From aggression to lead pulling, from puppies to rescue dogs, from Chihuahuas to Rottweilers and all crosses in-between, I have experienced all sorts of problem behaviours. Read more about my methods in these testimonials from some of my dog training clients.
Sally explained that the dog needs to know we are in charge, it needs to be led not be a leader, it needs to know that it doesn't need to think for itself and we do the thinking. I thought about it a lot and what she was saying to me made perfect sense.
We had reached the end – she was lunging at every car and every dog we came across. We wanted a dog so we could all go out with her, but it was no fun anymore, hiding from other people/dogs – so just my wife or I would take her out on our own.
I called on Sally to help me with Maggie my golden retriever. Although Maggie was very well obedience trained I felt there was something which I was not giving her as she seemed a little anxious.
I was at the point where I thought I would have to get rid of my dog. I couldn't stop her pulling on the lead and it wasn't going to be long before she pulled me over. When anybody came to the house or we passed someone while out walking she would not stop jumping at them to make a fuss of her - it was so embarrassing!
I contacted Sally when Ailsa hit the "teenage stage" i.e. 10 months she started running off when out walking in woods and I couldn't stand the anxiety.
I contacted Sally after weeks of frustration of not being able to walk our new rescue Chara. After trying various leads, harnesses etc with no success I was at a real loss as to what to do with her. Her pulling was out of control.
Our dog had issues with other dogs on a lead and the problem had escalated recently. We couldn't bear to think of the outcome if these issues continued so asked Sally for help.
We'd seen glimpses of Hamish's fear aggression at home but it wasn't until we went on holiday that we saw how stressed and unsure he was. He didn't pay any attention to us and was very aggressive when challenged.
My husband and I were devastated when my rescue ex-breeding Mini Schnauzer actually bit a visitor's ankle, having been accidentally let out from behind a safety gate.
UPDATE: Blu has turned into the dog you saw in him when you visited. He is an absolute darling, so soft and loves a cwtch. They are both great on the lead and are now really good with other dogs, including little ones. We never thought we'd get there and I'm sure he would have gone back if you hadn't visited.
Our first walk with Nala after Sally's visit was a revelation! It felt so different to be leading her and communicating with her through the lead. People could see I was working her and were looking at us differently.
Walking was fine, until we come across another dog. That to her was a fight to the death. At this point I threw in the towel and decided we need professional help, so I contacted Sally.
We soon realised why our much loved pet found meeting some dogs scary and Sally explained clearly the techniques we needed to adopt to change her behaviour.
What he craved was the opportunity to be led, so he could relax, safe in the knowledge that we, as his new pack, would deal with whatever the streets of Bristol might bring – children, scooters, cars, bikes and, in particular, other dogs.
