong to exclude this .
I havent heard anything good about Barkbusters and I dont think they will be able to help your dog as she is so fearful and needs a qualified behaviourist.

Anyone can buy the franchise , what training do they get or what qualifications do they have .
 
#18 ·
I would like to add she is not vicious, she is communicating about things she finds threatening. She has no other way of telling you than with barking or nipping to keep these things away from her. She needs gradual introduction to these things starting at a distance she can cope with,without reacting, associated with positive things (food, toys etc). I think you can overcome a lot of these things with a good trainer and lots of time, hard work and patience. Good luck
 
#21 ·
Thank you :)

Should I deal with her fear-related behaviour separately from her over excitement?

I've heard conflicting advice on how to handle it. Someone recommended that when she gets over excited and starts jumping up and biting (especially when she sees/is on the lead, or sees a sponge/cloth), I should put her in her crate to try and get her to calm down. But then someone else told me that then she will see the crate as a punishment?
 
#24 ·
Oh dear.

Like I said, I'm very new to recognising dog behaviours and communication and such (I've grown up with dogs, but I think being a primary owner is a bit different, if that makes sense?), but surely making loud noises will only make the dog bark more? For example, I heard that shouting to your dog to them is the equivalent of you barking at them?
 
#22 ·
#31 ·
What a bloody idiot (silly bloody interviewer was just as stupid). I'm no dog trainer but look at that dogs ears what does that say to any of us who have had dogs n know their body language ! If he is head of the company I dread to think what some of the franchisees are like!

ais_rose have you thought of trying a Thunder Shirt on her? Google it if you have not heard of them (I think someting like an Equafleece may work as well)
 
#32 ·
What a bloody idiot (silly bloody interviewer was just as stupid). I'm no dog trainer but look at that dogs ears what does that say to any of us who have had dogs n know their body language ! If he us head of the company I dread to think what some if the franchisees are like!

ais_rose have you thought of trying a Thunder Shirt on her? Google it if you have not heard of them (I think someting like an Equafleece may work as well)
I'm not an expert at reading dog's body language, but those ears say it all :(

I just googled it, it might be worth a shot, although I'm not sure what it'll be like trying to get her into one? My vet mentioned collars that give off a pheromone (I think?) that can calm anxious dogs, too. I'll definitely look more into thunder shirts, though, thanks :)
 
#36 ·
Late to the party, but I would like to say there are very few vicious dogs.

Even those who cause physical harm to others, that are highlighted in the media there are signs in what is happening in their lives prior and this could be months and months prior that the dogs end up doing the unthinkable and being basically out of control....

Poppy definitely is fearful and I think vets to many animals just have a weird smell anyway that makes it feel uncomfortable for them even when nothing bad has happened. It really does sound like an environment issue and she's not the only dog to behave this way there.

You should be proud of yourself of what you are achieving at training, how she's toilet trained and how well you have bonded. All dogs give owners difficulties at times...it's only natural, you have a great take on how you want to train that being with rewards so that's brilliant for both of you.

I am sure you will overcome all these difficulties or at the very least be able to manage them. Good luck on finding a behaviourist.
 
#41 · (Edited)
I don't know anyone personally in that area but the link given are a great place to start. You could also join some FB groups for recommendations ..... I honestly don't know the best ones but someone else might be able to help. Beyond Caesar Millan is one but there are plenty of others.

Great that you have a plan at the vets with regular 'nice' visits. Have you also looked at 'The Bucket Game' by Chirag Patel which can help with dogs being handled, etc? It a great idea & works really well, you can do this at home initially & set really low criteria so you & your dog are comfortable & get to understand it.


If she is barking alot due to seeing things outside can you restrict her view by getting some frosting for windows at home or screens for when in the car? These are easy to install & cheap. Maybe a crate would help for the car (i she doesn't already have one) as it can make them feel more secure. You could also do some training in the car, give her treats, chews, etc to help & give her something to do when being in there.

It sounds as if she has trouble controlling herself & this is something that she has to learn rather than being instinctive. It is incredibly hard for some dogs (as it is for some people!) so see this more as something you have to teach her. Look at some videos online by Susan Garret called 'It's Yer Choice' which is a great start at teaching impulse control. Susan also has a FB page that is great & regularly posts training clips.

http://www.dogtrainergames.com/its-yer-choice/
https://recallers.com/wp-content/uploads/IYCSummitIYCTrainingGuide-.pdf

This clip is also useful when understanding thresholds & arousal :


But ..... you do have to be consistent with these things. Decide what you are working on, what you want to achieve, how you are going to do this, etc before you start the you have a clear idea which will then help your dog. At times we sort of have ideas & sort of know what we want but because it isn't really clear in our head then it certainly isn't to the dog!

If your dog is guarding her food then make sure she isn't put in a position where she feels she has to do this, keep your other dog away from her, she;s not being 'dominant' but worrying about her food being stolen. Give her a space all to herself & if you do need to go near her drop a treat for her so she knows you are not a 'threat' either. In time she may be more comfortable eating around your other dog.

If she pulls on the lead this again could be linked to her impulse issues so she needs help with you teaching her, dogs will pull as it is not natural or them to walk on a lead next to us. Some will pick this up easier than others, maybe due to better training but maybe just due to their nature. It took me ages to get my young GSD to walk nicely mainly because I never really taught him to (we rarely need for him to be a on a lead) & because I am lazy & don't like teaching loose lead walking but after attending a Suzanne Clothier seminar we were discussing how important this actually is that I realised I needed to make the effort to train this basic exercise rather than all the 'fancy' stuff :D

Again start teaching this somewhere not too distracting & don't expect miracles. If you need to walk her then maybe use a harness so it is B&W that when the lead is attached to her collar then you expect her to walk nicely but accept that if attached to the harness she may pull.

http://grishastewart.com/leash-walking/

Tbh I would stop thinking of labels for her, she is not 'vicious' at all but is exhibiting behaviours when she is not sure of things or is worried by them .... we ALL do this, just some of us are more extreme than others!
She is a very young dog who is still learning & some things are worrying to her. She still has a lot to learn & experience so is naturally behaving in a way that you may not like or want but this is your job to teach her.
 
#42 ·
Ex neighbours of mine used Bark Busters. They had a rescued GSD/Collie cross who would bark and charge at the door when the postman came, or visitors. The answer was to throw a bunch of keys at her. The way she barked made it clear that anxiety was the problem - it had a sort of high-pitched howliness to it so throwing things at her wasn't likely to improve the situation and of course it didn't.
The owners put a postbox by their gate - that did solve it.
 
#43 ·
Hey I'm from the West Mids too.

If you are looking for a trainer / behaviourist I can FULLY recommend Charlotte at My Happy Dog. She is force free, positive only. She's based around the Solihull area so not sure if that is too far for you.

We took Merlin there when he was young, she gave me amazing advice on resource guarding and she spotted it very quickly. She also spotted his anxiety with space guarding before I even realised there was anything wrong.

If you are closer to the Coventry area you can also look at Sound Hounds. They do behaviour consults and home visits and are very knowledgeable. I think two of the people come from a rescue centre background working with the dogs there. Merlin goes to their KC classes and they really do care about dogs and all the advice they've given me has been invaluable.
 
#48 ·
As someone from the west midlands I have used :-

http://www.benefitdogs.co.uk/ (did 1 to 1 with my DA dog, and good cits classes, positive reward based)
http://www.pawsnlearn.co.uk/ (Marie Miller, well recommended)
http://www.4-legs-good.co.uk/ apdc behaviourist who was lovely. Saw for my dogs destructive tendencies!
http://positivepettraining.co.uk/ Did 1 to 1 scentwork sessions. Will travel.. lovely guy.

I did claim on the last one on the insurance. Sure there are more but would recommend members of the governing bodies (if that's the right words above). the behaviorist did travel from shrewsbury but we could claim mileage too.

I'm near Birmingham not sure of any exactly local to here, we did go to a lovely good cits puppy class off the chester road/ tyburn road near Erdington can't remember their names and not sure if they would do one to one, I probably got them off the apdt website.
 
#49 ·
As someone from the west midlands I have used :-

http://www.benefitdogs.co.uk/ (did 1 to 1 with my DA dog, and good cits classes, positive reward based)
http://www.pawsnlearn.co.uk/ (Marie Miller, well recommended)
http://www.4-legs-good.co.uk/ apdc behaviourist who was lovely. Saw for my dogs destructive tendencies!
http://positivepettraining.co.uk/ Did 1 to 1 scentwork sessions. Will travel.. lovely guy.

I did claim on the last one on the insurance. Sure there are more but would recommend members of the governing bodies (if that's the right words above). the behaviorist did travel from shrewsbury but we could claim mileage too.

I'm near Birmingham not sure of any exactly local to here, we did go to a lovely good cits puppy class off the chester road/ tyburn road near Erdington can't remember their names and not sure if they would do one to one, I probably got them off the apdt website.
Thank you :)
 
#51 ·
Not so many years ago one of the most respected behaviourist in the country sold 'keys' to use as distracters. You built up to using them by putting food on the ground and letting the dog have it then throwing down the keys or rattle tin , cant remember the exact sequence but I suppose it was a precursor to clicker training. It seemed to work very well and did not scare dogs. The growling seems bizarre but I wonder if it came about because so many people just cant get their dogs attention with their voice or change their voice to praise so growling is kind of an extreme tone change for those that find it hard.
 
#56 ·
Clicker trainings been around way longer than that - like 50s, 60s and earlier. But originally it was fairly specialised with lab and marine animals. I guess some parts of the world and indeed some parts of the country would have been slower to catch on to new knowledge ideas? Especially as psychology has long been regarded as sort of wishywashy science. Except by the general horse community of course where it's considered Too Science because ~horses are an art~ (makes your average dog owner seem super open to the idea by comparison!).
 
G
#60 ·
Karen Pryor (clicker training guru extraordinaire and arguably founder of its modern use with dogs) was clicker training dolphins in the 60's and her book "Don't Shoot the Dog" came out in the 80's. But before her, Bob Bailey was training not just dolphins but all sorts of different animals with the principles of clicker training.

Clicker training and its principles have been around a lot longer than some naysayers would like to admit, and in all that time we have learned so much about how animals learn and how to most effectively apply the principles of behavior science.

The fact that trainers have been clicker training since the 50s and 60s speaks to its longevity. Clicker training continues to grow in popularity and effectiveness as more and more smart trainers embrace it and explore the possibilities.