We are a young couple with a two large boxer x female dogs. When our puppy reached adolescence, the two dogs started fighting. We paid for behavioural consults from a trainer based solely on positive reinforcement (treat-based) methods. Unfortunately, the problem only escalated. The dogs became very aggressive toward other dogs, and they started fighting over food, attention, and visitors. We had to physically pull them off each other. One day, the dogs injured each other quite badly. The trainer recommended we had no choice but to re-home our puppy. We were absolutely gutted.  I rung Neil to see if he thought things could be changed.

Neil was confident and positive in his approach from day one. It was a complex problem: on our first introduction to Neil with the dogs they saw each other and literally wanted to kill each other. Our dogs had become so bad because they had no leadership from us, and were trying to be the leaders of the pack which is an unwanted and stressful role for a dog! They couldn’t count on us so were fighting it out amongst themselves.

Neil taught us new methods of walking, feeding, and interacting with our dogs using a variety of training methods. He taught us to be effective and consistent leaders. We are now able to play with our dogs, love them and give them lots of affection, as long as we follow some very simple rules.

It took time and effort, but in a few short weeks our dogs are back together. They are playing hide-and seek and chase again, are happily greeting our visitors and not fighting for attention, and are eating, sleeping and walking together. Our dogs now have no need to fight as they are happy and secure in their position in the household.

The main thing that I found different in working with Neil was that he made us feel empowered. With the previous trainer, I always hung up the phone feeling helpless, like it was my fault my dogs weren’t behaving, and with no solution in sight. ..

Neil is confident, positive, and has a ‘can-do’ attitude. When one method didn’t work as planned, he tried something else.

Neil worked physically with us and our dogs and showed us exactly what to do. When we did something wrong, he came over and demonstrated the right method. He rung us daily to see how we were going and give further advice.

We are so grateful that we are able to have our beautiful pups back together and see them happy and well. Only a month ago we thought we would have to give one up forever! Thank you so much for your hard work, expertise and support.