What others have said
Let's see what Brian thinks...
This is Nero.
Ellis, Nero's owner said....
To start with, when we bought Nero, we skipped all of the classic things you’re supposed to do when buying a dog.
We didn’t see him in the litter or meet the parents.
We bought a very scared and shy looking dog covered in his own urine.
By 6-8 months he was beginning to show what I considered warning signs for worsening behaviour such as jumping/barking at people and being hyper reactive to dogs.
We tried the home visit (1 hour a week) style trainers which had no impact, we went for a, board and train, type trainer who again, brought back a worse dog than we sent off. After much anxiety, we were saved!
We sent Nero off with Steve for a period of three weeks, after Nero's short stay with Steve he came back a different dog entirely, no pulling, no jumping, no reactivity.
Since then we’ve been going from strength to strength with our happy doggy who didn’t have the best start at life.
Steve taught my partner and I some useful techniques and tools that we could use as well as being on hand via text and call at anytime to answer the questions and concerns of two Belgian malinois owners in over their heads!
Heartfelt thanks again Steve, I’ve recommended you to many people I’ve met and I will continue to whenever I meet people with unruly dogs.
You’ve changed our lives positively with your excellent training and advice!
This is Kiara
Phillip and Helena, Kiara's owners said.....
From first contact we found Steve very professional and helpful and was happy to tailor the training for our requirements.
During Kiara's time with Steve we received daily video updates showing her progress and tips on how to get the behaviours we wanted. Kiara is now much more responsive and we have the tools to improve this over time. We would highly recommend Steve as a friendly, professional and really effective trainer who genuinely likes animals.
Phillip and Helena.
This is Luca and Louis
John, Luca and Louis house manager said...
From the moment Steve arrived we knew we had made the right decision. All our concerns and worries about how the training of Luca would go were immediately put to rest with his calm, easy going, yet highly professional manner.
Not only was Steve with us to train Luca but also to train us. His programme and schedule for both Luca and the team was done in such a way that in a very short space of time (literally hours) positive results were evident and obvious in Luca's behaviour and the confidence and at ease the team were.
During the weeks Steve was with us the improvement in Luca's temperament and behaviour was nothing short of incredible. Not to mention the confidence and knowledge he instilled in the staff.
Steve's knowledge and experience in the training of dogs, and more importantly their owners and handlers, is second to none and I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Steve is a true professional. Dedicated, highly knowledgeable, passionate and committed to his profession.
This is Rudi
Rudi's owner Gemma said....
We were introduced to Steve through a local lady in the neighbourhood who couldn't recommend Steve highly enough. I touched in with Steve, who was super accommodating to our needs and wishes for Rudi. We have a toddler, with another baby one on the way, so it was really important for us to feel secure with Rudi's behaviour in the house. Our wishes were for Rudi to not chew toys left around the house, as well as jump up onto furniture or surfaces where it could inhibit one of the kids' safety. Good recall was also a priority as if myself or my husband were to take the dog out with the kids, it's not like we would be in a position to run after Rudi.
Steve and I found dates that would work for a 2 week stint in the countryside and Rudi was picked up hassle free and taken on his holiday...I was imagining that puppy training couldn't be all that aesthetic, however we were kept constantly up to date with progress pictures and videos of Rudi in the most idyllic country settings which were really nice to receive, albeit we didn't think Rudi would want to come back to London...!
With each day that passed, we could see in the videos of Rudi he was becoming more and more responsive to Steve's demands, which was really encouraging. Steve, being very methodical, sent videos everyday which were, and remain, a great tool to go back and review if Rudi needs a reminder of who's boss.
Steve dropped Rudi off to our place and ran through the basics with my husband and I, which was helpful. Since Rudi's stay with Steve, Rudi has remained more passive in the household, and certainly less inclined to pick anything off the floor, and if he does, he responds to "Out" command fairly promptly. I'm sure that Mark and I are also a lot more conscious as dog owners of how to get the best out of your dog with Steve's help so things are going very smoothly with that in mind too.
Rudi's recall is good, and he is good on the lead when enticed to be with food. Most importantly, Rudi and my 20 month son have a great relationship, and we feel very safe that Rudi would not knock him over, or jump up on him. Steve remains a whatsapp message away if we need anything and we've already booked Rudi a refresher summer stint with Steve - i think Rudi will be very happy to go back to holiday camp...!
This is Blue and Sam
Blue's owner Sam said....
My 18 month border collie, Blu was having behavioural issues around dog reactivity, lead manners, recall and paying attention through distractions as well as over excitement when greeting indoors.
Steve was able to assess that all these behavioural issues stemmed from Blu's over excitement and resorting to instincts. I was pleased to find that Blu was not aggressive and Steve was able to implement commands that allowed Blu to calm down and pay attention.
Following a 4 week behaviour course with Steve (at a very reasonable price), Blu came back with excellent recall, lead manners instilled and embedded commands that allow Blu to calm instantly. I can now let my dog run off lead & not be worried about snapping at other dogs or running off to greet people/dogs as soon as he sees them. It is now up to me to keep up his training after Steve did all the hard work.
I would recommend Steve to any dog owner and can confidently say that your dog is in good hands.
Thanks,
Sam
This is Teddy
Teddy's owners Joanne and Tom said....
Our 1-year old Staffie-X rescue, Teddy, came to us with a behavioural problem of overstimulation - jumping, mouthing, and leaving us covered in bruises.
Steve's training with Teddy helped him enormously. Steve provided daily progress videos and tips that focused on the areas we asked him to help with, which equipped us with the techniques and reassurance to help our dog . He really helped us get Teddy under control and showed us how to be fair, firm and consistent. 6 months on, we are really grateful to Steve and pleased at what a great dog Teddy is turning out to be!
Best wishes,
Joanne. Tom and Teddy
This is Samson and Rebecca
Samson's owner Rebecca said....
Employing Steve was hands down the best choice I ever made!!
I was dubious whether to go down the 'trainer route' with my puppy as I never did with my older dog but issues were causing me much stress and anxiety. Steve was helpful from the first moment I spoke to him. He was professional but also caring and put a good few of my worries to bed within the first phone call. Once training began, Steve used realistic yet affective demonstrations which were easy to follow myself when alone with my dogs. He gave me amazing advice, new ways of looking at things and reassured me that everything that was happening was fixable and completely normal!
The time I had with Steve was worth every penny, not only did he stay in contact during and after sessions but my house became a happy environment again. Forever grateful Steve!!
Kind Regards Bec x
This is Belle and Catriona
Belle's owner Catriona said....
Steve accomplished something in 5 minutes which we had been trying with 3 different trainers and nearly 2 years! Belle didn't want to come down our staircase for anything and it was causing anxiety problems so we were having to carry her.
Steve showed kindness but firmness and all of a sudden the miracle happened! Belle can now walk up and down stairs on command.
Thank you Steve, we would still be carrying a 28kg dog down the stairs if it wasn't for you!
Steve also gave us advice on Belle’s food as she was always hungry and begging, her new diet has Belle a lot more settled in between feeds and not so loose in the garden!
We highly recommend Steve to all our friends and family.
Catriona and Dean
This is Django, Tarika and James
Django's owner Tarika said...
Steve looked after our dog Django for 2 weeks while we were away on holiday and gave her such an enjoyable and happy time!
The regular photo and video updates were much appreciated as was the focus on training and behavioural improvements. The fact he took such good care of her while training her one-on-one in such an engaging way was really nice to see.
He also taught us so much about training her so that we could continue to implement his methods once she was home. We would happily recommend him to anyone!!
Thanks Steve
Tarika and James.
This is Buddy and Ross
Buddy's owner Ross said.....
Buddy is a typical cocker spaniel, bundles of energy but suffered with anxiety, which was passing over into a nervous aggressive stage where as he’d snap at people out of the blue, even the ones he was familiar around. So kennels weren’t an option for buddy it would have put him under too much stress. Around the house if I was there he was “ok” with people and was fairly responsive to my voice. Out and about on the other hand, whole different ball game, no recall, wouldn’t take treats from me to try and get his attention, very very rarely let him loose, pulled you from pillar to post on the lead.
I sent him with Steve for 4 weeks, whilst I was on holiday so save the upset for buddy and the cost for me of the kennels.
Unbelievable!!! Steve's pride in what he does with dogs, his care for the dogs and his experience with dogs is amazing. Within 3 days Steve had buddy off the lead having fun, within a week Steve had strangers giving buddy treats, within 3 weeks Steve had people buddy had never met coming into the house clipping him up (if you did that 3 weeks prior, you’d have been bitten) he gets his whole family involved, mother, nieces, nephews and his partner. Thank you.
The work Steve did was incredible, the CONTINUED support he’s giving me (writing this 5 weeks after I got buddy back) can not to be faulted in the slightest. All around brilliant experience. Id write for days about how good Steve was not only with buddy but with me also putting me at ease and giving me the tools to have me much loved dog back. His anxiety will never be “gone” but I now know how to deal with it and spot it earlier, his recall when he returned is so much better, I still need to carry on Steve's methods till its concrete but I’ve got my dog back!!
Picture is me and buddy in a wide open field, off the lead, having fun and being a dog, that has recall!!!
Again Steve thank you and I’m sure you’ll be seeing him again soon!
This is Alfie's family
This is what Alfie's owners said....
We have been using Steve’s training services since Alfie was just a puppy. He just had his second trip up North and hopefully not the last!
Every time we get Alfie back, his progress is impressive. He is now great at recall and we are much more comfortable letting him off the leash, even close to traffic.
Steve is great at keeping in touch and sends daily updates to show the progress, and it’s the best way to be kept in the loop on the best tips and tricks to help with training once home.
Alfie always has the best time with Steve and deep down he is a bit sad to leave him!
We have recommended his services to a lot of friends and we will continue to do so.
Thanks Steve
This is Dao and Mel
This is what Dao's owner said....
I contacted Steve after the company I had booked a rehab training through went into administration. I was really apprehensive about the whole process, but something about Steve really put me at ease.
The whole booking process was worry-free, and I could tell that Steve was a real trusted professional with 20 plus years’ experience in working with dogs. We spoke for a long time about my dog and her issues as a nervous rescue dog. He really took the time to understand and explained to me really clearly what the rehab training would consist of, and what I could expect to be the outcome after 3 weeks.
The pick-up was seamless, and as soon as Dao arrived at his place, I was sent videos and daily messages and updates. Every day, Steve sent me a video, if not several, explaining what they had done that day, and also teaching me through those videos what I would have to do to continue the work with my dog myself.
Steve made himself completely available and was extremely communicative, no question was too stupid, and I felt I could ask him anything really. The key issues I was having with my dog, was heightened nervousness in busy places or when around too many other dogs or people, separation anxiety, and fear reactivity with certain dogs.
Steve really was able to assess what my dog would be and wouldn´t be able to change, that this nervousness, and getting her to trust would be a long process of daily work, but that it was feasible. Steve really helped me in crate training my dog, and she now enjoys the crate to sleep in. The greatest benefit I got from Steve´s work was a real understanding of what my dog´s behaviour is about, that she is anxious, and that her fear reactions can happen very quickly, so that I have to learn to manage that fear and keep her as calm as possible in all situations, and through repeated calm exposure, she can improve and become less fearful. She did come back calmer and better socialized with other dogs and other people, and I now have tools to manage the separation anxiety which has also improved.
The work with her is ongoing, but I feel equipped and know what to do in any situation. I really would recommend Steve´s services, as he is so experienced, and also so good at communicating in plain language why a dog behaves a certain way, and what to do about it. I also know Steve is there for ongoing support even after the training, should I need to ask him for advice. I recommend him wholeheartedly.
This is Kobi and Jill
This is what Kobi's owner said...
We have tried several dog trainers with our Doberman Kobi. Steve was recommended to us by a lady who took her puppy to him for training.
We needed to work on his manners, in particular his lead work. In addition we really wanted Kobi to learn to recall with a ball.
Steve is very patient and calm and works very hard to gain your dogs trust. Once this is achieved he again works with incredible patience to get where he needs to be.
We now have a 40kg dog who listens, respects our commands and brings the ball back time after time!! We are now really enjoying our dog when we take him out.
I would not hesitate to recommend Steve to anyone who wants a good and well behaved dog.