“When we asked Jo to call and look at Molly I was really worried that we would have huge problems socialising her and due to her strength we were naturally concerned this would lead to defensive/aggressive behaviour.  Having owned dogs for over 30 years this was the first time we had consulted a dog trainer and behaviour specialist but recognised we had to take steps as soon as possible to develop good behaviour in Molly.  Jo’s techniques have been key to improving her responses to situations and people she considered frightening and threatening.  Molly, I believe, distrusted humans and without Jo’s professional help we would have struggled.  Three months on Molly is one of the happiest dogs I have ever known.  She loves life, us and other dogs.  The training is ongoing.  Her knowledge of recall commands is excellent – however she still chooses to ignore me if the alternative option is to play with another dog or puppy I am working on this with Molly and we will get there she is still young.  Molly is much more confident with visitors to the house Jo’s tips were invaluable with this as was her advice as to how Molly looked at certain situations and how we should respond.   Molly is now fully house trained, again this has been quicker due to us following Jo’s techniques. I can confidently say training Molly has been easy, training me much more difficult.  I believe there is no such thing as a bad dog if trained properly early enough – Molly is testament to this.”

We have used Jo twice. Once for puppy training (very nervous dog- and we were first time dog owners, keen to get it right) and again when our dog was two and getting very anxious (and therefore aggressive) because we were doing house renovations and the place was full of builders etc.

Both times Jo was brilliant. She is very calm and has a good mix of science, empathy and common sense. That is a remarkably difficult combination to find. Before Jo we found a veterinary assistant who spouted ‘science’ to us with no empathy whatsoever (it made us nervous wrecks-it was our first dog and she made us think we had a basket case), and a trainer who was more reassuring but we felt he was all old wives tales and so we didn’t actually learn how to deal with our dog and any future difficult situations.
Jo was able to explain the science, reassure us that our puppy would be alright (he was), teach us how to teach him and help us understand him.

A few months into the house renovations and our dog was acting strangely again- ‘fly-catching’ and getting a little bit aggressive with workmen who came too close and tried to pat him. The vet suggested we try a dog psychologist. I contacted Jo and we had about three sessions. She was able to who put things into perspective, help me understand what was going on in his little dog mind and therefore how to deal with the situation.

So no more ‘fly-catching’. He is, admittedly, still a dog who is a little wary when strangers get too close to him and can be a little over exuberant in his barking when anyone comes to the door, but that’s just him. It’s no biggie, and he’s so much better than he was. We feel calm and in control and are able to love him to bits and not worry about him the way we used to.

A happy ending . I would have no hesitation in recommending Jo whether you puppy is new and you need to learn the ropes, or he/she has issues.