When Nina (standard poodle) and I met Gail for first time I loved my dog but did not like her very much. Although she has a good nature she was highly strung, nervous of other dogs and never at peace with herself. My dog was diagnosed with hip dysplasia at 6 months and was put on a strict regime which prevented her from playing and socialising with other dogs and kept on a lead for 18 months. While this kept her hips healthy (and at the age of 2 athritis free), she ended up with some behavioural problems. Gail immediately saw the frustration in Nina and the connection Gail had with her was immediate. Working with Gail at Awesome Dogs has changed my approach with my dog by providing practical tips and advice for controlling and calming my dog. Nina and I attended various dog training groups including puppy classes and she knew all the basic commands. Where other dog trainers focus on giving commands and rewards, Gail has taught me how to get my dog to offer the behaviours I want without commands. Working and being with Nina has become fun and I attribute this to the fact that Gail trained me as well as Nina and I am now much more in control of Nina. Gail has a unique understanding of dogs and a practical and very effective approach to working with more challenging dogs. Nina loves going to Awesome Dogs and so do I. Thank you Gail you saved us! We are so looking forward to our next session and to join some group work. Mari and Nina
Mari and Nina
We met Gail when we rescued a young street dog that was wild, anxious and not domesticated in any way. The dog was impossible to live with and we were hugely stressed out (as was the rescue dog) and our existing dog and 2 cats. We were all covered in scratches and teeth marks, up all night with a very distressed dog that wouldn’t settle, a dog that escaped during the day and created chaos in the neighbourhood, we were on the verge of a nervous breakdown/family break up because of the rescue dog. Gail to the rescue.... an amazingly calm and unflustered, logically thinking and determined professional who quickly put a training plan in place and visited us at home 3 times a week checking on progress and guiding all of us. Needless to say, 18 months on our crazy wild street dog is now a loving, intelligent, (mostly!) well behaved pet who fits in beautifully with in our family and is a pleasure to be around. Thank you Gail for saving us and our street dog from a sad ending. We are so pleased at the “miracle” that no body believed was possible 18 months ago and pleased to say that we have gained a new friend in Gail and Key!
Claire and Stella
My name is Wilma and I'm a 2 year old Duck Tolling Retriever living in Lagos with my Dad and best mate Stephen. Dad first introduced me to a Gail when I was about 5 months old. The world was a very scary place back then and I didn't quite understand what was expected of me. I had tried looking at other dogs for pointers (no pun intended) but most looked ill at ease and seemed to do whatever they wanted to do, which didn't seem right at all. Over the last 18 months Gail has made learning fun and I have to say, whoever it was who came up with this give her a treat when she gets in right idea definitely gets my vote. Learning was not only rewarding but great fun too, although if I'm honest there were a few occasions when Dad seemed to be switched off. With Gail's guidance I now know how to behave in public. I'm confident in all situations and environments and I have learned to get on well with everyone that I meet, be they on 2 legs or 4. Since meeting Gail I have mastered numerous disciplines, including, sit, down, wait, recall, walking to heel and retrieve. Okay, I'll come clean, the retrieve stills needs a little work. In addition to the obedience stuff I also enjoy Agility work and Dock Diving. Gail is without doubt a wonderful trainer and my doggie sense tells me that she is genuinely passionate about working with me and the gang. Thank you Gail. Wilma PS I assume that there will be a treat for this endorsement
Wilma and Stephen
We adopted Ronnie from a shelter who found him wandering the streets of Tavira in a very poor condition. I fell in love with this little proud bundle of fur but when we returned home with him we realised he was actually a nervous and very insecure boy. It was only when he nipped our neighbour, I realised how bad the situation was and contacted Gail for one on one training. Although it's only been two months, we already see a change in Ronnie's demeanor, he is calmer and relaxes more easily now. I am so grateful to have found Gail, she is the calming light at the end of a turbulent tunnel. We love our training sessions and learning how to develop a deep bond between myself and Ronnie. See you next Wednesday! xx Natalie Galland Architect +351 938957893 www.galland-design.com
Nathalie and Ronnie
