Brand K-9

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Two working line German Shepherds - Six Week Residential Stay. Both dogs struggled with settling in public places, reactivity and unpredictability with other dogs and typical shepherd protectiveness - i.e. aggression / reactivity to approaching strangers. From the moment we arrived at the training facility, I knew I had made the right decision. I let both of my dogs out of the van (not realising Josh's dog was around) and they instantly reacted to Josh's cockapoo (pinning it down and growling - bad start!), Josh was calm and in control. I am not sure I have seen such a calm reaction! We then went straight into a bit of training with the dogs and he asked me about their issues - and I left hoping that I wouldn't get a call in a few hours for me to come and collect them because they are so much work! I needn't have worried - Josh seemed to love the dogs and I think the dogs were reluctant to come home if anything! In the time they were there, I got videos every day - from long walks, to swims, to camping holidays to coffee settles - they were literally exposed to everything. They went on 2-3 coffee settles every day (so around 80 coffee settles plus in the time they were there) - as this was one of the biggest issues for me. They seemed to be constantly out walking - on the first day, Josh walked them off lead with other dogs he trusted (I am pleased he made his own judgement on them rather than being influenced by my anxiousness). He also got them to a level of obedience where he could use them as props in his own 1-2-1s. So, the dogs were literally working 6-7 hours a day which was absolutely amazing for them and I could see how much they enjoyed it. The whole experience was amazing and allowed me to focus on a house move and new job without worrying about the dogs tormenting my family - and to get two reformed characters back was a bonus! I cannot express how grateful I am. Josh has given me the confidence to trust my dogs with other dogs and to take them to public spaces. He has given me advice and follow-up training since the residential - it was the best decision I have ever made and has changed my life with them. He is a brilliant trainer (and I am pretty sure I have spent about £12,000 on other training - with nowhere near the amount of success as Josh has had) so cannot recommend him enough. In terms of the dogs' behaviour now, I have since had both of my dogs with other dogs (in and out of my house) and I have felt much more confident reading their body language - and I have been able to enjoy a coffee out with them (for the first time since I have had them)! Amazing residential stay - not sure how one person has the time to do so much training with them but he is clearly very passionate about his dogs! Thank you!