Testimonials

When our lovely rescue collie-cross, Maisie, came to us two-and-a-half years ago (aged 6), we were taken aback by her aggressive reaction to strange dogs. Early on a behaviourist advised us she was fear aggressive and should be distracted with treats. The method made walks a bit easier but after a while I started to feel there must be a better solution for Maisie. I just wasn’t sure where to turn next.

Two years after getting her, I saw Dog Communication mentioned on a forum and went to their website. I felt I’d finally found what I had been looking for. Contacting them was the best decision I could have made. Penel and Laura really know their stuff and Maisie’s assessment with the wonderful teaching dogs was fascinating. It turns out that Maisie isn’t fearful – she is a high-ranking, bossy bitch.

The first Naughty but Nice group session was a bit daunting but Laura and Penel were supportive and unfazed, and so were the other owners. In just a few months we have both learned a lot and Maisie has progressed in leaps and bounds. She has toned down her reactions and developed her dog skills to the point where she now gets introduced as one of the teaching dogs! I am so proud of her. Increasingly, I am seeing the difference when we are out walking too, with some tolerant behaviour I would never have dreamed possible.

If you are thinking of coming to Dog Communication, I would say don’t hesitate. Not all behaviourists are the same - if you are going to go to the trouble of getting help, get the right help first time. I wish I had found them two-and-a-half years ago!

Penny and Maisie, March 2012

 

We had Teddie from a puppy and never understood why his behaviour differed so greatly from our other dogs. He was always nervous to sound, other dogs and strange people but when he became fully grown he started to snap at both dogs and people. We took Teddie to Dog Communication and Penel and Laura assessed him in conjunction with our other 3 dogs. It was good to hear that the other dogs had no behavioural problems whatsoever but they stated Teddie had a problem. Over the last 12 months Teddie has improved greatly but he will never be 100% as Penel and Laura agree that he does not simply suffer from behavioural problems but likely has some underlying physical or physiological issue and have equated that to autism in humans - we have a special needs dog! I cannot praise dog Communication enough for all their assistance with Teddie, just to get a diagnosis that gives a name to his issues was brilliant, no longer are we the bad owners with a bad dog. Teddie has also come on leaps and bounds, walking in the park is no longer the worst chore in the world and it is possible to walk all 4 dogs together once more without issue. Teddie will probably always have to see Penel and Laura at Dog Communication throughout his whole life but this is a pleasure as they are both so knowledgable and understanding. We were also introduced to TTouch which has helped Teddie to de-stress.

Tony and Harriet, Bexleyheath, November 2011

 

Youla is a rescue girl from Greece - she was more than a little anxious of other dogs from the off and then my second rescue arrived - Barney - he was friendly and gentle, and Youla loved him, but then he began to turn snappy when other dogs approached whilst Youla was so nervous she would panic and either run away or bark madly at other dogs - whilst I was struggling to hold on to them both and apologising to numerous other dog owners

More worried about Barney's changing behaviour, I was referred to Penel and Laura - they immediately identified that Youla's anxiety was causing Barney to try and protect her and he was not that good at it!!!

They recommeded I walk the dogs separately from one another for a few months to give Barney a break and Youla was put into the Shy Guys Group

Youla was initially too nervous to attend the Shy Guys classes - so she had several one to one sessions with Penel's dogs - and over that time she began to be less nervous of Penel's dogs - she then progressed on to the shy guys sessions and she has come on leaps and bounds - she has gone from cowering at the field gate to running around with the other dogs in the sessions and now she and Barney are back walking together and he is back to his laid back self

It is great to have a no blame environment in which to walk Youla and cannot thank Laura and Penel enough for identifying Youla's effect on Barney - they are both much happier and Barney is also enjoying mixing with the other dogs at Shy Guys - they both enjoyed themselves so much last week, they wouldn't leave the field!

Dee McFarlane, October 2011

 

Just had to write and thank you both for all the help you have given and continue to give to little Sprocket.He was such a mixed up lad when I got him from rescue, with no social skills and some interesting ideas of how to greet other dogs, which was getting him into some serious trouble.

After coming to your groups for a few months, he now knows how to mix with other dogs and walk away from potential trouble. He has become much more social and a much nicer dog to be around.I never thought when I first brought him to you that we would be able to walk past other dogs onlead, but now we can!Thank you so much for all your(and your lovely dogs) help.

Jacqui and Sprocket, Berkshire, October 2011

Bryn came to me just over a year ago with quite a few problems which can be attributed to the fact that he was probably a working/farm dog with no knowledge of domestic life or the outside world. He is an intelligent dog who learned quickly with the help and advice an excellent Behaviourist. His "on lead" behaviour was a problem that persisted, he lunged and barked at all the dogs we met. I tried a trailing lead, as advised, but this was a total disaster - think Border Collie, in full flight, with a five foot elderly woman attached in virtual parallel motion - hilarious if you are not the one on the end of the "trailing lead". I returned to a normal lead and managed to control the lunging and barking by holding him on a tight lead by saying "no barking, no barking" but this was not a cure, he still went rigid and there was no way he could be off lead. This is where Dog Communication comes in. I must confess being a little sceptical but was interested in the idea of dogs teaching dogs. Bryn had his assessment in April this year (2011) and was rated as a "Shy Guy". Since then he has attended the sessions every other week and has had little problem mixing with the other problem dogs; now he is always off lead when we go for our walks. He still has a little to learn so continues with the sessions and he does so enjoy them! So, thank you Penel and Laura for giving an old dog the chance to enjoy his last years.

Monica and Bryn the collie, Caterham, Surrey.

 

Our dog was referred to Dog Communication because he was aggressive with other dogs. Penel and Laura helped us to understand he was scared, and reacted to other dogs to protect himself. He attends the Shy Guys Group twice a month, and his behaviour has dramatically improved. He is more confident, and reacts much less with other dogs. He is also able to warn other dogs if he doesn't want contact without becoming aggressive. We are more relaxed on walks with him, as he is now easier to manage around other dogs. And he is able to play with more dogs, so he has more fun on walks.

Jenny & Ozzie, London, Oct 2011

 

Casper is our much adored 7 year old Chihuahua whom I first started taking to Penel and Laura's dog socialisation classes about 18 months ago. Casper had issues with confidence around other dogs and strangers and this resulted in him air snapping and growling even if there was no particular 'threat'. Unfortunately the problem had originated from a couple of early bad experiences, but was exacerbated by us - (wrongly) picking him up whenever we saw another dog approaching until we deemed them 'safe'. This reinforced in Casper's mind that other dogs were not to be trusted and the problem just escalated until he would snap at most dogs to try and get rid of them and was decidedly grumpy all round - but this was all fear based. I could tell that he wasn't enjoying his walks and would have been happy to stay at home tucked up on my lap. As we have other dogs and live near some beautiful countryside this was not really an option! Our first one-to-one session involved Casper on one side of the fence whilst Penel and Laura's dogs met him individually from the other side. Casper did not respond aggressively to any of them (they exude calmness) and so he was allowed to join the Shy Guys group that followed his one-to-one and meet the teaching dogs within the field. He initially panicked when Luca one of Laura's dogs approached him but Luca, recognising Casper's fear, turned his face away to show that he was no threat. This happened several times during that first session with all of the dogs leaving him to his own devices and allowing him to realise that he was in a safe environment. On that first session, (and for about the next 5 months!), Casper just followed the back of my shoe - barely looking around and seemingly not happy - however I knew that he was secretly enjoying these sessions because he would trot happily from the car to the field and would need no encouragement to enter the gate! Over the months, very gradually he began to interact with the other dogs more and more, moving away from me more and stopping to sniff the grass or another dog occasionally. The other dogs in the Shy Guys groups are all a little shy or unsure and for the dogs to be able to mix in a safe (the teaching dogs have their eyes everywhere!) and happy environment helps them all so much - Casper has improved immeasurably, even actually playing with other dogs in the group. On one occasion playing non-stop, leaping and twirling with a lovely gentlemanly collie - such a breakthrough! To see Casper now happy and outgoing on a walk is a joy and I shall continue to take him to the groups because he leaves each session with a raised level of confidence and he's on a little 'high' - he definitely enjoys himself! Both Penel and Laura are hugely knowledgeable and approachable. They care about each and every dog in their sessions and are always available to listen and advise on highs or lows that the dogs may have had since the last session. Whatever the issues a dog may have I'm convinced that they could be hugely improved by Laura and Penel and their wonderful teaching dogs.

Sandra L & Casper Chihuahua, Tadworth, Surrey, Sept 2011

 

 

Edna was a rescue dog. I drove all the way to Stoke-on-Trent to get her, but with dire warnings that she was unpredictable and had not been socialised at all. Her nickname was "Evil Edna"! She is very attractive and I was delighted to have her, but our first few outings were a nightmare. Because she is such a big dog, and I am quite small, I was beginning to wonder if I had taken on more than I could handle. The rescue recommended Penel and Laura, so I took her with some trepidation, expecting a Barbara Woodhouse experience. I needn't have worried. The teaching dogs were very effective and Penel and Laura's advice was right on the money. Most of Edna's social skills were picked up pretty quickly and the surroundings of the farm in Banstead were really lovely and calming. Since attending the classes she has come on in leaps and bounds and has learnt all the necessary skills to interact with other dogs. She's done so well she is training to be a teaching dog. She still chases small furry animals, but she is a fabulous companion and my whole family are looking forward to her company for many happy years. I've recommended their classes to others who we meet from time to time who seem to be struggling with their dogs and they won't be disappointed. Thanks again to Dog Communication and Edna says "woof!"

Julie R., Richmond, Surrey Aug 2011

 

Bruno is my first dog and even though I was very lucky to get such a great dog he wasn't without issues being 4 years old and rescued by Animal Samaritans. My family and friends were of little help so I was relieved to find Dog Communications so that I could go somewhere and get the best advice. They confirmed that he did have behavourial issues which was a bit of a relief as at times I thought it was more about me doing something wrong and not him!

I didn't know that dogs had OCD but they suggested that this was the problem and I realised within a few weeks that he did have obsessive ways, they were right. With the help and advice of both Penel and Laura, Bruno and I have come on leaps and bounds. After 18 months he has improved hugely and is now able to have a much more relaxed outlook. You never know what has happened to them before but I can now say that he is so much better off with me and we get on great together. He is much improved around other dogs but we know his boundaries and that helps him become a more relaxed little dog. Thanks to all at Dog Communication for being there when we needed them: we are both very grateful.

Jo S and Bruno terrier, Wallington, Surrey, July 2011

 

Ray is a rescue we adopted when he was about to turn 5 months old. A staffie cross sharpei, so he was going to be an interesting dog. He was severely under-socialized and showed various signs of nervousness from the day we picked him up. The only dog that refused to leave the rescue centre and got into a panic at the mere thought of walking on a pavement to get to our car. Looking back I should have never taken him, he deserved an experienced and carefully selected environment to go to. Within weeks he transformed and blossomed so we thought all was passed, except it didn't last. Ray started reacting to dogs, initially just young boisterous males, large pushy pups, then large dogs, then a lot of dogs, his nervous disposition came back, road walking had to be done at quiet times. Off lead was to be done in deserted places, I started anticipating problems as soon as I saw a dog approaching us. Living in central London certainly didn't help. On top of that Ray was diagnosed with Elbow Dysplasia, I felt quite depressed as I wanted a dog to come on long walks and socialize in parks and it became very clear Ray was not the dog for that.

I got all sort of advice that did not help until I was recommend to get in touch with two ladies who run communication classes for dogs in Surrey. I booked an assessment and met Penel and Laura and of course Ray also met some of their dogs, Beama, Barley and Luka!

Ray learnt from his very first group session what was appropriate behaviour from Beama' s watchful eye and quick corrections. My nervous dog could take reprimands without feeling intimidated, dogs speak to each other so clearly. He found the initial sessions a bit stressful, but he overcame that in the following weeks. I realized certain patterns of behaviour I had not payed attention to where in fact critical issues he had. Ray was terrified of dogs barking at each other, but I put my trust in Penel and Laura's judgement and through them I learnt to get to know my dog. What he could and couldn't cope with. Finally we where in a non judgmental environment where dogs could learn how to be dogs and dogs owners didn't have to panic, but could observe how their dog interacted, the teaching dogs would intervene and correct inappropriate behaviours. Attending Dog Communication has given me so much confidence, I only need to take one look at Ray now to know if a dog will pose a problem. I am relaxed when I walk with him because I know my dog so well and he trusts me. I have learnt that Ray is not an aggressive scary bull, he might have strong reactions, but what happens happens for a reason. He is talking to dogs, loud and clear, but still just talking. Driving to Surrey every Saturday was an exciting time for both me and Ray, he loved groups and I loved watching him and the other dogs. I have also learnt Ray has a very gentle side of him and can fit in with most dogs, even the most shy or fear aggressive ones. Just last week I was complimented on him being such a nice dog by a passer-by when his normally aggressive poodle didn't react to him, but the truth is through Dog Communication groups Ray has learnt to communicate so well that dogs don't need to feel threatened and I have learnt to let him do the talking by being relaxed enough and not interfere or affect him with my anxiety.

We attended groups for over a year and we would still do if it wasn't that we have now moved abroad. Discovering Dog communication made sharing our life with a dog an exciting and happy thing again. Just
like it was meant to be. I would stress these classes are not just for the dogs, us the humans learn just as much. We will take longer than the dogs of course, but through what we learn by observing our dogs'
interact we will form an even stronger bond with them because we will finally learn their language and get to understand them properly.

I could never thank Penel and Laura enough and of course I could never thank all the dogs enough, not only the teaching dogs, but all the dogs we came across at groups for each of them taught me and Ray
something.

Donatella & Ray, March 2011

 

My Lurcher Marley came to me with no history before six months after a very bad start in life as a stray in London. He was desperate to interact and play with other dogs but lacked the social skills to make this happen and would go about it in entirely the wrong way, getting far too over excited and barking lunging etc, this only pushed most other dogs away which was even more frustrating for him. The teaching dogs showed him another way and he learnt to slow his approach and keep a respectable distance, his body language changed for the better and he learned or re learned some good doggy manners and etiquette. The NBN classes and Laura and Penels' insight and experience were hugely beneficial for us and were very effective. Marley now has a lot of new friends he runs with every week and is a happier hound because of that. It has also improved his relationship with my other dog. I am very glad I found the classes when I did as Marley is still only two and hopefully has many years of doggy fun ahead of him. So a big thank you to Laura, Penel and the lovely teaching dogs.

Pete and Marley the lurcher, London, Jan 2011

 

I have spent ages wondering how to start this testimonial because I didn't think I could find the right words to express my very deep gratitude to Penel, Laura and the wonderful teaching dogs for helping us to understand our dogs and to enjoy our lives with them.

We have two Australian Cattle Dogs: Rosco is seven years old and Roxie is four.We had them both as eight week old puppies - they were planned, wanted and very much loved. The reason we chose ACD's is that we wanted to have a dog with stamina to hike all day with us and high intelligence to train to a high standard.I had ambitions of agility, working trials etc and I read as much as I could beforehand so that I would be at least a little bit prepared.

Rosco started puppy school at ten weeks old. He was a dream, he learnt very quickly and had a wicked sense of humour -- very Cattle Dog!.We could take him everywhere with us -- friends' houses, meeting our daughter from school, shops, garden centres, county shows, air fairs. He travelled well in the car, was always calm and quiet and always wanted to join in with everything we did.He loved everybody and had a huge group of dog friends that we walked with regularly.Then he started limping and after many x-rays, MRI scans etc he was diagnosed with elbow dsyplasia.He was just about 15 months old.Over the following 18 months he had more investigations and two surgeries to clean out his elbow joints.There were problems after one anaesthetic which resulted in damage to his facial nerves.We noticed a change in him too but it was put down to the long rehab after the surgeries and him being away from other dogs and his normal activities.

Then Roxie came along and unfortunately she was a very sick puppy.We nearly lost her at three months old and she had to spend so much time in vets and away from all other dogs that she missed the very important window of dog socialisation.She was not clear of everything until she was eight months old. She did win some rosettes in a couple of shows so we thought all was not lost.

Then as time went on Rosco's behaviour started to became erratic and unpredictable.We sought advice from well known behaviourists and a couple of trainers.They all wanted me to be more strict with him as they said he was being a very dominant dog and he needed firm handling.He started lunging at other dogs when we were out or running after them, barking and looking very scary.Sometimes he would bark at people and other times he wanted a cuddle from them -- very odd.Roxie started to defend Rosco and also started shrieking at other dogs. One behaviourist said we would have even more trouble with Roxie as she was competing with Rosco for top dog position.Life was becoming so stressful we were resorting to going out at dawn and driving miles to hopefully deserted places.

A neighbour recommended Sandra for one-to-one sessions with Rosco. She was brilliant and after much good work with her she referred us to Penel and Laura as she could see we needed them.

As soon as Rosco entered the field on the first one to one session Penel told us that Rosco was not behaving like a normal dog.As the teaching dogs were introduced they also told Penel and Laura that Rosco was different. Luca loved him to bits!They confirmed that Rosco had special needs.The penny dropped! The problem with the anaesthetic had probably damaged another part of his brain as well -- the communication part.That was why some dogs attacked him for no apparent reason to us -- he could no longer read dog language or speak dog language so he was giving off the wrong signals.He also now seemed to not like anything moving fast around him -- hence chasing the bikes and dogs.

Roxie turned out to be a very shy, intelligent and sensitive girl.She knew Rosco had problems and was doing her very best to look after him and us at the same time.The strain of trying to cope was too much for her so she was always like a coiled spring.

We have been going to Penel and Laura now for about 18 months.It has been our lifeline.Rosco and Roxie love going there although we do not take Rosco any more as he is becoming too unpredictable even for the teaching dogs.Roxie is a different dog when she is near Penel and Laura, she can relax and enjoy her walk.I have learnt that she will never be a dog who will play with lots of others as she has a very strong working dog ethic but she is learning to make a few friends, slowly but surely. She is very clear with her signals, is very tolerant with other shy and nervous dogs but will not tolerate rude behaviour.I have learnt to trust her instinct when we are out on our walks and we have become quite a good team I think.I love our Saturdays at Shy Guys too.I can watch all the dogs interact and learn more than any book could try to explain.Talking to others in similar situations to me and watching all the dogs develop is very reassuring.

I cannot thank Penel and Laura enough for their patience, understanding, help and reassurance from the very first contact I had with them.We still have a long way to go with Roxie but I am not daunted any more. You never know: Roxie might make a teaching dog yet!

Maria and family, Kenley, Surrey, Jan 2011

 

I found Dog Communication through a friend, and I am so glad I did.

I have a long haired weimanarer called Luca - he is just over 4 years old. The reasons why I took Luca to Dog Communication was because he was so fearful and unpredictable and it got to the stage where walking him was not enjoyable.

We first started in the naughty but nice class, he was only in that class for a short while, he is now in Shy Guys, and what a difference. We have now been going there for over 8 months and I have a completely changed dog, he reads dog language now and says hello nicely to every dog he sees, he is more confident in himself.

My dog walker said it is like walking a different dog now, I can honestly say that Luca is now a more calm dog around other dogs and it is such a great pleasure walking him.

I will carry on going every two weeks, even though I have nothing to report now, but that reassurance of Dog Communication is a lifeline for me and I will continue with Luca because I feel that the benefits are worth their weight in gold.

Thanks Penel and Laura for having faith in my Luca.

Kerrie & Luca the weimaraner, Kent, Sept 2010

 

Dear Penel & Laura,

I would like to express my sincere thanks to you both for the hard work you put in to helping dogs and people like Chops and me.

Chops didn’t have a very good start……firstly, I left it too late before taking him out into the big wide world, I thought I was doing the right thing by keeping him in until he had all his injections, but being a Staffie x Shar Pei, he should have been socialised much earlier, even carried around the streets to get used to people, other dogs and sounds…..hindsight is a great thing!

My next struggle was trying to get him into a puppy class. I tried four different classes before I found one that would take him. As soon as I told them what breed he was, the class was unfortunately full! The puppy class I managed to find that would allow him in had a class of small dogs that didn’t take to Chops at all, so we had to sit in a corner on our own until it was time for him to do his stuff alone. Not very helpful.

As time went past, Chops became more and more anxious when we went outside, firstly barking and lunging forward at dogs, which graduated into barking and lunging at just about everything, people, pushchairs, bikes…. It was getting impossible for me to take him outside.

I tried a dog physiologist, one meeting later and £70 poorer, she told me to keep him indoors for a week!

I was at my wits' end. Then by a miracle I was given the name of Sandra, who passed me on to you and we have never looked back.

The first time Chops came for an assessment, he charged across the field to your teaching dog…..and was greeted with a tirade of barks, telling him exactly what he needed to know….he stopped in his tracks - a lesson he has never forgotten.

I have now been coming to your classes for several months and have never looked back. He has become such a polite dog off lead, to the point where he wants to pass the message on to other dogs! Truly amazing and on a personal note, I have gained so much confidence and learnt so much about my dog and the way to communicate with him. I no longer feel so alone and desperate.

I still have a lot of work to do with him on lead, but I now feel I am capable of doing seeing it through, there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Many, many thanks from us both.

Linda & Chops, South Nutfield, Surrey, Sept 2010

 

I got Lottie the lurcher from a rescue centre. Walking her was a nightmare: when she met other dogs she became a snarling show of teeth, lunging and growling at them. She never actually attacked them but it looked and sounded awful. I started taking her out early in the morning to avoid meeting other dogs as I found it stressful. I took her to training classes and saw a behaviorist and none of this helped.

By chance I saw the website for Dog Communication. At the group classes Lottie was told off by Beama the teaching dog for her rude behaviour. It was great to talk to the other dog owners at the classes. It made me feel better to know other people were experiencing problems too and that I wasn't the only person in the world with an awful dog. Lottie started to behave herself quite quickly with the other dogs in the groups. It took six months before I saw an improvement outside the classes. It took a year of going the groups to completely change her behaviour. It was well worth it though: I now have a dog who I can take anywhere with me and she won't show me up. Thank you so much Penel and Laura

Lizzie, Herts. Sept 2010

 

A little over a year ago I was tearing my hair out, my two year old border collie Eclipse was showing aggression towards just about every dog we met. He'd had a terrible experience that had left him with a
fear of all other dogs that manifested itself in an 'attack before they attack me' attitude, that coupled with his Border Collie drive to control everything, meant he was giving me huge cause for concern. I was seriously questioning whether my beloved dog had a future when I heard about Dog Communications. I called and asked (well begged really) for the earliest appointment possible. I'm a Dog Trainer with twelve years experience, but I realised I was too close to this and needed help, I'd already taken Eclipse to see various people, and nothing worked, this was last chance saloon for me and him and I don't mind admitting I was sceptical. We avoided other dogs like the plague, walking early mornings and late at night, and he spent most of his life on lead as I couldn't risk bumping into other dogs, it was not a happy life for a young energetic border collie.

The first few sessions were hard. I'd drive away feeling upset and frustrated, but I kept at it, I knew there wouldn't be a quick fix. Then I started to see a change, we'd have some good days, then more good days, then he made his first new friend outside of groups. One day he played with another dog, ran and chased it and played bowed, I could have cried, well I think I did actually. The sessions were doing their job and Eclipse was learning that dogs were his friend and that attacking them really was not a good idea at all. I could now walk him off lead around other dogs and he could lead a normal life, running free. We were thrown out of the groups about a month ago: Eclipse no longer needed to go. Normally it's not nice to be thrown out, but this was great. It was a proud moment.

We just had a little border collie pup and then a little Westie to stay overnight, Eclipse played and played and played with both dogs. It was the most amazing thing to watch.

In about a month I'm getting another border collie, a little girl I've named Destiny, a year ago I would never have dreamt that this would be possible. I can't thank Dog Communications, Penel, Laura and the
teaching dogs enough. They literally changed mine and Eclipse's lives. It's hard to ask for help sometimes, especially within your own field, luckily pride didn't stand in my way, and it was the best thing I could have done. I have no hesitation in recommending Dog Communications to people, and indeed, have sent several of my own clients there with brilliant results. It's the dogs welfare that is most important and working with Penel and Laura showed me that they feel exactly the same. Penel and Laura have a natural love of dogs, they are so supportive and understanding of how we feel about our beloved dogs, and their encourangement and complete honesty, gave me the strength and determination to keep working with my boy. The reward for that is to be able take my boy for a walk in the park, something
most dog owners take for granted: I marvel at it every day.

Thank you so very much girls, words can't really say how grateful we are, and a huge thank you to all the dogs, both teaching and other pupils, that helped Eclipse so much. By the way, We Miss You.

Lucy & Eclipse - Twickenham - Riverside Dog Training Club
Oct 2010

 

I attended Penel and Laura's communication classes with Tia, my Rottweiler. Tia is loyal, soppy (well, with me anyway!!), very funny, incredibly sensitive and more intelligent than I could ever imagine, she picks things up after only being taught them once. Her sensitivity and intelligence often works in her favour but unfortunately also work against her and make her a very tricky dog indeed, I don't like to think about what would have happened if I hadn't found Penel and Laura and their dog communication classes.

At just over a year old Tia suffered a torn cruciate ligament and other leg complications arising from it, she had two operations within 6 months of each other but was pretty much “out of action” for nearly a year, with limited walking and no off-lead exercise. When she was finally allowed to exercise properly and interact with other dogs we had a few bad encounters, being away from dogs for such a long time made her very wary. It came to a head one day when a dog took particular exception to her and ran full pelt towards her and tried to bowl her over, in quite an aggressive way. Ultimately a fight ensued.

This left her very unpredictable and reactive; her sensitive and intelligent nature meant that she thought self preservation was the way forward and if strange dogs came too close she would lunge for them and pin them to the floor. This soon spiralled as I became very nervous, truth be told I was very embarrassed at having a 6.5 stone dog, and a Rottweiler at that, lunging and barking at other dogs and, if not stopped, “sitting” on them whilst making A LOT of noise. I was getting to the point where I was feeling physically sick before walking her, and if I saw another dog I would get so tense that Tia would react immediately. She was also starting to react to strangers and didn't like being touched at all. It was not a good situation and I certainly didn't want it to get worse, barking and lunging are embarrassing enough, biting would have probably been a death sentence; I love Tia too much to let that happen.

That’s when I found Penel and Laura, they were amazing, truly amazing. They listened to my ramblings and more importantly understood them. They assessed Tia and gave me confidence; they reassured me that my relationship with Tia was strong and that she looks to me for direction. We did a lot of work on lead and did lots of parallel walking, slowly but surely she stopped lunging at other dogs, she stopped barking and even occasionally ignored them!!! My confidence grew and the nerves went – to this day when I see another dog I feel confident walking past them, I actually enjoy using them as a training tool – we have progressed so much that Tia has started looking up at me, instead of intently at the dog we are passing - that is a massive improvement! Tia used to find walking as stressful as I did – but now we both enjoy it!!

Off lead is still very much an avoidance technique - thankfully Tia’s obedience is very good, so she will recall and heel when necessary, and so can still go off lead in wide open spaces where I can see all around. She is NEVER allowed to meet dogs off lead, she gets very very stressed, she can’t cope with them moving too fast or “eyeballing” her. Jason the amazing (and VERY soppy) teaching dog helped Tia and she did start to ignore him rather than “sit” on him but she was never truly happy, she’d always be looking back to me for guidance and she would often herd him away despite his efforts to get her to play. We managed to get Tia to a point of acceptance. Penel, Laura and I realise that Tia will never be able to socialise with unknown dogs: she just doesn't understand them and she finds the whole thing too stressful – she has to have my direction to cope and off lead she just cant get the amount of direction she needs. However it is very easy to manage – she just remains on lead when there is a strange dog near!!

The work Penel and Laura do is amazing, they have taught me a lot about reading dog behaviour, I feel like I understand everything Tia does. They gave me support and encouragement at just the right time - I would recommend their communication classes to anyone and Tia and I are extremely grateful for all their help, we have a lot to thank them for.

Louise & Tia, Sussex, Oct 2010

 

We first bought Enzo our rescue lurcher home over two years ago. We thought he just needed to settle down in with us, but as time drew on we realised he would need more than just love and patience. We called him our catch-22 dog; couldn't walk him on the lead, couldn't walk him off it. On the lead he would get stressed if he saw another dog on the horizon, plant his feet so you couldn't move him and he just went into a trance, fixed on the other dog. If they got closer he would lunge out, snapping the air and barking. Off-lead was just as bad. It was no surprise to us that his recall was bad, after all he'd never spent more than 9 months with one owner with long stays in kennels in between. He would run out of sight to get to another dog, just to play with it, but he was very boistrous and we knew he'd get into trouble one day if we didn't do something about it.

After seeing two behaviourists about his issues with other dogs on the lead, we felt something was missing and found Penel and Laura. He learnt quickly from the teaching dogs about how to approach dogs politely and how to say hello. We attended the groups frequently for a few months and gradually he became more polite in the real world. He was less boisterous but lacked confidence, so we continued attending the courses while being careful where we walked him. We still attend the groups once every few months when we think he needs a refresher course and we are always welcomed. Enzo still has problems with other dogs on lead, but he is improving all the time. We have put in a lot of hard work with recall training and lead work outside of the classes, but I beleive the classes have made a big difference. Enzo has even been known to walk to heel off-lead while other dogs approach - that is something I never thought I'd see.

As well as the benefit to Enzo, the groups have been a great place to meet other owners and realise I'm not alone. Friends and family, even dog owning ones, would comment how much time I'd spend on Enzo, some said they would have given up! At the groups people understand why you're trying to help your dog and you don't need to explain yourself. We have to be careful where we exercise him so we don't un-do all the hard work, but he is a much happier dog now and we are much happier owners.

Thank you Penel and Laura and all the teaching dogs.
Rosa and Enzo, Berkshire.

 

My GSD X Mackeson has been attending the socialisation groups for a couple of months now as he reacts to dogs when out on walks. After his initial assessment, he was allowed into the group to mingle freely off lead. He was taught what was acceptable behaviour and quickly picked up the correct way to conduct himself. It was beneficial to both of us as he was able to be himself with other dogs and I was able to see him being a normal dog and it proved to me that he was not showing any aggression. The sessions have benefitted Mack enormously and I really enjoy attending. Others there share concerns and understand, making it easier to cope. I would recommend these sessions to anyone having social problems with their dogs.
Anne T

Update from Anne & Mack
Dear Penel and Laura,
Just had to tell you how pleased I am with Mack's progress. I guess he's been attending your classes for about 18 months now and has come on so well. To see him off lead within a group of other unknown dogs and happily mixing is a joy. He is even beginning to show teaching potential and monitoring some of the others behaviour and intervening when required. I am so proud of him. He has progressed from a barking/guarding/nervous aggressive dog to a potential teaching dog who mixes well. Still some work to do to curb his enthusiasm when playing but it is so good to see him having fun off the lead. The on lead work in the groups is particularly helpful to me also, as that is a daily challenge that we face and he is so much better in that regard.

Thank you for you help, it is so good to know that you enjoy having him in the groups.
Anne and big Mack

 

I just wanted to write and say a huge thank you for all the help you have given me with my little dog Nina, what a unique and valuable experience coming to your Groups has been for both of us.

Nina was a mixed breed rescue dog picked up as a stray at about 9 months and this is when I got her from the Rescue. She had lots of little problems that I managed to sort out quickly but in her short life it appeared she had never learned to communicate with other dogs. She would run straight up to them no matter how big or small, bark in their face, run around them in circles barking and this was getting her into some serious trouble. I desperately needed to get her mixing with other dogs who would teach her some manners without attacking her. I found there are loads of socialising groups for puppies but nothing for older dogs with issues. I didn't know where to turn and felt we were destined for a solitary life avoiding other dogs. She did have one dog that she played with so I felt if we could find the right dogs she had the capability to learn to mix with them and play in a nice way. I then heard about your Groups and started coming last November when Nina was 18 months and we attended once a month.

What a different little dog she is now. Your Groups were a unique opportunity to get her mixing in a controlled safe environment. You were so calm, patient and understanding with her and I came away from each Group we attended with more confidence, and a greater understanding of her behaviour, why she was doing it and how to handle it. I learnt that dogs running and behaving excitedly stressed her and her natural instinct was to herd them, she needed to mix with calm dogs. When we did the lead work and avenue recall sessions at first she would bark and get generally wound up and I in turn would get wound up not helping the situation. By the end of our sessions she was perfectly behaved and did the avenue recall off lead, coming straight to me not even looking at the other dogs - Oh how proud I was of her. This was something I could never have envisaged her doing when we started the Groups. She now has a mixed group of dogs locally that she plays with in a really well mannered way. She attends a fun obedience training class each week where she is well behaved and calm for nearly a whole hour although if a new dog joins the Group she can get a bit stressed until she knows them but I know how to handle this now. My next step is to take her to Agility Classes. She still has her moments when she is not happy with a particular dog and does not like to be too close when on the lead but we are working on this and I've learnt what to do in these situations.

I would encourage anyone to attend the Groups whatever the issues with their dogs, whether they are aggressive, timid or they just want a well rounded socialised dog. I would say to owners don't worry about how out of control they "think" their dogs are as both Penel and Laura are very experienced and have seen it all before. The whole approach is very kind and the dogs needs come first, each dog is treated as an individual. As long as people are prepared to take advice and have patience as the turnaround won't happen overnight it takes little steps and positive thinking, focus on how far your dog has come and not how far they have to go. During my time attending the Groups I've seen some incredible turnarounds in some dogs that had some very serious issues. If only all dogs had a chance to receive this type of socialising perhaps there wouldn't be so many in Rescue. I hope to get Nina a companion eventually and would definitely bring both of them to the Groups.
Marie & Nina, Harefield, Uxbridge

 

Brice (Deerhound) and Chase (Brittany) would like to say how much they love attending your sessions. Brice has come so far from the fear aggressive dog he had become after a number of attacks - he now is reading other dogs much better and is learning he can turn the other cheek. The groups are so well matched that the dogs can come out of their shells at their own pace and seeing Brice initiate play with dogs outside his family group is lovely. Chase on the other hand ...... he had never had a problem but his larger than life personality could well have got him into trouble. For him I see two benefits, firstly that he is learning to moderate his approach and spot the dogs who don't like him and secondly he has learned that a telling off doesn't mean a scrap needs to follow. He also has no worries if big lurchers etc chase him as he lives with a sighthound so I hope he also adds to the groups with his matter of fact response to a chase situation - he knows that stop = sighthound loses interest! It is so worth travelling to the groups although I wish you could move closer.
Sue A, Worcs

 

Dear Penel and Laura,

I just wanted to write and express my thanks for all of your expertise, experience and encouragement over the last twelve months.

I cannot believe the difference in Daisy and Dill in that time. This time last year I was walking in the most solitary places I could find as the thought of encountering another dog was just too stressful for all of us. If we did see another dog my only strategy was to quickly find an alternative route that avoided the other dog.

How things have changed!!! I now walk where I want when I want! If we see another dog I watch my two to see what they think of it all!! We now have more strategies at our disposal for avoiding conflict, but if an exchange of 'words' does happen I don't immediately panic and assume all out war is about to ensue like I used to.

One of the main differences now is that I have learned to 'read' my own dogs and the dogs we meet. This skill is probably one of the most valuable things I have learned from you - it allows me to see that actually there are some times when it is perfectly acceptable for my dogs to tell another dog to get lost - where as before I would have panicked. I'm also more confident to point out to other owners if they get funny that actually it was their dog that had no manners and mine were just telling it to behave!

Mine still do have 'spats' for no reason, or no reason that I can see, but I just accept that they are not going to like very dog they meet just like I don't like every human I meet!!!

Even though we have come so far we would still like to keep attending the socialisation classes as we always learn something new!!
Sarah P

 

Our two dogs, Lily and Jake, really enjoyed going for walks but over the last year or so seemed to get defensive when coming across other dogs which seemed to manifest itself in lots of barking and grumbling, resulting in stressed dog owners all round! This meant that walks were fine until we saw other dogs on the horizon, and immediately we become concerned as we anticipated problems, which undoubtedly meant that Lily and Jake also sensed trouble! We decided to take them along to the dog communication classes to see how they socialised and interacted with other dogs in a controlled environment and seek the advice of experts. The first session was somewhat nerve-racking for us as we had not allowed our dogs to interact so freely with others due to fear of what might be; however, in this environment, together with the relaxed approach of Laura and Penel, we had the confidence to allow them to interact with the group of dogs. We were amazed at their behaviour after just one session. Jake appeared to enjoy the company of other dogs and was not in the least bit grumpy as he mixed with all different types of breeds of dogs and even enjoyed a good chase (something that we had never had the confidence to allow him to do on walks.) Lily on the other hand did not seem as interested in mixing with the other dogs but never the less behaved well, only having the odd grumble at a couple of dogs. However as Penel and Laura explained this was not a sign of aggression but Lily simply telling the other dogs that she did not want them to invade her space.It was also fascinating to watch how the teaching dogs Gracie and Beama policed the group, stepping in, quick as a flash to sort out any altercations that occurred - without things getting too heated or out of hand. With a further 3 sessions under our belt, where we allowed Lily and Jake to build their confidence (and ours!) around other dogs we are thrilled at the results! We now allow Lily and Jake to interact freely with other dogs on walks without worrying and even let Jake off the lead (something we had not had the confidence to do in recent years). We would thoroughly recommend these sessions to all dog owners who have encountered problems with their dogs' behaviour .They will have the opportunity to see how their dogs behave and interact with others , in a controlled, yet relaxed and friendly environment.
Steve & Lucy J, Tadworth, Surrey

 

Hurley is my first dog and I have really struggled at times when trying to understand his behaviour and communication around other dogs. Due to an operation Hurley spent 6 months of the first year of his life confined to a room, as a result of this he missed out on essential socialisation experiences and I really worried that his approach to other dogs was too full on, he seemed to continually get in trouble with dogs to the point where it was severely affecting my confidence on our walks together. I approached Penel and Laura and asked if we could come and spend some time with them and their dogs, so in my eyes he could be taught how to behave by those whom he could learn from best. Hurley and I have spent a couple of days with the 'teaching' dogs and I have learnt far more about Hurley and doggy behaviour from them in 2 days than I have from general experience, a behaviourist, reading books and advice forums for the last 2 years. It thrills me to hear from others that my dog is delightful (I knew that anyway!) and most importantly that he is a well mannered and tolerant little chap. Seeing Laura and Penel and their dogs has given me the confidence to enjoy my dog, and has also enabled me to allow Hurley enjoy being a dog. Thanks guys - we'll definitely be seeing you again soon!
Caroline L, Bournemouth

 

Dear Penel & Laura I can't thank you enough for helping me with my rescue dog Fozzie Bear. I have owned him for nearly 6 years & for most of that time I have been scared to let him off the lead as I believed he was aggressive towards other dogs. After 1 session I discovered to my delight that he was very social & got on with all his canine friends big or small. It was wonderful to be in a safe, supportive, non judgemental environment where I could relax & let Fozzie do his own thing without nervous interference from me. It is a unique opportunity.I learnt his behaviour had been more about me than him. The difference in Fozzie has been nothing less than phenomenal. I thoroughly enjoy the sessions & would recommend them to anyone who wants to learn more about dog behaviour & communication & to help
their dog enjoy life to the full.
Jane M, Tadworth, Surrey.

(Fozzie Bear is now one of our most talented teaching dogs. His natural communication skills are superb and he is an asset to our groups)