However, it was one Thursday evening that a call was received from one of the helpers from the centre asking for my help as she was anxious and concerned for a dog which was due to be put to sleep on the Saturday.

As I was on holiday at the time I agreed to meet them on my return.  It was on the Saturday that I first met the helpers and the dog, and a challenge was set.

Well, Jack was his name, and he was a feisty German Shepherd Dog who had become over possessive with his toys.  He was also 'mouthing' when he was walked by the helpers at the centre.  He was terribly underweight and was on a special diet, which was obviously not fully doing the trick.

The helper who contacted me was sure that Jack just needed to be away from the kennels and given more intensive training.

Easier said than done but eventually after persevering they managed to cut through enough 'red tape' to allow me to take Jack in for residential training.  I knew that if his behaviour could not be totally corrected, then this 'aggressive' dog would have no future.

I started my work by initially bonding with Jack and building some mutual trust.  Jack was not aggressive, although he would try to push his authority - and he had been winning. That was up until now.

I was also fully aware that even if his behavioural problems could be sorted out, if he could not gain sufficient weight, the end would still be near for him.

By denying him access to toys and re-educating him I was gradually retraining him. By interaction and constant training Jack's character changed.

As I continued to monitor his weight I was delighted to find he was actually gaining weight, for the first time. Obviously by being away from the kennel environment, which was stressing him, his weight increased enough to allow a new future to be considered for him.

After being assessed by the RSPCA they were agreed that, due to his change in behaviour and the weight gain, he was ready for a new home.

I was conscious that if Jack was returned to the kennels, for re-homing, all the good work may be reversed.  After discussions we agreed that I would foster Jack and would start to look for a suitable new home.

I soon found just the right home for Jack, an experienced dog owner, and after the compulsory home checks were completed by the RSPCA, Jack was off to start a new chapter to his life.  

The helpers at the RSPCA most certainly saved this dogs life.  He was not aggressive but misunderstood.

Jack is doing well and still behaving himself.  He will give up all toys freely and even plays with youngsters, without taking their toys.

To think this dog may not have been here today, I am left with a great sense of satisfaction that I helped to save his life.

Jack owes a lot to the helpers who knew that he had lots of love to give, but just needed a chance.

Fortunately he got it.     Good Luck Jack.

Bulldog Rosie came to me for a week's training as her owners could not get her to leave the back garden. They had tried everything to encourage her, even lacing the pathway with meat, but to no avail. They were giving up hope that Rosie would ever see the outside world again.

I had spent a few weeks previously with the owner's other dog, a pug called Harold, who was a total character. They were so pleased with the results from Harold that she asked if I thought there was any hope for Rosie.

Well Rosie was one stubborn Bulldog, but with intensive training Rosie soon left her agoraphobic ways behind her.

Her owners were amazed by the results and proudly walked Rosie down the street, for the first time in years.

Rosie became quite a star, making the national papers and even got a mention on the local news!

Due to Rosie actually running and exercising at last it triggered off changes in her body and when she was returned home she had her first season in years.  Her owners had longed to mate her and could not believe their luck.

You guessed it, just when they thought things couldn't get any better, the mating resulted in several pups.

Agoraphobic Rosie was a mum!

Rosie with Harold the Pug, and two of the newspaper cuttings which told her story

Whatever problem you may have with your dog, whether it be aggression, agoraphobia, nervousness, barking, vandalising the house, I'm sure there is an answer.  It's often just a case of getting down to the dog's level and "thinking like a dog".  Your dog should fit in with your family and abide by your rules and you should be able to take him anywhere without him embarrassing you.   If you have a dog that isn't behaving himself, why not bring him along to one of my training classes or book a consultation with me.  I have had experience and success with all types of problems encountered by dogs and their owners so I'm sure I will be able to help.

A selection of 'thank you' notes from grateful dog owners