Frank

Last year we were joined by Frank our 8 week old Border Terrier puppy. Having had a Border Terrier before we knew what to expect and he didn't disappoint. Plenty of energy, lots of sass and a face that would have us right where he wanted us if we gave him half a chance. I had high expectations of this dog - we are retired and keen this time round to have what I call a 'portable' dog we can take anywhere and introduce to anyone without worrying he would take over or behave inappropriately. Since we had our last dog there has been a huge increase in the number of places that welcome pets and I wanted to make full use of that this time round. Having looked at all the trainers and walkers online I felt that Linnea and Gregor stood out in offering a 'whole dog' solution and that they appeared to really know their stuff. And so I contacted them very early on in the process and asked them to help us bring out Frank's full potential and enjoy the full dog owning experience to the max. It was a VERY good decision!

Linnea called us early in 2022 when Frank was just 6 months old for an online consultation. The appointment was for an hour and a half and I couldn't imagine why I would need that long - I thought we'd be done in 20 minutes. Boy was I wrong! Linnea asked key questions to get a really good understanding of what we were looking for and also where we were currently heading - and she recommended some small but really important adjustments to make sure we brought Frank into alignment with what we were ultimately aiming for. It was a revelation and I still use some of those key tips today.

That was 8 months ago and since then Linnea, Frank and I have had 5 one to one sessions - including a wonderful afternoon at the W&T premises where he met the walking pack and learned a few manners at 'dog school'. If you want to see what Linnea is about you just need to watch her control 12 dogs of different sizes and temperaments without raising her voice or any leash or collars to help - it's a revelation.

We have also attended two rounds of the Group Level 1 classes and are now embarking on Level 2 - walking with around 10 other dogs in a controlled manner and learning a number of key skills such as down stay with distractions, dogs on logs and a very entertaining 'strip the willow' recall exercise which amuses me greatly even in the pouring rain.

Building on these classes Frank and I are now embarking on the Sporty Dog sessions - and whilst we've only attended one so far I think these will be key in helping him develop his control and reduce his terrier frustrations a little more as well as being good fun - and in time I hope to enrol him as a therapet - with Linnea's help obviously.

What I really want to stress is that we didn't have a real 'need' for behavioural help - Frank is by and large a sociable, obedient and contented little chap but I'm so glad we did approach Linnea because with her help I am confident we are going to get the very best out of him and the most fun we can have.

-Penny