Your Interpersonal skills and wicked sense of humour struck a chord with us and we instantly warmed to your approach. Our fear began to dissipate and once we had the opportunity to share with our fellow class mates our hopes and expectations, it was good to know that we had all been feeling pretty much the same.

As each class came and went so we felt we were really making progress and I think our proudest moment was only in the past few days when at long last, Puffin actually went ‘down’ without following the treat first !!! I’m sure it was just how a parent feels when their little one takes their first steps !! However, bless her little cotton socks she is now so keen to please that she is having a bit of trouble distinguishing between the commands and we are now working on stopping her continually dropping to the ground !

Cheryl has worked as a trainer in the past and also, as an evaluator.  She was particularly impressed with the way in which you sought clarity of understanding and above all demonstrated real patience, in what must have been countless Puppy classes in your training experience – Cheryl knows just how difficult it can be sometimes to maintain your enthusiasm and ensure all members of the class receive the necessary attention.

I think our biggest concern with our new offspring has been keeping her safe and particularly, having shared some 16 years plus with our previous dog Abbey. She broke our hearts when we finally had to say goodbye just over a year ago but you have equipped us with the basic skills to build our confidence.

We know we still have a long way to go but at 5 months we cannot believe just how far we have come with Puffin. We are sure there will be plenty of lessons to learn along the way but we wanted you to know just how much you have inspired us and have left us hungry for
more.  

Thanks once again

Digby and I have come on a long way with the help and tuition from Topdog Training. They have shown me how to be confident in my training of Digby and as a result he is more content and better behaved. I have found all the aspects of their training useful; the private sessions have helped me to target specific areas of Digby’s behaviour. The obedience classes have shown me how to handle Digby confidently as opposed to him handling me, and the fun agility day they organised really helped with our bonding and was a great laugh. Digby is a big boisterous dog but with Topdogs help, I have learnt to control him and as such I think he is a much happier dog and I am a more relaxed owner.”

Tarina Chow & Digby (Labradoodle)

“To Kerry & Rob,

Thank you for all the helpful advice.  This has helped Moth turn in to a wonderful dog – without it we would have been struggling!”

Lizzy Rigby & Moth (Labrador)

I always mention you if I come across people with young dogs or who say they and their dog could do with a bit of training!

I have come across other trainers and heard friends talk about the people they have worked with and what I like about you is your individual approach to the dogs, even in a class environment. I like the fact that you aim for an end result rather than stubbornly sticking to one particular method "because it has always worked for everybody else".

Even though Snifter is naturally a little stubborn and particular (a pug trait, it seems) he is a lovely boy to live with, and that is all down to excellent help and guidance from you right from the start. Thank you.

Bella Murray and Snifter (Pug)

After 3 years of struggling with our lovable but extremely challenging flat coated retriever, Chewie and attending various training centres, we found Topdog.  Following one visit from Rob and thanks to his practical approach, things changed and we've never looked back. 

Chewie is now a well controlled happy dog succeeding in obedience and agility training.  We're still with Topdog almost two years on and have even braved getting a second dog, Munch!

Louise & Andy (Chewie & Munch, Flat Coated Retrievers)

Dear Rob and Kerry

I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for saving Lulu from being sent away again.

Rob really has saved Lulu’s life.  We had her from a puppy and although we have had two other German Shepherds, our last one was eleven when she died and stupidly, I forgot how much hard work a puppy is.

We live in the countryside and Lulu had no boundaries so she would go off and chase any thing that moved.  When she chased the horses next door, we had to find her a new home.  Fortunately for me, she did not get on with the couple and was sent home again.  That was when Rob came into Lulu’s life.  It was if they had been old friends - she did immediately what Rob asked of her and in turn, she also did it for me. I am not saying it was easy but if you have ever seen the film Horse Whisper then Rob is the equivalent to dogs.

This weekend, Lulu and I went to one of Rob and Kerry’s agility classes and we both enjoyed it so much.  Kerry, like Rob, is really wonderful with the dogs and gives her all to each dog.

I cannot stress what a wonderful feeling it is to have Lulu behave and the bond we now have between us, which I never though would come.

A very big thank you to you Rob for all your help and continued support with Lulu.

Yours sincerely

Deborah Murray & Lulu (German Shepherd Dog)

Dear Kerry and Rob

I would like to thank you both for all the encouragement you have given to Oscar (5 year old Flatcoat Retriever) and I - The first time I came to you Kerry, I was very nervous, prior to an unfortunate ordeal Oscar had with another dog.  I remember my first day hanging on tightly to Oscar’s collar “Moira let go of the collar” good advice – and eventually it actually wasn’t long before I did ‘let go’ and I became more confident in the class - I  knew I was in professional hands.  I know I was apprehensive of other dogs and that apprehension passed on to Oscar.  However, the day that I dropped the lead and put Oscar in a down stay, I walked away round the tree and back again and he was still there in the down stay! I sound surprised don’t I!  It certainly was an achievement, Good Boy. 

We had a small break away from training and then joined the beginner’s agility class. Great fun – I wish we had done this earlier! – I wish I had known you earlier! The class was of all different breeds and we encouraged each other together with your guidance.  I can’t believe in just three weeks what Oscar and I achieved i.e. the tunnel,  jumps and the A Frame and much more - all the dogs did well and you could see how much they enjoyed it by those wagging tails.  

This then encouraged me to join another class, training for the Kennel Club Good Citizen Award Bronze. We passed first time!   We have also been training for our Kennel Club Good Citizen Silver and took this recently – again, a pass!

Rob thank you immensely for starting up The New Tricks class on a Friday morning. I never knew you could teach your dogs so many tricks - Oscar just loves it he is very willing to learn. 

Not only have I learnt to be more confident with Oscar, he has become a happier and a much more content dog.  No problem is too small to discuss with either of you.  You both are so caring and very passionate about what you do and that shines through.  Your terrific sense of humour Kerry together with Rob’s calmness, your dedication is what makes you a great team to work with. We look forward to continuing our training.

Thank you again.