Dinnington
Brilliant Barkers are a professional, fully-insured, caring, kind, concepts and games based dog and puppy training company, dog walker and pet sitter.
Dog training: we can offer tailor- made face to face, at home, FaceTime, WhatsApp, Zoom consultations and dog and puppy training packages to increase your dog's optimism, confidence, obedience, self control and resilience.
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22 customer reviews
William addenbrooke
Kirsty is like the dog whisperer, she has helped us with our 2 fur babies so much and I’m sure there is more to learn, would 100% recommend
Reply from Brilliant Barkers
Ahh thanks so much, I'm so glad they are doing so well 🐕🐕💜😊
Gail
Dog Training
Kirsty was wonderful. My cocker spaniel dog used to bark at most things, people passing by my home, strangers coming to the house, as Kirsty found out when she first visited and the poor postman. After kirsty’s sessions with my dog, I now have a dog who is less anxious, calmer and more responsive when I say ‘no’ to him barking. By playing the games Kirsty gave me to carry out with Barney, he’s is 100% better. He is so much calmer, and the barking which caused me so much frustration, is under control. Thank you Kirsty for your patience and for the improvement in Barney. I would recommend you 100%. - Gail More...
Reply from Brilliant Barkers
Thanks Gail, I'm so thrilled with how well Barney has been doing with the training and how quickly he has been able to stop barking, be more confident and listen to you and focus on you more. Well done- keep at it!
Kerry
Dog Training
Kirsty was very understanding and patient with us. She spoke to us in depth about our dog and gave us a better sense of the dog’s behaviour
Reply from Brilliant Barkers
Thanks Kerry, it was lovely to see how quickly Mia was responding to the training! Keep up the great work!
Julie turner
Kirsty explained how and why you train your dog. We explained what our issues were and Kirsty gave us a comprehensive training plan and adapted it as we went along. We are thrilled with the results. Thanks Kirsty we will keep up the training 🐶🦴 More...
Reply from Brilliant Barkers
Thanks Julie, I am so thrilled with Sally’s progress, she is so much calmer, relaxed and happy around people and dogs. So pleased that you could go to Filey snd let her out on the beach knowing she would come back and you could trust her! Well done all! 🐕😊🌟
Maria Noel
Kirsty definitely loves dogs and believes in working in a positive and rewarding way with dogs to train and reassure them so that they don't need to bark out of fear, anxiety, the unknown or because they are hyper-vigilant. I liked her approach to my dog and her suggestions. I am going to work with my dog Buddy, using Kirsty's suggestions, so that he will understand that loud barking at times is truly unnecessary. I live in an apartment building and I love my dog and want only the best for him, me and my neighbours. Thanks Kirsty More...
Reply from Brilliant Barkers
Aah thank you so much for this Maria, Buddy is gorgeous and such a lovely little dog. I’m sure you’ll be fine, happy to support you, look forward to hearing from you soon. Have plenty more ideas to help too. Thanks, Kirsty
Jess S
We've had a couple of sessions with Kirsty now, one in person and a follow up via zoom which have both been fantastic. We were looking for a bit of support with our labrador puppy and his separation anxiety and Kirsty has given us a lot of helpful tips and taught us games to play with our pup which have already had improvements on his behaviour. She's friendly and takes time to understand the root of the issue, we also found the zoom call surprisingly effective as she could demonstrate the activites with her dog and watch as we practised at home. Definitely recommend Brilliant Barkers! More...
Reply from Brilliant Barkers
Thanks so much Jess its great to see how well Buddy is progressing! So pleased to hear the separation issues are getting better and that he is doing so well with all the games! I loved the Zoom too and so did my dog who loves showing you how to play the games! Thanks again 😊🐶
Gill Dudson
Dog Training
Kirsty was brilliant with our rescue greyhound, showing us how to work with his anxieties and to reduce his natural prey instinct and replace it with a new set of exiting things to do.
We know have a much more relaxed pooch - relaxed read 45mph couch potato.
More...
Reply from Brilliant Barkers
Thanks Gill, I’m so glad he is so much happier. I loved working with you all and he is such a gorgeous dog. Well done! 🐕😊
Katie
Dog Training
Kirsty has been a great help to me with my new puppy Charlie who is quite a nervous little guy! He loves all the games Kirsty has shown me and I can slowly see him getting more confident. Kirsty’s guidance and tips are extremely helpful! Thanks for all your help so far Kirsty! More...
Reply from Brilliant Barkers
Thanks, Katie, I’m loving seeing him gaining in confidence and I am so pleased with how well you are doing! It’s lovely to know that even though you are geographically far away, via videocall you are able to be supported and Charlie is able to enjoy learning and playing the games with you too! 🐕😊
Susan hopkins
Dog Training
It's a difficult time for everyone but we've still had phone contact and lots of activities to do it's a long process for us as our dog Vinny is 5 and very naughty but I can honestly say the difference in him is amazing xx
Reply from Brilliant Barkers
Aah so pleased with how well Vinny is doing, thanks for the lovely review! I hope you are enjoying the training too it’s lovely to be able to keep up with you even during lockdown. Thanks, Kirsty 🐶😊
Joanne
Dog Training
Kirsty was absolutely brilliant with my nervous dog holly she seems more confident already she showed me a lot Of games to do and ways to hold the lead when we are out walking , it’s made a big difference can’t recommend Kirsty enough definitely 5 stars thanks Kirsty xx
Reply from Brilliant Barkers
Joanne thanks so much for this brilliant review! I love working with you all to help Holly. She has gained so much in confidence recently and it was such a lovely walk with you both, she was happy and going forward without worrying too much about everything else around her! What a clever girl and you are exuding calm and are more confident when walking her, well done all! 🐕🐶😊
Bill McDivitt
Kirsty has been amazing! We felt out of our depth with our new puppy and Kirsty gave us confidence. She demonstrated games through which the puppy learns and made it fun. We have enjoyed it and learned so much from it too. More...
Reply from Brilliant Barkers
Hi Bill and Mary, thanks so much for the lovely review. You are all doing great and Bertie has come on in leaps and bounds, he is so much more confident, listens well to you both and is a happy, jolly, wee fella! I really look forward to seeing you and finding out how you’re getting on! I’m so pleased he can now have play dates with my puppies too! Thanks again, see you soon Kirsty at Brilliant Barkers 🐶🐾😊
Mrs Linda Stewart
Dog Training
Thanks to Kirsty for the help given to train my dog. I am very grateful
Reply from Brilliant Barkers
Hi Linda, thanks so much for the review! I’m so pleased with how well you and Teddy are doing. He listens to you and really enjoys what you’re doing with him. Well done! I’ve really enjoyed working with you and if you need any more help please don’t hesitate to contact me. Kirsty at Brilliant Barkers 🐶😊
Mrs June Pickersgill
Dog Training
Brilliant barkers A quality company Kirsty certainly knows what she’s doing very experienced very friendly polite kind and caring with my fur babies the improvement in my dogs was amazing only after a couple of sessions Kirsty knew what our needs was all about a training methods and advice to horse was amazing she found out that my little one Bobby was suffering with anxiety and with Kirsty‘s advice and training we was able to help him how home is calmer now both my dogs are calm Would recommend Brilliant Barkers the training is gentle and Kirstie is very experienced
Reply from Brilliant Barkers
Hi June and Bill, thanks for the brilliant review! I’m so impressed with how much calmer and more optimistic Harry and Bobby are now. I love coming over to see you all and they are continuing to amaze me each time I come! You’re working really hard at helping them through their anxieties and they are so loving and desperate to learn! Thanks so much, Kirsty at Brilliant Barkers 🐶🐾😊
Pippa
Dog Training
Kirsty is just the BEST EVER person to help with any problems you are having, she is so professional yet a great down to earth person,
We have had a meeting to discuss my issues with my 18 month old staffy girl, Luna, not wanting to go anywhere without me and other anxiety issues and 1 training session, i also have a 13 and a half year old staffy girl Indie and lndie had also picked up on new ways while we are training Luna,.Kirsty sends me a very detailed email on how the session was and i find that great as it's a lot to process so that is great to look back on and recap ,people already have said they can see a difference
I really could go on and on with the praise for Kirsty and her work, but let her help you, and see for yourself just how amazing Kirsty is.
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Reply from Brilliant Barkers
Pippa thanks so much for the fantastic review! I love coming over to see you and the lovely Luna and Indie! The difference in them is astonishing, they are so relaxed and happy and yet love learning! Luna has learnt so many more skills and she’s so much happier on walks and coping when you go somewhere without her. Well done all! Thanks again, Kirsty at Brilliant Barkers 🐕🐶😊
Penny Cruise
Kirsty is a fantastic dog trainer, our dogs are aged 4.5 months and 10 years and although we'd asked her to help us train our puppy, our older dog loves joining in and the training is giving our nervous old dog, new confidence. She sends us feedback for each lesson complete with photos and this is so useful. Kirsty also dog sits for us and we can go out and relax knowing the dogs and our 5 cats are in good hands. I would recommend Kirsty to anyone so needs guidance with their dog no matter how young or old and if you need a sitter, she's your woman. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Tanya Samuel-Stanley
I had Kirsty look after my cats whilst I was on holiday. She took time to get to know them all and did a fantastic job. Highly recommended for pet sitting or if you want to train your dog. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviewed on Facebook
Rachael Moore
kirsty is very knowledgable and has a very friendly approach ..she has made me feel more at ease with my nervous dog just after one session and we are now putting things in to place which she has suggested .I would highly reccomend kirsty
Reviewed on Facebook
Mr & Mrs Nowland
Dog Training
I am at present using Kirsty from Brilliant Barkers and up to now everything seem to be going great. Kirsty is great with our dog and has really made an impact on his behaviour. We are hoping to see more improvements over the coming weeks. More...
Reply from Brilliant Barkers
Aah thank you Kathryn for the lovely review. I love working with you and your lovely chihuahua! I can see huge changes in him and it is lovely that he will play the games and is gaining in confidence in so many ways. Kirsty :-)
Laura Jones
We used brilliant barkers in August this year. It was short notice but Kirsty rearranged her plans to help us. She was fast to respond and my two older collie x dogs took to her instantly. Whilst we were away she sent regular photos and updates. The dogs looked content and relaxed so we could enjoy our time away. When we returned our house was clean and tidy with milk in our fridge. I am more than happy with the service and have already booked to use her again More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Alison Drake
Jax had his first training session with Kirsty yesterday & spent so much time discussing our wants and needs beforehand & was really great with him. She’s taught me so much in only a couple of hours and I can already see the impact it’s having. We’re really excited to continue & see where jax can get too with his confidence and recall. She also wrote me a lengthy and detailed report about the session which was fab to pass on to my partner and mum. Can not wait for our next session. I’d 100% recommend and I say it confidently even after one session I’m confident she’ll make jax a totally different dog. Thank you! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
swathi paul
Kirsty is an amazing dog trainer who has helped our Mani to get more confident and develop better habits. After the initial consultation Kirsty came up with a plan and designed games specifically tailor made to help mani to cope with separation anxiety, loose lead walking etc.
Within a few weeks of following the games and sessions we could find a remarkable difference in his temperament. Brilliant Barkers are fun, friendly but very methodical in their approach. Kirsty also explained how each game worked and impacted Mani's behaviour and helped us recreate them with Mani at our own backyard.
Thanks team for helping us.... keep up with the great work :)
More...
Reply from Brilliant Barkers
Hi Swathi and Lokesh, thanks so much for the amazing review! I love training with you all and Mani has made massive strides with his confidence! He is much happier having time to calm down in his house and is much more responsive to commands and has learnt lots of new skills. Well done all! Thanks again, Kirsty at Brilliant Barkers 😊🐕
Swathi Paul
Kirsty is an amazing dog trainer who has helped our Mani to get more confident and develop better habits. After the initial consultation Kirsty came up with a plan and designed games specifically tailor made to help mani to cope with separation anxiety, loose lead walking etc. Within a few weeks of following the games and sessions we could find a remarkable difference in his temperament. Brilliant Barkers are fun, friendly but very methodical in their approach. Kirsty also explained how each game worked and impacted Mani's behaviour and helped us recreate them with Mani at our own backyard. Thanks team for helping us.... keep up with the great work :) More...
Reviewed on Facebook
What do you love most about your job?
I love helping people 'bring out the best from their Brilliant Barkers and their Fantastic Furries'!
I am a qualified teacher and I love to see the spark of joy when someone, or a dog, has a moment where they really understand something and can achieve! I love helping people, I enjoy teaching children to understand their dog and really enjoy training and I love rewarding the good moments!
What inspired you to start your own business?
I have always had an affinity with animals and have had a whole range of animals throughout my life. I have had dogs, cats, horses, small furries and other types even goats! I realised that working with animals, people and children and helping them to enjoy and understand their animals didn't have to be a distant dream!
I am a mum and there was a time where my daughter was really frightened of animals. I have enjoyed helping her to understand our pets and appreciate and investigate other places such as farms and wildlife parks. I have loved to see her understanding blossoming and then decided that I would like to spread this joy of animals and greater understanding to others.
I also walked dogs at an animal rescue centre and built within myself a determination to prevent dogs from being sent to rescues, who could be helped and supported earlier on and therefore not given up on.
Why should our clients choose you?
I genuinely care about you and your pet(s) and I really want to help you enjoy life with your pet(s)!
I offer fairly priced services and genuine tried and tested fun, caring and kind dog training packages that can be made bespoke to you and your dog. I walk your dog on lovely walks, or play fantastic fun games with them and always consider their welfare. When pet sitting I am trustworthy and will look after them as well as you would like, following any instructions you might leave.
If you like the sounds of this please feel free to contact us!
Dog or puppy training
Dog training: we provide bespoke dog and puppy training packages to increase your dog's optimism, confidence, self control and resilience. We offer a range of tried and tested fun games for you and your dog which aim to improve a whole range of struggles your dog might be having and deepen the dog's relationship with you, or any other family member or friend. If your dog pulls on the lead, barks inappropriately, worries about new places, things and people, struggles with travelling and finds new surfaces uncomfortable or tricky, bites, guards its food, is aggressive to other dogs or people or has any other struggles, then please contact us!
We are offering the initial dog training consultation of £50 and the follow up training sessions are £35 each session.
Or we offer an individual puppy training package - £100 for 4 sessions or £25 per session, which teaches important commands such as recall, heel, sit, stay, down, toilet and deepens your relationship with your puppy and improves your puppy’s understanding of the world.
Dog walking without training / dog walking with training
Dog walker- We collect your dog from its home and take it for lovely walks or play fun games with it for an hour or more if required. £12 per hour, (if your dog is sociable and has good recall then we can incorporate some off lead fun.)
Dog walker with some training - If your dog needs some help with walking on a lead, struggles near other dogs, or has any other struggles, we can play fun games to help with these and can teach specific commands you require. (£15 per hour)
Pet sitting ( any pet will be considered - mainly cats, dogs, horses, small furries etc)
Pet sitter- We look after your pet in the comfort of their own home, we can also stay at your house for a specified time if you wish. We charge £12 for each hour visit- however this price can depend on the number of animals, (cats, dogs, small furries, horses) the duration of the visit or your pet's needs. We care well for your pets and follow any instructions you leave. A full day (4 hours +) is £35 and an overnight stay is an extra £10. We are offering an early bird discount if you book more than a month in advance of your stay away of 'earlybird10%off'. We can also follow specific instructions for looking after your house too.
Online dog training
We offer online dog training, which is tailored to your dog’s needs. It is delivered over 1:1 videocall ( Zoom, Whatsapp or Facetime etc) and uses positive reinforcement, and kind games based methods. I listen to you and plan the training from your dog’s struggles. I have two demo dogs who happily show the games and then you practise either there and then, or take notes and practise off camera then we keep in touch with Whatsapp etc. It works really well and I now have a wide range of online clients.