Henry the Cocker Spaniel

Henry, our very friendly, loveable 16-month old Cocker Spaniel was incredibly badly behaved. He pulled on the lead, barked at everything and everybody and we were too frightened to let him off the lead because he was so unreliable at coming back. Fortunately we met Sally on the Downs and she suggested she would be able to help us train him.

After our first three-hour session with Sally, Henry was a much calmer dog, not jumping up at food cupboards or running off with slippers or anything else. Our second session saw him learning to walk on the lead without pulling and responding promptly to signals and words that Sally taught us to use. The third and fourth sessions had us out in the fields, reinforcing his lead walking and eventually letting him off the lead - and he came back to us! Amazingly rewarding and enjoyable.

This week he has been walking companionably between us with not a pull - such a pleasure to walk him. We are now looking forward to another lesson to reinforce his recall skills.

John and Julia Fensome

UPDATE: After eight weeks of Sally's guidance Henry is a different dog - calmer, happier and a joy to have around. Well behaved in the house and when out walking, it's a real pleasure to have his company.

As we had four other spaniels as pets over the last 50 years I thought we were experienced dog owners, but having worked with Sally I realised that I was treating Henry more like an extra grandchild than a dog. Thanks to her guidance we now have a happy ,well behaved dog we can all enjoy.

John and Julia Fensome.