Julie Bell
5/5
We took on rescue Lurcher cross last September. He is our 3rd dog, so we are quite experienced dog owners. However, not long after we got Alfie we were struggling with his behaviour. Our vet suggested Jenny at Happy Hounds. After a phone conversation with Jenny discussing Alfies many issues, for example not socialised, scared of the big wide world, scared of traffic or as we found out noise in general....she suggested 3 x 1 to 1 sessions. So we met Jenny last October at Corbridge Rugby club, from the start she was friendly, supportive and instantly took to Alfie. We discussed his problems in detail where Jenny was very honest and supportive asking lots of questions about us, our life style and what kind of dog we were expecting. Due to her vast experience Jenny discussed in depth what Alfie had possible gone through before we took him on and what was happening to him now even to the point of was he the right dog for us .....her brutal honesty was amazing. The outcome of this very frank conversation was Alfie was the dog we wanted. Once that decision was made Jenny started with very basic training so that we could get Alfie out of the house. She made us totally aware of the hard work and roller coaster that we would be on but all the time she reassured us he was trainable and a lovely natured dog. Due to Alfies noise issues we met at Corbridge for all 3 sessions, much quieter, Jenny would take Alfie....who loves her!! And showed us what we needed to be doing....she made everything look easy, relaxed, and clearly explained what she wanted us to do, so that by the end of a session Alfie and I were able to do what Jenny had showed us, and that we understood. In-between session we kept in touch through what's app.....Jenny sends training videos, games to play with your dogs, and sends lots of support and encouragement too. We booked another 3 x 1 to 1 sessions in February....so I'd taken a month's break to really work with Alfie. We met at Tyne Green, hexham....much busier. Jenny was amazed at the difference in Alfies behaviour and the bond that had developed between me and him.....yes I've put an incredible amount of work into Alfie, I'm determined not to give up on him....but that determination is all thanks to Jenny and her amazing experience, knowledge and love of dogs. Because of Alfies positive development Jenny was able to greatly expand on Alfies training, so she's helped work on his recall, distraction techniques, dealing with noise of all kinds, introducing fun games....which are training Alfie still but lots of fun. By the end of these last 1 to 1 sessions I asked Jenny what's next. She is not pushy at all to get you back doing more classes.....she just said she's there for us always, anytime I need help or advice. She does offer group dog walking sessions and she said they would be good for Alfie to take part in. In short if I hadn't had Jenny as a dog trainer I dont think we would have Alfie still......but instead we now have a young dog with issues still but we know how to handle them, spot what triggers them and get him through. From not been able to get Alfie out for walks, enjoying a loving home, interacting with our family and generally having a lovely life after Jennys help, training, support and understanding of Alfies many issues we have a lovely dog like she said we would last October .
I totally recommend Jenny from Happy Hounds she is so friendly, loves her dogs, is very experienced and knowledgeable, makes training sessions fun, she's full of encouragement and support.
