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Struggling with Your Dog's Behaviour?Support

I provide ethical, science-backed solutions for lasting change. Compassionate, effective, and free of gimmicks

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3 Simple Steps

To a Better Life with Your Dog

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1️⃣ Assess and Understand: Identify what’s affecting your dog’s behaviour—whether it’s health, stress, or environment. By addressing the root causes, we set your dog up for lasting success. Your dog deserves the best and so do you.
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2️⃣ Meet Their Needs and Guide Learning: Fulfill your dog’s physical and emotional needs while gently guiding them towards the positive behaviours you want to see. With the right balance of exercise, stimulation and a strengthened your bond with ethical training, change becomes possible.
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3️⃣ Review and Adjust for Lasting Results: I’m with you every step of the way. We’ll review progress and make adjustments as needed because every dog is unique and benefits from personalized support. I provide ongoing 1:1 support to ensure a happier, stress-free life for you and your dog.

Obedience Training & Behaviour Solutions

Pulling on the Lead? Ignoring Commands?

Is your dog’s stubbornness driving you up the wall? Constant pulling, zero recall, jumping on guests—it’s exhausting and embarrassing. But don’t worry, help is here.

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Problems at Home: Wave of Destruction

Chewing Everything in Sight? Counter Surfing?

Tired of coming home to chewed-up furniture and ruined belongings? It’s like living with a tornado. But there’s a way to reclaim your home and your sanity.

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Problem Behaviours with Other Dogs

Scared of Other Dogs? Constant Barking?

Are walks becoming stressful because your dog fears every encounter with other dogs? Barking, hiding, or panicking at the sight of another dog? You’re not alone, and I’m here to help.

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Problem Behaviours Towards People

Barking and Lunging at Strangers?

Are visits from friends or walks around the neighborhood filled with stress because your dog barks or lunges at people? It’s overwhelming, but there are solutions.

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Problems at Home: Separation Anxiety

Struggling to Be Alone? Constant Panic?

Leaving your dog home alone should not mean coming back to a mess or worrying about their distress. If separation anxiety is turning life upside down, I can help.

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Meet Barbara Hardman, Your Dog's Behaviour Specialist

Compassionate, Science-Backed Behaviour Solutions

Hi, I’m Barbara J. Hardman, an accredited Clinical Animal Behaviourist (APBC) with a passion for compassionate, science-based care. With a Master’s (MSc) and a background in Zoology (BSc Hon), I specialise in animal learning theory, training and behavioural science. Based in Kildare, Ireland, I’m fully insured and dedicated to helping dogs and their owners build a happier, more harmonious life together.

testimonials

Read my Reviews

Barbara was great help and support with my overly excitable Wolfadoodle! She provided us with the tools and knowledge for us to manage him and set some boundaries.

Aishling & Cuan

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Really enjoyed working with Barbara. She supported us in helping our puppy overcome anxious and avoidant behaviour. Would absolutely recommend if you are struggling with any behavioural issues.

Iolanda & Bailey

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Barbara spent time with me and my very active/rather noisy Jack Russell Pippin. Just want to say how grateful I am for your tips re modifying Pippin’s behaviour with cardboard box treat challenges. It has worked so well at those times e.g. doorbell, bedtime when she gets over excited. It’s also great for relieving possible boredom. Thank you for your time, patience and excellent advice.

Elise & Pippin

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Oh wow, our training plan we received is incredible, it is so thorough, clear, easy to read and follow and the pictures are really useful. Extremely professional but practical and exactly what is needed to help me remember all the steps of our training! The next day after our initial training he was great, I was able to catch his focus and he was super! Bright Horse has been fantastic for us, and I know it will be life changing for both of us, he’ll be happier, and I can get back to the canal!

Avril & Joey

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A friend recommended Barbara to me, and it was one of the best recommendations I’ve ever received. Bowie broke his little leg at 5 months old, and all my training went out the window while he was in recovery. Bowie was very reactive when it came to cars, trucks, and buses—he’d bark, skip, and jump at them. He was afraid of the harness over his head, running away and making it very difficult and frustrating to even leave the garden for a walk. Barbara guided me on how to make it a fun experience for both myself and Bowie when putting the harness on, and finally, we were able to leave the garden. Bowie now waits happily, wagging his tail for treats, instead of looking nervous and agitated. It no longer takes over an hour of back and forth to get his harness and lead on! Bowie is learning to walk better on his lead at a more relaxed pace. He’s improving every day thanks to Barbara’s guidance!🐾.

Aisling & Bowie

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Barbara not only helped with feeding but also taught us about enrichment activities that support our dog’s behavioural needs—needs we hadn’t even realized were being missed! Thanks to her, we’ve learned how to help our dog live a more fulfilling life. Barbara is professional, kind, and incredibly knowledgeable. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to anyone struggling with their dog’s behaviour. All of her advice and training were easy to follow, and best of all—it worked! We couldn’t be happier with the progress our dog has made thanks to Barbara’s guidance.

Donal & Bell

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I contacted Barbara to get help with a specific issue but I have learned so much more about behaviour than expected! Barbara is extremely knowledgeable & provided loads of advice & information at the session which was all contained in the follow up plan. The follow up training material provided was excellent, extremely clear, easy to follow & the photographs were so helpful. Her plans are very tailored to the specific owner & in no way generic. She was excellent at answering any follow up questions as we began the training & very encouraging. I feel she really tried to figure out our issues and also me as an owner & what was required by us not only to achieve successful training but improve our overall relationship. I am very happy we found Barbara.

Marianne & Molly

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I rang Barbra during a very difficult period after rescuing a very loved dog and she spent a long time reassuring me on the phone . We made our appointment and had a plan . Meanwhile circumstances changed and we could no longer care for Daithi as we hoped and we found him a new loving home . Barbara cancelled her appointment absolutely no question or problem and on top of this provided me with lots of support and reading material during the transition. Barbra has a warm place in my heart though we never met and should anyone have any issues reach out to her . You can tell she’s in it for love not money. Thank you Barbra 😊.

Kalla & Daithi

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Barbara was so patient with us, never mind Roger! Anyone looking for help or guidance with behaviour should get in touch with Bright Horse. Positive Reinforcement = Yes!

Emily & Roger

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Barbara has been a great help to us. She has given fantastic tips and advice to help us with Vinny, a miniature schnauzer. I highly recommend her. Thank you Barbara!

Michael, Hazel & Vinny

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Barbara has been a great help with Skye, who is now a happier, healthier, calmer and more playful dog. Thank you!

Sarah & Skye

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Barbara is such a kind, caring, and compassionate behaviourist—I honestly cannot fault her. She goes above and beyond for her clients and has a head full of knowledge that makes everything simple and easy. From the very first consultation, we felt we were in safe hands with Bowie. We learned so much, and we’re so happy Barbara understands what Bowie needs to overcome his fears after his traumatic leg break as a pup. Bowie absolutely adores his freeze-dried treat giver! 😋 Barbara is always on hand to give advice and ideas, and she’s always happy to help no matter the question. It can be nerve-wracking to find the right trainer, but Barbara is 100000% the one you should invest your time and money with! Some trainers focus on money, not care, but this gal is the real deal, all about you and what works for your family pet. Thank you for being the most wonderful person in the animal world 🐾.

Aisling & Bowie

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Barbara came to help us with our rescue German Shepherd, who has a traumatic history and severe health issues that took years to resolve. While thankfully she’s never shown aggressive behaviour, she has been incredibly shy and avoidant of people and strange situations. She was diagnosed with severe ulceration of her stomach and, after much struggle, we learned she’s allergic to both chicken and beef. This made feeding her and keeping weight on a real challenge. Our dog developed a negative view of food, which made training with treats difficult. Barbara’s knowledge and expertise completely turned things around! She introduced us to rabbit ears and other products that our dog can tolerate, and after a few months, we were able to stop all her medication (as the vet recommended). Barbara’s help was truly life-changing!

Donal & Bell

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Barbara has superb energy and overall knowledge. She helped us out with Golden Retriever who had some Resource Guarding issues. She provided an overall assessment of his behaviour, as well as some great easy actions moving forward. She’s very patient and I would definitely recommend her! :)

Kirils & Gus

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Barbara has been amazing at helping Lexi overcome her anxiety and be more settled in nature! Barbara’s positive reinforcement and continued support had been a fantastic tool for us all. Highly recommended

Melissa & Lexi

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Barbara really goes above and beyond to help the both the animals and the owners she works with; I couldn’t recommend her enough. As an owner you are fully supported going forward and have ample information to refer back to. Help with vets, medication if necessary and another adjunct therapies that may be need. You really do get the full package. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Barbara for any issue that arises with your canine companion, no matter the age of the dog or nature of the problem, you are in safe hands!

Jayne & Hector

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Barbara was wonderful to work with, she was so helpful with my reactive dog and used lovely techniques and knowledge during his training. She is patient and understands your pet so well. Barbara is always only a text away if you have any worries or problems and is always quick to respond❤️🐾

Rachel & Cairo

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I could not recommend Barbara enough for dog training and behaviour. She has the utmost care and compassion for animals and helps both humans and the pet along the way during training! She taught us so much about dog behaviour in the months we were working with her, knowledge which we will now have forever! She’s authentic and funny and always puts the health of the pet first. If you are looking for a helping hand in understanding your dogs behaviour, working towards a happy household with realistic goals and some laughter along the way, Barbara is the trainer/behaviourist for you!

Amy & Family

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Not Sure If I'm the Right Fit for You?

Discover what working with me looks like and explore the support I offer to see if it’s right for you.

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Pricing

Find out more about Pricing & Services

Initial 1:1 Consultation
€196 / 2 hours

Ideal for dog owners seeking a thorough assessment and an immediate action plan to address behavioural concerns.


  • Comprehensive canine behavioural assessment and training support.
  • 2-hour, 1:1 coaching session in your home or at an agreed location.
  • Tailored behaviour modification plan addressing specific concerns.
  • Optional summary report for your vet.
  • Insurance Claim Option: Services can be claimed through pet insurance where applicable. Please check with your provider for details.
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Follow-Up Consultation
€96 / 1 hour

Perfect for ongoing support to improve your dog's behaviour and ensure progress is maintained.


  • Targeted support for canine behavioural modification and training.
  • 1-hour session at your home or another agreed location.
  • Focused on achieving your training and behavioural goals.
  • Focus on refining the strategies established during the initial consultation and tracking your pet’s progress.
  • Follow up shaping plans, as required, to progress behaviour goals
  • Insurance Claim Option: Services can be claimed through pet insurance where applicable. Please check with your provider for details.
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Phone Consultation
€48 / 45 minutes

Ideal for immediate support, tailored advice, or guidance on your next steps.


  • 45-minute video call (via Teams) or phone consultation.
  • Designed to address concerns and provide actionable advice.
  • Perfect for advice or follow-ups on specific issues without requiring an in-person meeting.
  • Personalised support based on your dog's unique needs.
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