Dog Training & Behavioural Therapist

11th October 2015

Jo & Graham Milgrew dealt with:

Graham came to help me with Chester, our working cocker spaniel puppy, as he was coming up to 6 months old. We had taken him to all the group puppy classes where he topped the class, and I had been working hard with him at home. But as he reached 5 months he had become snappy, barking at people all the time, especially if they came anywhere near me, scaring my 6 year old son and constantly demanding my attention. I worried that I had bought an aggressive dog! Graham was amazing on his firs visit - he very quickly observed that Chester's "aggression" was not an attempt to dominate, as I had feared, but that actually Chester is quite a subservient dog and was actually a bit nervous. A lot of his behaviour stemmed from trying to protect me when other people were around. Graham gave me great advice on how to give Chester firm boundaries to reassure him that I am the boss, and he doesn't have to worry. We saw an immediate improvement in Chester and he has turned back into the playful and loveable puppy that we hoped we had got! Graham also helped with walking on the lead - we were struggling even with a harness to keep up with Chester's pulling. After one session with Graham, Chester is transformed! The harness hasn't been used since then, and with gentle reminders when we need them, Chester is now happily walking with a long lead and collar. Graham has also done some specific work with Chester and my partner, as Chester used to ignore him and only respond to my commands. Now he is better bonded with both of us. I would highly recommend Graham to anyone looking for help. His intuitive understanding and experience of dogs is invaluable. He can definitely help translate dog language into human! And his calm, gentle manner is a pleasure to work with. I now have a happy dog, happy son and a happy partner - so I am happy and enjoying my puppy again.