K9 Dog Training Case Studies
Training a Cocker Spaniel
Breed: Cocker Spaniel
Issues: Obedience, Jumping up, Lack of Focus
Bonnie was a live wire. Jacqueline and Peter needed help with obedience, they also wanted Bonnie to be calmer and to stop jumping over them.
Jacqueline and Peter had had negative past experiences with dog trainers. They arrived feeling anxious but hopeful that this time it would be different.
Within the first 10 minutes of our first lesson it was obvious that they were relaxing and feeling happy.
I bonded with Bonnie very quickly, she was a very sensitive, shy little girl to start with, but soon relaxed and came out of herself. I started by working with Bonnie myself and success came quickly as she was really willing to learn. Every time she achieved well, she was really praised, this made her want to please and to learn more.
Once Jacqueline and Peter could see what Bonnie was capable of, this gave them the confidence to follow my instructions and achieve this themselves with her.
They were amazed to find that they were incredibly capable and could see the results they were achieving with changes in Bonnie’s behaviour very quickly.
I showed them techniques to help them deal with Bonnie’s energy and how to get her to focus and start learning new commands. Dogs that are highly strung are not always able to settle themselves, this can be taught.
Jacqueline and Peter are doing an amazing job with Bonnie, each time they arrive with her she is like a different dog. It is very obvious that Bonnie loves them and has 100% respect for them. This changes how they interact with each other and training is enjoyable, fulfilling and successful.
What Jacqueline and Peter say:
“Jacqui is an amazing dog trainer! We had tried a few others for our lovely cocker spaniel Bonnie but they seemed to make us feel like naughty children at school.
Jacqui is wonderful, she is such a lovely person. She immediately puts you at ease and makes you feel relaxed, which has to be better for your dog, as they pick up on how you are feeling.
Dog training sessions are now fun and we have seen amazing results. So much so that we happily drive over 100 miles each way once a month for our lesson.
We have Bonnie doing things that we never thought we would be able to and she responds so well to Jacqui’s friendly teaching.
We cannot recommend Jacqui enough, she is truly one in a million….and Bonnie loves her.”
Jacqueline Barleycorn
Reactive Spaniel
Breed: Spaniel
Issues: Disobedient, Manic, Stubborn, Reactive
Gemma came to see me with Maggie in desperation. Gemma had owned many dogs and had been very capable of training them.
Maggie was incredibly challenging. Difficult to train with no obedience outside of the home. Gemma had got to the point that she dreaded taking Maggie out, so bad was her reactiveness to other dogs.
She could not trust Maggie off the lead, she would just run off.
So before we could start on the obedience training, we needed to ensure that Gemma could take Maggie out for walks where other dogs would be.
Maggie arrived, a very nervous dog, manic, stubborn and very disobedient.
I explained in detail the technique I would use to help with Maggie’s reactiveness and how it would help her.
It was quickly evident that Maggie was not reactive through aggression but real fear and this is generally the case.
The dog barks, growls and behaves really aggressively to stop another dog coming too close as they are so scared. They think if they look scary the other dogs will give them a wide berth.
Once Gemma felt confident in using the technique, we then tested Maggie’s reaction with my own dogs, by bringing them out one at a time to start with.
When Gemma used the technique which communicated to Maggie that Gemma was pack leader and no longer needed to be afraid we both watched Maggie visibly relax.
The lesson finished with Maggie running around with my gorgeous girls. She was happy with no aggression.
Gemma sent me a video the very same evening of how Maggie was now behaving out on a walk with other dogs around. She was like a different dog. We have now worked together to improve Maggie’s obedience.
This has taken time and commitment from Gemma, but she has been a star pupil with such determination.
- Maggie can now run loose with other dogs, with no reactiveness.
- Because she is no longer fearful she is a happy, confident dog.
- Her recall is fantastic.
- She can heel on and off the lead.
- She responds to a whistle for recall and sit and stop which means Gemma can stop her at a distance on a whistle.
- She is calm and really listens to Gemma.
What Gemma says:
“I started using Jacqui for dog training when I released I desperately needed help with my spaniel, Maggie.
Maggie is the most challenging dog I have ever owned. She was fear reactive to other dogs. She would bark, scream and try to run away. I got to the point where I could not walk her in public.
She was disobedient and would ignore my commands. She had no recall at all. And she is so quick. She would be three fields away from me in a flash.
Jacqui taught me how to be a confident leader and how to manage Maggie’s behaviour.
Maggie is like a completely different dog now. I can take her out in public and manage her fearful behaviour . It’s so much more enjoyable to walk her now. We have dog walking friends and I can take her to places and not worry about being near other dogs.
Maggie has fantastic recall since Jacqui taught me how to practice this. I can now call her off of birds that before our lessons she would have chased (and caught) and wouldn’t come back until she chose to.
I have recommended Jacqui to a number of dog owners and like me, they have all had huge success with their training.”
Gemma Tucker
Training Young Hungarian Vizsla
Breed: Hungarian Vizsla
Age: 14 Months old
Issues: Obedience, Jumping, Mouthing, Self Control
Neil and Lynsey came to me with Ruby as they were really struggling with their Vizsla’s behaviour and obedience. Ruby is their first dog and they were shocked at how challenging she was and could not accomplish any sort of control or obedience with her.
They all needed help, Ruby needed a leader and structure and to learn respect. Neil and Lynsey needed a lot of guidance to help them to be able to train Ruby in obedience, calmness in the home, jumping and mouthing. Ruby had no inhibitions, was incredibly lively and had no self control.
With small steps and a clear plan Neil and Lynsey now have a great relationship with Ruby.
She still needs time to mature but the difference in her obedience and self control is amazing. The mouthing and jumping has stopped with Neil and Lynsey as the clear leaders in this pack. Ruby needed this and it is now evident the respect she has for them which was not there before.
What Neil and Lynsey say:
Jacqui has been helping us with Ruby, our 14 month old Hungarian Vizsla for 7 months now.
Ruby’s obedience and recall has come on leaps and bounds (forgive the pun).
This is our first dog and Jacqui’s training and advice has been invaluable.
We have found Jacqui’s approachability and training style easy to work with and would recommend Jacqui’s training school to any dog owner who needs help. Fantastic Work.
Neil Bacon
Labrador Gun Dog Training
Breed: Labrador
Issues: Naughty, no self control
Sue and Dexter came to me from Dorset. Sue wanted to learn to train Dexter as her very first gun dog.
Sue had never trained a dog to this level before and had no idea how to achieve it.
Dexter was 2 years old and although he had good respect for Sue and listened most of the time to basic commands. This was only achieved by handfuls of treats.
Treats do have their place in training but if the whole structure of training relies on them then a dog will always choose if he first wants the treat and if he does not then commands will fail.
Dexter was incredibly naughty and I wasn’t convinced he would ever have enough discipline or self control to make it as a gundog.
But small steps, patience and determination from Sue won the day.
Last year our months of hard work culminated in me taking Sue and Dexter out on to their first day picking up on a shoot.
Dexter did not let us down, he sat calmly throughout, did some amazing retrieves, took direction and stop commands.
To say I was delighted and incredibly proud of them both is an understatement.
Sue now has all the tools and techniques she needs to continue her journey.
But chooses to come and have refreshment lessons to keep herself and Dexter sharp.
What Sue says:
“My dream of working with my dog Dexter is now becoming a reality and this is purely down to the patience, commitment, knowledge and skills of Jacqui.
As a complete novice I had a dog who wouldn’t sit, stay, heel and his retrieving consisted of fetching a dummy, bolting across a field, throwing it in the air before chewing it to bits! A miracle was needed and that was Jacqui.
Dexter was the naughtiest (but adorable) Labrador Jacqui had met, but she has the expertise and the most calm and supportive approach to training and teaching me how to work with my dog.
Our 2 hour journeys to and from Dorset for training has been time so well spent. Even with two lockdowns our training didn’t stop with Jacqui sending videos demonstrating with her dogs how to move our training along until our face to face sessions could begin again.
Her support, dedication and belief in us has resulted in Dexter being able to heel off lead, sit and stay until released and retrieve both seen and blind dummies. He responds to whistle commands and went on his first shoot last season.
I would unquestionably recommend Jacqui. My only regret is that I didn’t find her sooner.”
Sue Kirk
Getting 100% Recall
Breed: Sprocker
Age: 1
Issues: Recall, Pulling
Maisie and Richard realised with a baby on the way that they needed a better behaved dog.
Dougies recall was not too bad, but it was not 100% by any means. When he did come, he very quickly ran off again. They needed a great recall and for Dougie to sit up in front of them and wait to be released. He also pulled like a train. It did not matter what type of lead or harness that they tried, it made no difference.
Dougie firstly needed to learn the place of the heel and it is much easier for dogs to learn this at a different time to an exciting walk.
Maisie and Richard did not need too many lessons as each time they came they had moved forward leaps and bounds due to practising daily.
What Maisie and Richard say:
“We approached Jacqui for help with our 1 year old sprocker Dougie when I was 7 months pregnant.
We needed to train Doug’s heel and recall massively to help when the baby was born to make dog walks much calmer.
With Jacqui’s valuable advice, guidance, tips and tricks we now have a well behaved dog, and I can walk him with my now 4 month old baby with ease, knowing he comes back to me when I call him and he’ll happily walk to heel on and off the lead.
We couldn’t recommend Jacqui more!”
Maisie Squire
Nervous Gundog
Breed: Springer Spaniel
Issues: Gundog Training, Nervousness
Tom came to me with his 2nd gundog puppy. He was determined to get it 100% right the second time around.
Ted was quite a nervous little boy and a reluctant retriever.
It is very difficult for a pup to learn direction and stop on a retrieve when he is so nervous and unsure.
So we removed the pressure of the retrieve and he learnt all the basics incredibly quickly; stop, direction (left, right, go back) and the hunt whistle.
There is no pressure with the techniques that I use, so they learn quickly because it is fun.
So when Ted had the confidence to retrieve and really wanted to, we had all the commands in place which made our journey easy.
Ted is now a terrific gundog, so sharp, confident, obedient and loves what he does.
Tom now has the knowledge to teach any future puppies he may have, as he has been educated how to teach his own dog in a positive, kind way.
What Tom says:
“I can highly recommend Jacqui she sets you up on the right step from the start in the most positive upbeat way to ensure both you and your dog work in harmony to maximise your enjoyment and training.
Jacqui tailored each and every session to our individual needs and has given me life long skills to continue to teach Ted at home.
I would highly recommend Jacqui as a trainer.”
Tom Bird
Anxious Rescue Dog Training
Breed: Rescue Dog
Issues: Reactive to other dogs on a walk. Refusing to walk. Terrified of any loud noise
Gill came to me with her rescue dog Moleskin.
An abandoned dog from France.
Gill knew that Moleskin had a terrible past, this had been evident by her fearful behaviour over the years.
But this time it looked like she was displaying stubbornness. Gill reported that she did not look afraid when she just out right refused to walk in certain directions. Gills’ available walking routes were getting less and less as Mole just refused to go.
I spent time describing what was happening to Mole and demonstrated to Gill and her husband how to cope with this new behaviour.
We then used the technique with Mole with immediate positive effect.
Although Mole looked like she was being stubborn she was not and needed to feel secure and confident. So once Gill knew what to do to convince Mole that she was pack leader and would protect her, Mole repaid this by going happily wherever Gill asked.
Happy dog, happy owner. Gill only needed one lesson.
What Gill says:
“I have had my rescue dog for just over 4 years and whilst we have worked out a lot of her issues together, her fear in some situations and a recently developed refusal to walk in any direction other than the one she chose were defeating me.
Jackie was recommended and so I booked a session.
Jackie was absolutely lovely with me and my dog, very warm and kind, and she explained the technique I needed to use and the logic behind it thoroughly before demonstrating it and then getting me to practice. She also let us record the session so I could play it back at home and make sure I hadn’t forgotten anything, which was invaluable.
In short, in one session she resolved the problem. Whenever an issue arises I do exactly what she taught me and it works miracles, my dog follows me straight away. I’ve been amazed and can’t thank Jackie enough.
She is a miracle worker!”
Gill
Gun Dog Training
Breed: Labrador
Issues: General obedience and future retriever
Caroline comes to me for gun dog training lessons.
When Caroline first arrived she did not have a great deal of confidence and did not know where to start with Laskie.
But everything I have asked her to practice she has accomplished.
I do still need to remind Caroline that she has become a very capable dog handler.
I remember her first lesson- We needed Lakies’ recall to become sharper.
So I showed Caroline how I would like her to ask Laskie to ignore her most precious thing (food!) and come to Caroline instead.
Caroline looked at me in horror and said that would never be possible!
Well now not only does Laskie run straight past her food to Caroline and looks lovingly at Caroline until Caroline releases her to go with release command, but she can also stop her as many times as she wants on the stop whistle on the way to her food.
Laskie is now able to take very precise commands from Caroline which is required to make a successful gundog.
Laskie loves it and her respect and love for Caroline has intensified.
Each lesson is structured for Caroline and Laskie to learn the next step.
I enjoy our lessons immensely and love watching them both develop and achieve.
Laskie came to stay with me while Caroline was away to help her development.
She lived in my home and had training every day. She was a delight and watching her develop and grow in confidence was amazing.
What Caroline says:
“Even getting to Jacqui deep in Exmoor is an adventure. Little Laskie and I arrived and were immediately made to feel welcome and part of the family. Jacqui made me feel anything was possible and Laskie loved her from the start. Clear instructions for me and firm gentle handling for Laskie. Getting it right is always rewarded and every time we leave we feel on top of the world.
Laskie spent some very special training days (and nights) with Jacqui… I like to think she was pleased to come home but in truth Laskie was as happy as a pig in clover with Jacqui! She learnt so much from both Jacqui and her team of cockers and the difference is huge. Jacqui is even forgiving of me when I rock up for a lesson and have to admit my practice has been less than consistent. She and Laskie roll their eyes and show me what can be done with a little confidence and knowledge. I always look forward, as does Laskie to our lessons, and believe me when I say I have much to learn!
Every question asked either in or out of the lesson has been answered and the videos she made for me whilst Laskie was staying with her are brilliant. Nothing was too much trouble in making sure Laskie was happy and comfortable and the photo of my dog on her sofa surely backs that up!”
Caroline Annaly
Improving Obedience in Lurcher
Breed: Lurcher
Needs: General Obedience, Recall
Claire, Tim and Charlie came to me for general obedience training with their very first dog.
Claire saw me out on a walk with my own dogs. I was doing some training with them at the end of their walk.
Claire said she was so amazed that she found out how to contact me and booked lessons before Charlie was even old enough to attend.
I gave Claire some advice and tips for Charlie in his first few weeks in his new home.
At 4 months they all arrived for their first lesson.
Every time I see them they have completely achieved every target.
Charlie now has impeccable manners with Claire, Tim and their 2 young children.
They have worked through puppy biting, jumping and mischievousness.
During their last lesson which involved the whole family, they were ready for the next step for Charlie to be off lead. Due to their plan at home in building towards this day, he did not disappoint. His recall was 100%. He even left Claires side to run at distance past the 2 children straight to Tim. He then sat perfectly still focussed on Tim before he was released with the release command.
This was their 3rd lesson.
What Claire says:
“Jacqui has worked with our family and our very first dog, a lurcher Charlie from the age of 4 months.
She has helped us establish good routines, modelled training methods and helped us understand how Charlie sees the world.
Our training sessions have been invaluable and brilliant. We always look forward to our next lesson and what we will learn next.”
Gun Dog Training
Breed: Cocker Spaniel
Issue: General Obedience, Future Retriever
Kate and her family have now become lovely friends. It is amazing the relationship that you build with people when you embark on a journey of training together.
From a puppy I have worked with Lilly and Kate to enable Kate to train her first gundog.
Kate comes from Weston Super Mare and went to see many trainers near her home as I am a good distance away.
Each time she was told the same, that Lilly would never make it as a gun dog and Kate was wasting her time! Kate felt heartbroken.
I convinced her to come for one lesson and see how she got on.
Lilly is now a fully trained gundog and Kate has learnt to be an incredible handler.
When she got her next puppy Bella, although Kate has the skills to complete the training, she wanted to bring Bella to me.
Kate could see that Bella was very different from Lilly and may need a different training style.
Kate comes for a lesson once a month and Bella is now achieving great things. She is able to carry out very precise commands and loves every minute of it.
What Kate says:
“I have been going to see Jacqui for 4 1/2 years, I have always wanted a gun dog but never knew where to start!
Jacqui has helped me to fall in love with the sport. And gave me a passion for training and getting it right. With her positive training she has turned a non retrieving dog into a dog who picks everything up and adores her training!
Lilly is not only my gundog, she is our treasured family pet and due to her training from a young age getting all obedience 100%, she is a joy to own.
Jacqui has given me so much confidence to achieve and I love our lessons – Jacqui’s quiet positive approach is just what we needed. We now have another young cocker and have started lessons with her. We never stop learning! Can’t thank Jacqui enough. Love our journey with Jacqui! Thank you.”