Barkbusters, has anyone used them?

swingaloo

Looking for help training our Cocker Spaniel and have been looking at the website for Barkbusters.

Has anyone used them?
Are they good, would you recommend?
How expensive are they?
I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has used them - sucessfully or otherwise.

krlyr

Leave them well alone - they're a franchise based company, with very little needed (other than a financial investment) to join up. Often heard of outdated, risky/harmful/dangerous methods being used.

Check https://www.apdt.co.uk to find a local trainer who uses modern, science-based methods

SensibleSarah

Please don't!

Unless things have changed recently then their 'trainers' need no qualifications or certification to be part of the franchise (just the money to buy in) - many of the methods used by their people are considered unwise at best, downright damaging at worst. It's generally not based on positive rewards but instead on out of date dominance and pack theory, so I'd advise to steer well clear. Obviously you will get some who are better than others depending on your area - but I wouldn't let them near a dog of mine with a bargepole.

If you check out the APBC and APDT then they should be able to help http://www.apbc.org.uk/ and http://www.apdt.co.uk/ with a qualified and certified behaviourist/trainer.

Blondygirl

Barge pole & don't touch spring to mind! As already said they are just a franchise & when I last looked at their website a lot of the "trainers" were people who had visited another bark buster with a problem dog & then set themselves up.:eek:

The links given by the previous posts should help, look for a trainer who uses kind positive methods.

magicguitarman

I'll say the same thing again, don't go anywhere near them. APDT is an excellent way to get someone trusted and local.

teddysmum

I would use a class, rather than a one-to-one, unless your dog has a specific problem, as he will learn to work with you while ignoring distractions.


When you find somewhere, go along and watch a class, to see if it will suit you and your dog. Avoid any play that uses negative training (ie punishment) or encourages the use of check chains.


I have used a number of classes, over the years and have left two,asking for a refund in one case.


In the first instance, I knew what I was doing (and was already attending an APDT class) but wanted a chance to work my dog (a cavalier) in different surroundings, so left when the qualified trainer died, leaving the class to an unqualified man who hadn't a clue.


In the second case, they tied dogs to radiators while a class was conducted within a metre of the tied up dogs, who harassed the working dogs, so I asked for my money back (hence my advice to go along to observe).


After that, I wanted to try another class, but the 'owner' refused my request to observe, so I gave her a miss.