Testimonials

Owner And Dog Training

“I was initially invited to observe Rob’s instructor course in December 2016. I was immediately struck by the detailed, efficient and practical way in which it was taught. I enrolled straight away and started the course in January 2017. Rob provided detailed instructions as to how each exercise was taught and how to explain this to a class of owners. Over the course of a few weeks I observed the running of the class whilst Rob explained each exercise to me. Rob’s detailed analysis of the class, practical advice and wonderful sense of humour really helped to increase my confidence until I was ready to stand up in front of the class explaining the exercises and then participate in training.

I learnt so much about how to instruct on this course, not only by observing others and having the opportunity to teach real owners and their dogs, but also through Rob’s thorough analysis that he provided both as the class was being conducted and at the end of class. At the end of class we were all given the opportunity to discuss each exercise, further our knowledge as to how we approached them and how we might approach them differently in the future. We were also given the opportunity to discuss any difficulties that arose during an exercise and discuss within the group how each person might have addressed these. This provided a deeper understanding of the correct approach towards the various differing issues that may arise during training that was paramount to how I might address these in the future.

In addition, the education days were amazing and in a very positive sense altered my whole view on various aspects of modern training and behavioural modification techniques. These consisted of watching various DVDs and T.V. series of various behaviourists and trainers employing differing methods (from the use of ‘purely’ positive techniques to aversive techniques) to train dogs for certain tasks or ‘resolve’ various forms of behavioural issues. The behavioural issues ranged from various forms of aggression to differing management problems. As a group we were encouraged to conduct a detailed analysis of the efficacy and success of these techniques and debate as to whether the various issues we observed had in fact been resolved, simply managed or made worse, in addition to what impact these techniques had on both the dog and owner. Rob encouraged us to discuss other techniques that could be used to resolve these various problems behaviours and provided us with ideas for alternative effective approaches that would serve to both resolve the problem behaviours and provide more positive and safe outcomes for both the dog and owner. He also recounted a number of fascinating behavioural cases and situations that he had encountered, the way in which he approached them and the outcomes. Rob created a relaxed atmosphere whereby we were able to discuss and debate openly. These education days have provided me with a wealth of knowledge that I could never have derived from simply reading books. I would like to state my most heartfelt thanks to you Rob for these education days and the time you took out of your busy schedule to provide these for us. These education days have provided me with the ability to both think more analytically and ensure that I use training techniques that will be of real benefit to both owners and dogs. They were a real eye-opener for me and helped me to develop a sense of the different styles of training and what kind of trainer I would ultimately like to become.

Rob is exceptionally supportive and generous. He not only gave his full support, time and advice during classes and education days, but has also provided me with hours of advice and support over the phone for any reason whenever I have needed it. Rob is committed to fully preparing his students for their future success in training and also provides support for students that have already passed the course in their training endeavours.

I would like to thank Rob from the bottom of my heart for the confidence you have instilled in me. Your unwavering advice, support, and generosity have served to push me forward into making the decision to become a trainer. I would wholly recommend this course for anyone interested in learning how to run a class, those that would like to run one-one training sessions and those that are following the behavioural route. This course goes beyond the basics in my opinion and provides the methods that those wanting to become trainers or behaviourists will need in order to progress in their careers.”

Charlotte Standage

I could not recommend Rob highly enough. Without meeting our dog, just from knowing the breed and the food we were giving him, Rob described Crumble’s health issues which weren’t even the reason we called him!! On the new food Crumble is flourishing with no skin issues or chewing, scratching etc. Our initial reason for contacting Rob was to help us integrate a new puppy, whose temperament, whilst delightful to us, was intensely irritating to Crumble, to the extent that we feared a fight and real damage to the pup.

Rob was unbelievably helpful, had loads of ideas some of which seemed a bit strange but Rob always explained why they would work and they did. Absolutely everything worked as expected, and over time, after working with them separately, the dogs started to be able to spend time together and again, over time, with less and less active supervision on our part and for longer and longer periods. It was time consuming at the start, but well worth it and without his help we genuinely feel we might well not have been able to keep the pup. It was a tough time, my sister had just died and Rob knew this and therefore knew the limited emotional resources I had. Rob gave us work to do, then visited a second time a week later to be there when the dogs met for the first time. He just took control on that occasion which was good, as I couldn’t even look I had my eyes shut. I felt able to text, ring or e mail Rob, and he always spent the time to talk me through the next step and the reasons behind it. He also contacted me, to ask how it was going if he did not hear from me, every conversation ended with the phrase “keep me informed”.

Anyway, from needing to keep a barrier between them at all times, and even in those circumstances seeing much aggression, we can now put them in the boot of the car together confident there will not be an issue. I would even go so far as to say they are friends, they don’t just tolerate each other, they get on very well. An amazing result due to a combination of Rob’s skill, and our time to follow it all through, even the strange sounding stuff!

Rosie Westby

“I attended Rob’s instructor course in the Spring/Summer 2014, those 12 weeks flashed by. Rob is patient, generous with his knowledge and time and an amazing sense of humour! Rob simplifies instructing without confusing the dog owner and dog or the person learning to be an instructor. The other instructors and trainees on the course are fun, friendly and encouraging. The talks after the class are informative and he encourages you to think and talk through scenarios. Rob helped me when I got my first puppy consultation a few months later and he gave me the courage to give a go. Thank you Rob – the tea, biscuits and cake were a bonus too!!”

Tracey Bugg

Hi Rob,
Just wanted to give you a quick update on Biscuit. He has moved onto a no grain diet and seems better for it all round, his scratching has reduced and I think this may now be related to bites he gets on walks. The spray collar has changed him immeasurably – we now take him round the estate without a lead and he comes to heel and sit whenever a car passes by. He is also able to go off lead in the forest park nearby and despite is natural desire to truffle around with his nose down, never strays too far. This has a huge benefit as he is no longer fighting against a lead which tires him and increases the chance of sickness. Around dogs he is absolutely fine and i have no issues about he going up to and playing with other dogs if they are friendly and their owners are of a similar mind – only today another passing owner say they wished their dog was a well behaved as Biscuit! He doesn’t go on the sofas unless invited to do so and overall he is a calm and relaxed dog – or one that can easily be calmed if things become naturally exciting for him.
In short, he has retained all of the personality he had, but is now relaxed, responsive, more healthy and not a danger to himself in any way.
Thanks again,
Joe

Joe

Hi Rob,
We are still treating when passing strangers and moved him on to town walking at night and he is seeing more people than he did at forest walking.
Sometimes he glances at people then carries on walking, sniffing etc and doesn’t seem bothered about them. The rest of the time when seeing people he looks back to Paul for his treat. Sometimes we feel he looks at people just to get a treat. We have cut the treats down as now combining a cuddle as well.
Massive improvement with him and Dolly. We now all sit watching TV relaxed which we never could have done before.
My washing has been staying on the washing line which is wonderful.
He is much better at not jumping up the work tops.
We are still ignoring him and giving attention on our terms, our son and his girlfriend also do so on visiting and have said they have seen a massive difference in him.
He doesn’t demand attention no where near as much as before.
We are really happy with his progress and since meeting with you we haven’t had any negative experiences with people.
many thanks for your help.
Teresa , Paul and Mummies Boy Benson
(Also Dolly loves you lots as she can relax now )

Teresa and Paul

I would like to say a huge thankyou to you for all your advice and help. After hearing you talk at a recent dog behaviour seminar I contacted you regarding some issues with our two black Labradors. I cannot thank you enough for your time and assistance, and, for being at the end of the phone when we’ve needed a chat. We can see a big improvement already in just a couple of weeks and its lovely to see our wonderful dogs over come their issues and our house feels calmer again.
Thankyou
Claire x

Claire Denyer

Robert not only has a wealth of experience and an immense knowledge of the canine world; he also understands people. Through careful guidance, encouragement and humour, he has the skill of being able to teach each individual trainee instructor to the best of their ability. It is because of the support and encouragement I got on Robert’s instructors course that I now run my own dog training school. It is a special skill to be able to teach someone else to teach; Robert has an abundance of that skill and that is why I would encourage anyone who wants to learn how to be a good instructor, to sign up and learn from the instructor who is second to none.”

Jane Ball

Hi Rob.

Thank you so much for the enlightening and eye opening session yesterday,

This morning we have been doing some simple rattle can exercises on things that always provoked a big reaction from percy like the broom, the curtains tea towels etc. The results have been amazing!! I have barely had to shake the can after the first few times as he responds to the command leave beautifully ( So far!! ).

We’ll keep you posted on further developments.

Thanks again

Sarah & Nick

Sarah & Nick

Instructor Courses

“I was initially invited to observe Rob’s instructor course in December 2016. I was immediately struck by the detailed, efficient and practical way in which it was taught. I enrolled straight away and started the course in January 2017. Rob provided detailed instructions as to how each exercise was taught and how to explain this to a class of owners. Over the course of a few weeks I observed the running of the class whilst Rob explained each exercise to me. Rob’s detailed analysis of the class, practical advice and wonderful sense of humour really helped to increase my confidence until I was ready to stand up in front of the class explaining the exercises and then participate in training.

I learnt so much about how to instruct on this course, not only by observing others and having the opportunity to teach real owners and their dogs, but also through Rob’s thorough analysis that he provided both as the class was being conducted and at the end of class. At the end of class we were all given the opportunity to discuss each exercise, further our knowledge as to how we approached them and how we might approach them differently in the future. We were also given the opportunity to discuss any difficulties that arose during an exercise and discuss within the group how each person might have addressed these. This provided a deeper understanding of the correct approach towards the various differing issues that may arise during training that was paramount to how I might address these in the future.

In addition, the education days were amazing and in a very positive sense altered my whole view on various aspects of modern training and behavioural modification techniques. These consisted of watching various DVDs and T.V. series of various behaviourists and trainers employing differing methods (from the use of ‘purely’ positive techniques to aversive techniques) to train dogs for certain tasks or ‘resolve’ various forms of behavioural issues. The behavioural issues ranged from various forms of aggression to differing management problems. As a group we were encouraged to conduct a detailed analysis of the efficacy and success of these techniques and debate as to whether the various issues we observed had in fact been resolved, simply managed or made worse, in addition to what impact these techniques had on both the dog and owner. Rob encouraged us to discuss other techniques that could be used to resolve these various problems behaviours and provided us with ideas for alternative effective approaches that would serve to both resolve the problem behaviours and provide more positive and safe outcomes for both the dog and owner. He also recounted a number of fascinating behavioural cases and situations that he had encountered, the way in which he approached them and the outcomes. Rob created a relaxed atmosphere whereby we were able to discuss and debate openly. These education days have provided me with a wealth of knowledge that I could never have derived from simply reading books. I would like to state my most heartfelt thanks to you Rob for these education days and the time you took out of your busy schedule to provide these for us. These education days have provided me with the ability to both think more analytically and ensure that I use training techniques that will be of real benefit to both owners and dogs. They were a real eye-opener for me and helped me to develop a sense of the different styles of training and what kind of trainer I would ultimately like to become.

Rob is exceptionally supportive and generous. He not only gave his full support, time and advice during classes and education days, but has also provided me with hours of advice and support over the phone for any reason whenever I have needed it. Rob is committed to fully preparing his students for their future success in training and also provides support for students that have already passed the course in their training endeavours.

I would like to thank Rob from the bottom of my heart for the confidence you have instilled in me. Your unwavering advice, support, and generosity have served to push me forward into making the decision to become a trainer. I would wholly recommend this course for anyone interested in learning how to run a class, those that would like to run one-one training sessions and those that are following the behavioural route. This course goes beyond the basics in my opinion and provides the methods that those wanting to become trainers or behaviourists will need in order to progress in their careers.”

Charlotte Standage

I could not recommend Rob highly enough. Without meeting our dog, just from knowing the breed and the food we were giving him, Rob described Crumble’s health issues which weren’t even the reason we called him!! On the new food Crumble is flourishing with no skin issues or chewing, scratching etc. Our initial reason for contacting Rob was to help us integrate a new puppy, whose temperament, whilst delightful to us, was intensely irritating to Crumble, to the extent that we feared a fight and real damage to the pup.

Rob was unbelievably helpful, had loads of ideas some of which seemed a bit strange but Rob always explained why they would work and they did. Absolutely everything worked as expected, and over time, after working with them separately, the dogs started to be able to spend time together and again, over time, with less and less active supervision on our part and for longer and longer periods. It was time consuming at the start, but well worth it and without his help we genuinely feel we might well not have been able to keep the pup. It was a tough time, my sister had just died and Rob knew this and therefore knew the limited emotional resources I had. Rob gave us work to do, then visited a second time a week later to be there when the dogs met for the first time. He just took control on that occasion which was good, as I couldn’t even look I had my eyes shut. I felt able to text, ring or e mail Rob, and he always spent the time to talk me through the next step and the reasons behind it. He also contacted me, to ask how it was going if he did not hear from me, every conversation ended with the phrase “keep me informed”.

Anyway, from needing to keep a barrier between them at all times, and even in those circumstances seeing much aggression, we can now put them in the boot of the car together confident there will not be an issue. I would even go so far as to say they are friends, they don’t just tolerate each other, they get on very well. An amazing result due to a combination of Rob’s skill, and our time to follow it all through, even the strange sounding stuff!

Rosie Westby

“I attended Rob’s instructor course in the Spring/Summer 2014, those 12 weeks flashed by. Rob is patient, generous with his knowledge and time and an amazing sense of humour! Rob simplifies instructing without confusing the dog owner and dog or the person learning to be an instructor. The other instructors and trainees on the course are fun, friendly and encouraging. The talks after the class are informative and he encourages you to think and talk through scenarios. Rob helped me when I got my first puppy consultation a few months later and he gave me the courage to give a go. Thank you Rob – the tea, biscuits and cake were a bonus too!!”

Tracey Bugg

Hi Rob,
Just wanted to give you a quick update on Biscuit. He has moved onto a no grain diet and seems better for it all round, his scratching has reduced and I think this may now be related to bites he gets on walks. The spray collar has changed him immeasurably – we now take him round the estate without a lead and he comes to heel and sit whenever a car passes by. He is also able to go off lead in the forest park nearby and despite is natural desire to truffle around with his nose down, never strays too far. This has a huge benefit as he is no longer fighting against a lead which tires him and increases the chance of sickness. Around dogs he is absolutely fine and i have no issues about he going up to and playing with other dogs if they are friendly and their owners are of a similar mind – only today another passing owner say they wished their dog was a well behaved as Biscuit! He doesn’t go on the sofas unless invited to do so and overall he is a calm and relaxed dog – or one that can easily be calmed if things become naturally exciting for him.
In short, he has retained all of the personality he had, but is now relaxed, responsive, more healthy and not a danger to himself in any way.
Thanks again,
Joe

Joe

Hi Rob,
We are still treating when passing strangers and moved him on to town walking at night and he is seeing more people than he did at forest walking.
Sometimes he glances at people then carries on walking, sniffing etc and doesn’t seem bothered about them. The rest of the time when seeing people he looks back to Paul for his treat. Sometimes we feel he looks at people just to get a treat. We have cut the treats down as now combining a cuddle as well.
Massive improvement with him and Dolly. We now all sit watching TV relaxed which we never could have done before.
My washing has been staying on the washing line which is wonderful.
He is much better at not jumping up the work tops.
We are still ignoring him and giving attention on our terms, our son and his girlfriend also do so on visiting and have said they have seen a massive difference in him.
He doesn’t demand attention no where near as much as before.
We are really happy with his progress and since meeting with you we haven’t had any negative experiences with people.
many thanks for your help.
Teresa , Paul and Mummies Boy Benson
(Also Dolly loves you lots as she can relax now )

Teresa and Paul

I would like to say a huge thankyou to you for all your advice and help. After hearing you talk at a recent dog behaviour seminar I contacted you regarding some issues with our two black Labradors. I cannot thank you enough for your time and assistance, and, for being at the end of the phone when we’ve needed a chat. We can see a big improvement already in just a couple of weeks and its lovely to see our wonderful dogs over come their issues and our house feels calmer again.
Thankyou
Claire x

Claire Denyer

Robert not only has a wealth of experience and an immense knowledge of the canine world; he also understands people. Through careful guidance, encouragement and humour, he has the skill of being able to teach each individual trainee instructor to the best of their ability. It is because of the support and encouragement I got on Robert’s instructors course that I now run my own dog training school. It is a special skill to be able to teach someone else to teach; Robert has an abundance of that skill and that is why I would encourage anyone who wants to learn how to be a good instructor, to sign up and learn from the instructor who is second to none.”

Jane Ball

Hi Rob.

Thank you so much for the enlightening and eye opening session yesterday,

This morning we have been doing some simple rattle can exercises on things that always provoked a big reaction from percy like the broom, the curtains tea towels etc. The results have been amazing!! I have barely had to shake the can after the first few times as he responds to the command leave beautifully ( So far!! ).

We’ll keep you posted on further developments.

Thanks again

Sarah & Nick

Sarah & Nick