Visitors Page

We are always looking for ways to improve the services that we offer and welcome feedback from clients that we have worked with to help us with this.

Prospective clients visiting this website may also be interested to know what your views are before deciding to train their dogs with us. You are therefore very welcome to email this page if you would like to share your experiences.

The following comments have been sent in by people who have used the services offered by the

North Hampshire Dog Training & Behaviour Partnership.

If you would like to contribute feedback to this page - email to:

hantsdogfeedback@btinternet.com

Image: animated paws

(Apologies -- this is extremely long overdue!)

If you are considering 1:1 training, I highly recommend that you contact Mandy! In October 2009, I was literally at my wits end with my lovely dog Sal, that was anything but lovely whenever we passed another dog on our walks. After one particularly difficult encounter with Sal going loopy and me shouting, I remember coming home, sitting on the steps and just crying. I decided at the point that I really needed some help and contacted Mandy. I hadn't met Mandy before but remembered that we were given her details at the puppy training classes that I had with my border terrier with Alex (which were excellent). It was an enormous relief to speak to Mandy and this time I was crying with gratitude that Mandy instantly gave me reassurance in a confident tone and made me feel that there was a way through this.

It has now been over 6 months since my 5 or so private lessons with Mandy. Things are vastly improved. Sal continues to act out when we pass other dogs, but I do feel far more equipped to deal with it and maintain my cool and confidence (and breathe and smile as Mandy recommends!) Sal is a rescue trailhound and it's worth being realistic in your expectations of 'perfect behaviour'. If you feel that you could do with some training, I strongly urge you to go for it. It is an investment in a lifetime relationship with your dog and Mandy is the ideal partner to guide you in being the kind of owner that your dog can love and respect. Thank you, Mandy!!!

Kristi Thorne 19.7.2010

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Ollie was my first dog. A gorgeous, bouncy, black lab! I got him when he was 8 weeks old. I knew that labs, especially males, could get quite big & strong, so I wanted to teach myself how to raise a lovely, well-balanced & happy dog. I enrolled on the Puppy Foundation classes with Mandy which proved to be really great in getting the basics right and giving me the confidence to know that I was doing the best for Ollie. However, when I enrolled on the Beginners Class to continue Ollie’s training, I unfortunately found that I could not make all the classes due to work commitments.

As Ollie was getting bigger and bouncier – he’s 7 months now! - but still the most lovely natured dog, I thought I needed some additional support in ensuring that his training continued in the right way, especially as he was coming into the ‘testing’ adolescent stage. Mandy had been so great on the Beginners Course, that I was delighted to find out that she did private 1-1 sessions.

Mandy has been to visit us twice now, and I can say that each visit has been brilliant! Mandy helped me understand why Ollie may have been doing certain things; how I could change certain things I was doing wrong; but most of all she was very encouraging and praised all the things that we’d been doing right. As puppies can sometimes be hard work (!), I came away feeling proud of both what Ollie and myself had achieved so far.

Mandy is extremely patient, open, warm and supportive. She has the amazing knack of being able to remember what it’s like to have a puppy/adolescent and explains things very clearly by way of talking and then demonstrating, and then by getting you to practice the technique also. She’s very approachable and is always happy to help if I have any other questions. What came across, more than anything, was her genuine interest in Ollie’s welfare and how he progressed as he got older.

Ollie is the most amazing puppy! And I must thank Mandy for her big part in making him that!
Thank you so much, Mandy.
Tanya (14/4/10)

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Dear Mandy and Alex,

Thank you so much for your help. The kind but firm training you offer is second to none.

I had experienced some 'heavy handed' training techniques from other trainers, that had upset my silly but sensitive flatcoat. As soon as we started coming to your training it was clear that the positive kind approaches you were applying had wonderful outcomes with Sasha. I knew she loved coming to classes as she started to recognise the route to training and start getting excited!! That for me was a CLEAR sign that not only was I enjoying the training, so was Sasha....and that was it's all about.

I was so impressed I brought Sasha to further training with Mandy to develop Sasha's skills and to keep that brain working. After that I rescued a terrier, who was more demanding as he had been abused. Within about a month you would not have been able to know about poor Oscar's previous experiences as all the positive reinforcement meant he came on in leaps and bounds and is now happily settled.

Mandy also came out to visit us when Sasha was bitten by another dog, and helped me (more than Sasha I think!!) to understand Sasha's behaviour and how to deal with it.

I have recommended Mandy and Alex to anyone who would listen, and have no doubt that I will be training with them in the new future with either of the dogs!

Kind Regards,
Jessica 15-2-2010

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My King Charles Cavalier Puppy and myself have just completed a 6 week Puppy Training Course with Mandy, at Oakley Village Hall. Firstly i must say what a lovely person Mandy is. She is absolutely charming with the puppies. She is softly, but clearly spoken. Gentle and respectful of all the dogs in her classes.It`s lovely to watch her with the puppies. The first week was very amusing as the pups were so excited. It was difficult to believe that anything could be done to control our happy bouncing pups. But the classes are nice and small -just 6 pups.So very managable. Mandy uses a reward based training, which is great. The puppies learn quickly with this method, and by the end of the course we had all learnt to teach our puppies to sit, to lay down, to leave,to wait,to heal,to fetch and to drop it, to not jump up onto anyone, to come and to stay. She gives advice on house training, and crate training. The puppies are socialised and the classes are fun. Since going along we have found our puppy Cherry, a joy to be with and a delight to take out. Its so rewarding to see your new puppy attentive and receptive to positive rewards. She is so happy with herself when she gets things right, and this improves the quality of our relationship. I could not have achieved all this without knowing how a puppy thinks. Mandy ensures that you understand how your dog thinks. I realise now how easy it would have been to train my puppy incorrectly. Timing is vital when training and rewarding. Mandy is full of praise, and the puppies love her. At the last lesson all the puppies received a cetificate and a bag of treats! The classes were very good value for money, and worth every penny. Thankyou so much Mandy.

Love Lesley & Cherry 12/2/2010

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I took my young German Shepherd to the dog training class run by Mandy, I found it very rewarding I learnt a lot and I also keep the training going at home now the class has finished. I would like to say Mandy is a lovely person very knowledgeable and funny and serious at the same time. Mandy made us feel very welcome also my dog got to socialise with other dogs too.

I would like if possible to attend a tracking class if any of the trainers would be thinking about running one.

Regards
Jo (Josie Milewski)
17-11 2009

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These classes are an absolute must for any new dog owner!

We are well on the way now to becoming responsible dog handlers and the training is always done with fun and praise for both the dog and owners alike!

Mandy’s knowledge and understanding of the dogs is second to none and we have enjoyed every class and seen the benefits and progress build week on week.

P.S she is also a very nice Lady!

On behalf of Adam, Mark, Nicki and not forgetting Nelson we would like to thank Mandy for her expert tuition and look forward to working with her in the future
23-9-09

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Many thanks Mandy for the advice you have given me over the past 6 weeks on the Beginners course. Both myself and Solly have benefitted hugely from not just the course but all the helpful tips and guidance relevant to the problems that I was having in particular.

The classes were the best thing that I have done with Solly and our walks are much more enjoyable now.

Highly recommended
Thankyou
Jamie
14-5-2009

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As first time puppy owners we really wanted to know the basics, not just for us but also for Bailey our Labradoodle.

Mandy is excellent, she put us at ease and encouraged us all. We have learned so much, no more watching the dog whisperer again!!
We highly recommend puppy classes as it has been great for Bailey to socialise and learn with fun.

Kev, Julie and Bailey
14-5-2009

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Both Jess and I loved coming to classes on a friday evening and I think we both leaned a huge amount from them. Not only was Mandy an excellent trainer but she made the classes fun for everyone. It was also good to meet other people with puppies and learn through their experiences too.

Thankyou so much and I can't recommend the classes and your approach highly enough.

Pennie Hardie
3-5-2009

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Thankyou for a wonderful course. It was worth coming all the way from Odiham to your classes and Boris is responding so well to the training. We will definitely be back for more training but it is good to know that we are on the right track. You were very postive with the owners and dogs and the class was friendly and fun. Worth giving up my friday nights for!!!

Claire and Boris
13-3-2009

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Having complte the puppy foundation course with my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Ruby back in 2006, I decided to enrol with my new puppy Betty in September 2008.

I don't think I appreciated the excellent standard of training until I accompanied a friend and her pup, whilst visiting her recently, to her local training class in the Midlands. It really highlighted that Mandy's training is in a different league and as a result of the foundation course plus consistent reward based training since (the importance of which was constantly reiterated in class) I have 2 well behaved dogs (most of the time!!) no mean feat with my pug as they are known to be incredibly stubborn and I can certainly vouch for that! Betty has responded so well to reward based training and though I know that this is in part due to her incredible appetite and love of food, it is testimony to the excellent standard of training provided.
I wouldn't hesistate to recommend the classes and would certainly go again if we ever get another dog.

Beth Bartlett
3-2-2009

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I just wanted to say thankyou so much for teaching me so many wonderful things on your Beginners class and helping my owners have a better understanding of me.

I had a great time and can't wait to do your Improvers course.

Alex - I still hang me head in shame at mistaking you for a tree!....hope the chocolates make up for it.

your loveable collie, Lance
27-9-2008

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Finally!! - trainers that understand dalmatians, I have always gone by the rule that if a trainer says that you can't train a dalmatian then I know my dog is more intelligent than they are!!

Thankfully Alex and Mandy are both very intelligent and Mister has come on in leaps and bounds (literally) since we have attended your classes!

Thankyou again for all your help, it definitely worth the effort.
Bye for now,
Sue Ian and Mister
30-7-2008

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Just wanted to say a big thankyou from Cassie and me, we have learn't a great deal but most of all I have benefitted from the consistent helpful advice and Cassie the chance to socialise calmly.

For me the course was worth every penny and the effort involved journeying each week from Reading.
Many thanks
Elinor and Cassie
20-6-2008

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A huge thankyou to Alex and Mandy.

Kea our English Springer, is our first dog and although I knew we needed to go to puppy classes I didn't know what to expect. What can I say, we all had a great time. Kea was always keen to go and over the weeks our confidence with Kea grew (she was always fine, it was us!).

With Alex and Mandy's advice, help and most of all patience we have a great relationship with a very special dog.

Helen Wylie
3-6-2008

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We have just finished the puppy classes with Harvey and would highly recommend them. We have learnt a lot and are now implementing this and trying to be as consistent as possible.

Alex and Mandy supplied lots of helpful tips and techniques and we always there for any questions we had. Since going to these new classes Harvey and I are getting along a lot better as we know where we stand and the classes have given me confidence to deal with him in a positive way.

Andy and Justine Cairney
8-1-2008

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Alex and Mandy are task mistresses but their classes were worth all the effort.The skills learned in class enabled Murphy to sucessfully complete the Kennel Club's Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bronze Award, the only terrier to pass at Birmingham City Championship Show last year (2007). This year (2008) Murphy competes at Crufts in the GCDS class for Smooth Fox Terriers (Dogs).
Murphy is a much happier dog for the intial and follow on.training. Thanks
Carol and Neville
7-1-2008

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Thankyou so much for yur help with Tilly. We gained so much from your classes and we're not sure what we'll do on a wednesday night now! Tilly loved going and seeing her friends and we are looking forward to the next level in the spring. For anyone thinking about going to puppy classes, Alex and Mandy are excellent trainers and we would definitely recommend them!

Louise, John and Tilly the labrador
14-12-2007

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It was a great experience to see all the dogs and us owners (!!) improving week by week, in confidence as well as behaviour. It makes you very aware of what you are not doing right, never mind the dog!

The whole culture of rewarding the positive behaviour works brilliantly. Even if you have a dog which is fairly obedient and well behaved, there is so much to gain and learn from Alex and Mandys approach.

Wish we had known you when we took on our rescue dog - I'm sure it would have made a difficult journey a lot easier!!

Geargie and I are really looking forward to coming back for more. Many thanks to you both.

Ann and Tim Fox
8-9-2007

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Thanks to Alex and Mandy for training Kolo (and us!!) It was quite tough at times but it got easier with time, so thanks once again. See you soon.

The Licence Family
8-8-2007

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Absolutely fantastic! Not sure who enjoyed it the most! Tipsy loved the classes and meeting her new friends. The training was obviously so enjoyable and rewrding for her and we couldn't believe the difference in her each week. The trainers Alex and Mandy,were so fantastic with all the dogs (and owners too!!). Very many thanks and we can't wait to come back for more.

Tipsy (Sandra and Chris)
15-7-2007

Thor and I would like to say thankyou for all the fun we had at classes. Myself, my husband and Thor learnt a lot. Thor also enjoyed meeting all the friends he made there. Can't wait for the next classes. I have been telling other dog owners about the fun we had.

Janine Muirhead
23-5-2007

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Lovely site, very informative.

www.chilleddogs.co.uk
18-5-2007

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Just a quick email to say a big 'Thankyou' Mandy for all your help with Gypsey and me. It has really been appreciated and has helped my confidence with dogs no end. I know Gypsey (my first German Shepherd) has benefitted no end and so have I. I will definitely recommend you to all with dogs and pups alike.

Many thanks Alison and Gypsey
30-2-2007

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This is my 3rd GSD I have trained but the first time I have trained with Alex and mandy. It is fantastic. Everything they say makes sense. No shouting at the owners as I previously experienced (which puts you off going back). Myself and Yogi really enjoy the classes and look forward to going to the next class. Thankyou both for all your help.

ladyoakley
28-3-2007

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What a great training class. Thanks Alex.
It's so rewarding to see Penny learn new skills. Soon she'll be driving herself to class!!
Seriously, it's so good to have such a fun, relaxed and productive environment. Keep up the good work!

Nick and 'Penny'
12-8-2006

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Breezer the dachshund and myself really enjoy your classes. He enjoys meeting up with his friends and doing fun stuff!!!!!!
Thanks for a great class.

Marianne Wilson
29-11-2006

Alex....what a trainer. Our bouncing pup Ben loves going to her classes and seeing all of his chums there. We are so thankful to Alex and Mandy for great advice, plenty of fun and even a few laughs. If you haven't been to any classes yet, I would highly recommend going along to see them at work...great. Our Ben is a lab, he is still bouncy but has learnt loads, we are so happy with him and what we got from the classes.

Mikaela
13-12-2006

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