Client Testimonials
Peggy
After waiting almost 50 years until circumstances were right to share my life with a dog, I finally got Peggy, our black Labrador retriever. My husband and I had never owned a dog before and we both wanted to get it right. To find a good and kind trainer who offers an excellent and reward based training without using physical punishment and to source healthy and natural food were our priorities. After reading Gwen Baileys book "The perfect puppy" and lots of research on the internet, I found Elaine Henley. From the very beginning - my first email (as were all the others) was answered almost instantly - I knew I was on the right track. Before I even joined her outstanding puppy class, she had answered numerous emails and I never once had the feeling she got fed up with all my questions. Although we have to drive more than two hours one way to join her training class, we have never once regretted having made the journey. Her classes are very clear, well structured and lots of fun for the dogs. They are fun for us too, however, we do get the occasional "thick ear" when it is apparent that we have not done our homework and not implemented what we have learned at class into our day to day life at home. Elaine is very very clear not only in dealing with the animals, which I am very grateful for. She really cares that we get it right. I admire her patience with all of us (mainly the owners) because she never gets tired to repeat important information over and over again until it sinks in. Peggy mirrors us every day what we have not quite mastered yet. Although I have read quite a few books about dog training, without Elaine's help we would have never got it right. To be at the class every week and do all the exercises makes all the difference. We would not want to miss one class for anything.
I would have never expected to receive so much help and encouragement when we were first thinking of joining a dog training class and we are more than grateful for all the support we have received so far. Thank you! Stephanie & Adrian
Tyler
We rehomed Tyler a 4 ½ yrs old male cocker spaniel. He had issues with other dogs which got worst after he was neutered. Walking was difficult, when a dog came into Tyler’s vision he would bark aggressively and drag us in the dogs’ direction. There was no way of getting thru to him, favourite toy, walking in the opposite direction, nothing would pacify him. In fact it felt like the ‘shutters had gone down’. In the house he started pacing, attention seeking and barking.
I contacted Elaine after finding her name on Pets as Therapy website. We arranged a home visit and she very quickly identified and explained Tyler’s behaviour. Elaine worked with Tyler and within in a short time he was chilling in his bed. Elaine visit (3-4 hrs) was followed up with a report including various recommendations, information on diet, training, play and games to stimulate.
We introduced the recommendations and what a difference. Tyler is moving forward, he is much less reactive to other dogs. We are now equipped with the tools to ‘lift the shutters’ should he try to react. In fact, walking is now a pleasure and Tyler has become more responsive to us. In the house he is much more settled. Tyler is now balanced and becoming more confident. Elaine helped us to understand what was causing Tyler’s issues. We now attend Elaine’s training class as we wish to continue with Tyler’s development.
Elaine works not only with your pet but equally as important with the owners ensuring the best possible results. I would have no hesitation in recommending Elaine and her positive techniques. Elaine, a BIG thank you.
Linda
Tuka
We own a three year old German Shepherd dog called Tuka. He is very affectionate towards people, but unfortunately is not so friendly towards other dogs. We used to dread taking him for walks, because as soon as another dog appeared he would try to drag us across the street barking aggressively and generally being a bad dog. We had tried different dog trainers, and nearly all the techniques that are commonly used for dogs with this problem, to no avail. In fact he became immune to these methods and his behavior was gradually getting worse. After reading an article in the paper about Elaine we got in touch with her, and from the very first consultation with her there was a marked difference in Tuka's behavior. Elaine not only teaches the dog, she teaches the owners. We now attend her classes once a week, and while he can still display bad behavior on occasions, we no longer dread taking him for walks and he can walk past a dog without dragging us across the street. Elaine is very supportive, and you can call her with any problem that may arise with your dog, no matter how small, and she will always give you her honest opinion. We cannot thank her enough for her help and support, and would recommend her to anyone that owns a dog. Carol & Rachael, Bearsden
Hamish
A wee update on Hamish. He is much better with the barking. It hasn't stopped completely but it is very rare now. I didn't expect the barking to stop altogether but I’m very happy with his progress. When I throw a ball he will chase it and bring it back to me. He is very good off the lead, when I call him he comes back 9 times out of 10 even if there's another dog around which is a huge improvement. He is also quite happy to get his lead on when its time to go home, well most of the time. The odd time he won’t come over I just open the car door and he will run in. It's all the small differences that have made a life a lot easier for me. My friends can't believe how well behaved he is. Taking him out walks is a lot more enjoyable for both of us. Thanks again for all your help. Zoe, Renfrew
Ben
Thanks for your email. I think we're comfortable with trying all your suggestions; the tricky bit will be getting the whole family to be consistent. Last night went very well with Ben's crate in the hall where he could hear us all getting up to go to the loo in the middle of the night, snoring etc! I came down to him at 7 this morning whacking his tail against each side of the crate pleased to see me. He has never done this before. The drip feeding beside him worked very well this morning & I used your tips from your booklet (bed time reading last night) this morning on our walk to improve his pulling on the lead, which worked well also. We've just had a play in the garden after I got back from work & he is in great form. He guarded the toys/balls in the garden but gave them up pretty much immediately when offered a bit of carrot so all great so far! So thanks for your help, I am looking forward to Ben being a more relaxed and content dog & so will endeavour to work hard with these new much nicer tactics. Carol, Bearsden
Blaze
Just an update on progress with Blaze. He is doing extremely well. Have not needed to use the muzzle when people come to the house as I am able to now tell him to go to his bed and stay there! He will stay there till I ask him to come out. His behaviour is very good outside also. Obviously he is on his lead and I still watch him with other dogs especially if they are off the lead but the improvement is fantastic. I’m glad I spoke to you early on and put the training into practice as I have a wonderful loving dog. My brother brings round his 5 month old westie, which Blaze saw when it was 3 months old. The two dogs are amazing together. They play constantly for hours without becoming tired or showing each other any aggression or frustration. Thank you for your advice and help. I will continue to go forward with both my dogs and if i experience any other problems I will be in touch. Kind Regards. Pamela, Kilmarnock
Darcy
Thank you for your email and thanks for coming to the house too. We have been working with Darcy and the clicker torch - it's great fun isn't it! She's a wee star and is very enthusiastic when the torch and treats come out. Thanks again Elaine. Sandra, Skelmorlie
Shana
As soon as we brought home our 9 week old Springer Spaniel puppy “Shana”, we enrolled her in Elaine’s training classes. Elaine’s advice during all stages of Shana’s development was invaluable and she was always ready and willing to help, even out with class times. Thanks to Elaine’s skills, experience and advice Shana has grown into a happy, obedient, confident and well socialised dog who is a pleasure to own and spend time with. We would strongly urge anyone with a dog, whether it be an adult or puppy, to attend Elaine’s “Take the Lead” training classes. These classes are not only a wise investment in your dog’s behavioural well-being, but they are tremendous fun as well. Kenny and Laura, Houston
Poppy
We have increased poppys walks and her mouthing has calmed down a bit more. She is doing well with her training and i am so happy that we got in contact with you. You have helped us loads and I am so impressed with what you do and hope one day I have a fantastic well behaved dog. This will all be down to your help. Just working hard now to get poppy to stop jumping and running at people. Once again thank you for your help, your just fab and the kids think your great at dog training. Jacqueline