Rosie and Jerry the Ridgeback/Alsatian cross and Jack Russell

I really didn't think I needed that much help with my dogs. Jerry, a Jack Russell had been with me for about six years and I was reconciled to the fact that he wasn't particularly well behaved. I had put up a baby gate which prevented him from getting to the front door when I had visitors. He would take exception to men in hats or carrying sticks so I was alert when out with him. While on our daily walks he often went off by himself into the long grass to chase rodents, but would find me at the pub at the end of the walk. I rarely had to wait for more than 20 minutes for him to appear. He hadn't caused a traffic accident or attacked a child in a funny hat and I had become rather blind to his faults.

In April this year enter Rosie, a Ridgeback Alsation cross about two years old. Not aggressive, good natured but playful with a degree of recall (when there were no sheep around). I could hardly believe that within a few weeks she had learnt all Jerry's faults and he was learning none of her virtues. I very soon possessed two badly behaved dogs. Faults that I could live with in a small terrier were suddenly all too apparent in a 32 kilo hunting dog. She might jump up at runners, go off with Jerry into the long grass and not come back when called, steal balls and not let me retrieve them. I hadn't got into real trouble with her, but still found myself googling "dog trainers near me" and I liked the look of Sally's site.

Sally came to my house within days of me contacting her. Before she came in I had removed the dogs to another room and we spent some time discussing my problems, hopes and expectations. Sally met the dogs one at a time. She entered the room where I had put the Ridgeback, no word was spoken and no physical contact was made with the dog but after about 15 minutes of silent communication Rosie laid down and seemed to accept Sally as the boss.

Then on to the Jack Russell. He is made of sterner stuff. I had to put him on a lead - Sally donned a pair of gloves - never the less after about 15/20 minutes of her walking him around the room on the lead he had calmed down and was walking close to Sally's side.

It's obvious that, although the arrival of the Ridgeback made me realize the need for some professional help, it's the both of them that need training.

The four hours of Sally's visit passed very quickly and the work of producing two biddable and relaxed dogs happy in their relationship with a calm and respected pack leader (me) has begun!

I am now seven days into the new regime and already both dogs are calmer and more responsive. It is early days but with time and a little more help from Sally I have every hope of success.

I ought to mention also Sally's two German Shepherds who showed just what her training can achieve.

David