I fostered Lucky, yet another poor dog in need of a good home, last September.  We thought we had found him a home but unfortunately the family had a change of heart, that was back in January.  Needless to say Lucky is still with us.  Basically he is a sweet boy but given his back ground (not a very happy one) he came to us with some issues.  As I already had three rescue girlies having a fourth really pushed me to the limit with time and, indeed, patience as I slowly realised my girlies were in no way perfect either and the time had come to sort them all out.  I contacted Lindsay from K9 Solutions and arranged an assessment.   It took her all of 2 minutes to point out my first fundamental mistake as I had the wrong alpha dog in place.  As a consequence my then alpha dog was miserable with all the unwanted responsibility and my now alpha dog was some what peeved at not being acknowledged!  Coupled with a few new house rules my pack became calmer, happier and more responsive and the change was literally instant. As the weeks went on the improvement was immense.  No longer did I dread taking them for a walk, no longer do they jump up at guests trying to get in the house, no more pulling on the lead and lunging at passing cars.  I’m actually really enjoying all of my dogs and so proud of Lucky because he has come on such a long way, all with Lindsay’s help and advice. So we still have a little way to go but feel so relieved to have gained back control.  As I am away on holiday soon Lindsay has agreed to walk my pack and keep them in order for me. I would say to anyone out there with a canine problem, swallow your pride and pick up the phone.  It was the best thing I ever did for my dogs. - Carole & her pack

Just to express sincere thanks to Lindsay, the British trained dog trainer who is now resident in Paphos.  She recently went to assess one of our dogs that is in long term foster care.  In one session Lindsay completely changed the dog.  He now knows his place in the house and behaves well when outdoors with his carers.  The difference is amazing.  Lindsay said he was an Alpha dog that would have become aggressive if he had not been checked.  He is now a purring pussy cat. If you are having problems with your dog it is well worth spending the small amount of money that Lindsay charges - Peyia Animal Rescue Club

Anne came to me with her golden retriever Sawyer who pulled on the lead and was taking away any enjoyment at walk times. Within two weeks of her consultation she sent this email:

Hi again Lindsay
I walked Sawyer with a flexi-lead today and he was so good.  Didn’t pull at all and stopped when I asked him to, changed directions when I asked him to, I’m so excited!!!  It was such a nice walk when I didn’t have to keep pulling him back. I'm so happy and excited that I just wanted to let you know - Anne & Sawyer

We would just like to thank you, Lindsay, for making our home a better place now that our dog’s behaviour has dramatically improved.  Not only did you train her, but us too.  We now have a better understanding of how to be the pack leaders and Jasmine now knows her place and is no longer claiming the alpha position. You are simply the best and we can’t thank you enough - Karen, Colin & Jasmine

We decided in December 2007 to adopt a 10 week old Pointer puppy.  Before long it became apparent that we had major behavioural problems with him, to such a degree that we were on the verge of taking him to a shelter as we couldn’t cope or work out what it was that we were doing wrong. As a last resort we called Lindsay from K9 Solutions to try and get some help and offer us some guidance.  Within minutes of arriving, Lindsay had determined the problem and made it all too clear to us what we were doing wrong. Within two weeks of following Lindsay’s instructions we saw a major change in Bobby and he has grown into a wonderful companion to us both. Lindsay was enthusiastic and very knowledgeable in her work and we would definitely recommend her to any one who needs help with their dog. Thanks again Lindsay - Phil, Portia & Bobby

We are currently fostering Monty, but found it very difficult to control him.  He would pull my arms from their sockets at walk time and run riot in the house. Lindsay from K9 Solutions came round and took charge straight away.  She noticed his ‘Alpha male’ tendencies and set about altering them.  Within 2 hours we had a different dog on our hands.  Without harming the dog at all she helped us to alter his mindset and he is now a pleasure to take out, both walking and socially.  She imparted very simple techniques that we follow when necessary to keep him ‘in his place’.  She also told us off for being too soft!  I have already recommended her services to others and will continue to do so.  She is a very caring lady and has a superb way with dogs. Thank you so much Lindsay for all your bruises and bites, but especially your patience! - Frances, Mike & Monty

Just a few months ago, my wife and I took on our first dog, a 6 week old Labrador, quite late in our lives. As ‘new parents’ we were full of anxieties and concerns and it soon became apparent that we had adopted a very head strong and determined little girl.  My wife in particular was subject to some quite severe ‘play’ sessions resulting in many cuts and bruises. But an early introduction to Lindsay and a handful of one-to-one sessions allayed our tensions. 

She made us understand our dog’s psyche. Her gentle yet firm approach to tackling the dog’s behaviour, far from diminishing her natural character, has produced a puppy with growing obedience of whom we are proud - Barry, Sue & Sheba

I went to Caroline & Ouzo to try and resolve some fear issues.  Namely strangers, noisy, busy places and the car.  When out and about Ouzo would cower under tables and behind Caroline's legs.  When a car journey was pending he would avoid coming back to her and once in the car would wedge himself underneath the seat for the whole journey and would have to be forcibly removed at the end.

 A week after my consultation with Caroline I received this email:

Had the most fantastic day with Ouzo yesterday. On our first pit stop he allowed a small boy to walk him round the cafe car park.

Going to the restaurant he trotted along happily tail up along a busy street.  In a safe and strange area with people moving about I took him off the lead and he ran about and came when he was called to get back in the car!!!  In the cafe a very small child patted him and he was fine.

And biggest of all I did not belt him in on the return journey and he remained on his blanket the whole way and did not get into the well of the car.  What a triumph - Caroline & Ouzo

The sudden death of my husband created unforeseen problems as the stability of our pack was destroyed. My pack consists of me; emotionally very fragile, Sheba, a 12 year old German Shepherd female, who had become very lethargic and withdrawn, and Benjamin, a 1 year old Pointer male, who began howling and chewing when I left the house even for a short time.

After many weeks of trying to solve the problems myself, I turned to K9 Solutions in desperation. From the moment Lindsay arrived, and without saying a word, she had a dramatic impact which had to be seen to be believed.  In the first few minutes she was able to analyse the problems, and I have to admit that I found her in-depth analysis amazing.  She provided advice and instructions, which have solved all our "pack" problems, proving her exceptional capabilities.  She has always been just a phone call away for additional input and support and I wish I had contacted her sooner.  She has a unique aura and truly is A Dog Whisperer of the highest calibre, and I have no hesitation in recommending K9 Solutions - Janis & Benji

Hi Lindsay

On behalf of myself and Fudge, I want to thank you for all your help the last 6 weeks and for coming round to the house.  I am sure I could not of kept Fudge if it was not for you.  Thank you for all your hard work and attention.  You are our Fairy Godmother! - Ann & Fudge

We are delighted with the change in Bracken's behaviour, in that he is not biting or mouthing any more after just one visit from Lindsay. There is also a change in his excitability since stopping his tinned dog food as suggested - Ruth & Bracken

Excellent service, I  really don't think it could be improved. You gave me exactly what I needed. Good practical advice on leadership and demonstrated exactly how to handle Sammy. It was good to have you at home where you could see the interaction between our two dogs and ourselves. We all thoroughly enjoyed your visits and I can now build on the advice you gave me. - Norma & Sammy

Excellent service. Speedy response and a genuine understanding of both the dogs and us owners. Simple techniques explained in a simple way. And best of all it works!!! - Jude, Buster & Spike

Hi Lindsay, things seem to be going very well, Bonnie has responded to our re-training, she's seeming more subdued and we certainly don't have her barking at the front door to come in constantly now.  They're both walking to heal and they both sit waiting for me to put the lead on them when it's walk time.  I can certainly see that progress is being made and it seems to be faster than I expected. I have no problem recommending you after the change that's happened with our dogs in such a short space of time - Debbie, Foxy & Bonnie

Case Studies

Juke the aggressive German Shepherd

I first met Brian, Sheila and Juke back in February 2008.  Brian was concerned that since moving to Cyprus his German Shepherd had become aggressive to people and was now showing signs of aggression towards other dogs after an attack from another dog, neither of which he had ever done in the UK, where they had owned a busy pub.  It was immediately apparent to me that Juke’s aggression was nervous rather than vicious, however, on that first visit both Brian and I agree that he absolutely would have bitten me if he hadn’t been restrained.  We couldn’t have a conversation because he barked and growled constantly and repeatedly lunged towards me. Eventually by muzzling him we managed to quieten him down slightly and discuss his problem and rehabilitation.  However, every time I moved, even slightly, he would set off again.  I left Brian with a modification programme to follow designed to make Juke feel less insecure, and therefore less likely to act aggressively when feeling nervous. Brian contacted me again at the beginning of June to ask me to come back as he didn’t feel that Juke was improving.  Brian had followed the advice given at the first meeting to a T and the improvement in Juke was actually very pleasing.

Unfortunately, they still couldn’t have people in the house without muzzling him or putting him in his crate and he was still unpredictable on a walk, barking and lunging at passers by.  Worst of all, they had a holiday booked in August which they were going to have to cancel because they couldn’t have possibly boarded him anywhere in his current state.

They ended up booking 6 sessions where we would work on Juke accepting me into his house with a view to me being able to take care of him while they were away.  By the 4^th session I was able to enter the house with Juke loose and un-muzzled and by the 6^th and final session he was genuinely pleased and excited to see me.  Brian and Sheila were able to go on their holiday with the peace of mind that he was OK.  Even the neighbours and their vet commented on the change in his behaviour. 

So pleased were they with his progress in just 6 sessions that they booked another 6 on their return from their holidays where we tackled Juke’s reaction to various strangers.  I called on many unwilling friends and family for this, good job they trust me!  On each occasion Juke was muzzled for the arrival of myself and the stranger and then, when I was happy with his body language, the muzzle was removed.  And on each occasion Juke got better and better.  By the 4^th session I arrived with the stranger and instructed that Juke not be muzzled.  He accepted the extra person with no reaction at all, and Brian and Sheila were thrilled.  They never thought they’d see the day that they could once again welcome a visitor into their home without first muzzling or securing Juke.  And I for one was beaming with pride for him!

So for the final two sessions I decided to test him.  For session 5 I brought two strangers, one of which was male; Juke disliked men the most.  Again, he accepted their presence with minimal reaction.  And for the 6th and final session I brought THREE strangers with me, two of which were male.  And do you know what Juke did?  Peed himself with excitement!  He was that pleased to see everybody that he actually couldn't contain his excitement.  He proceeded to continually approach each visitor in a friendly playful fashion, asking for a fuss.  His owners were literally speechless!

But they’re not stopping there.  Juke’s next challenge is to attend my obedience course.  Not for the obedience itself, but for the invaluable social skills that he will learn from this.  The end goal being that the other owners and dogs can approach him and fuss him, and that Juke will actually enjoy this attention rather than be afraid of it and react aggressively.

I am absolutely thrilled with Juke’s progress in just 12 weeks and have absolute respect for Brian and Sheila who never gave up on him, were prepared to put the time and the money in to make him better and followed every scrap of advice I gave to the letter.  We all agree that Juke would have bitten somebody sooner or later had he carried on the way he was going, but if he carries on progressing at the speed he is, Brian and Sheila will be enjoying a perfectly normal and happy German Shepherd, just like the dog he used to be in the UK.

JUKE UPDATE - OCTOBER 2008

Juke's acceptance of people is now almost back to normal thanks to other class members approaching him confidently and fussing him, so then we focussed on his canine aggression.  Below are some photographs of Juke's progress at the end of his obedience course.  He's walking happily, tail wagging, un-muzzled and with a loose lead, with another dog of the same size and sitting calmly not two feet away from him.  This is real progress for the dog who couldn't get within 10 feet of another dog without going crazy to get to them.  He continues to improve every week and everyone's very proud of him.

Oscar - My favourite toy is my next door neighbour........

I was introduced to Oscar – a German Shepherd dog – when he was just over three months old and his owners, Vassos and Sue, asked for my help in training him.  He quickly grew into quite a character, and their list of woes was long and predictable.  Then one day they told me about their five-year-old neighbour, Little Jack, who had always been a welcome visitor and needed only to climb over the wall to call on them.  Jack thought Oscar was wonderful but, as Oscar got bigger and bouncier, he became increasingly nervous of him and would try to run away – which Oscar thought was a great new game.  Very reluctantly, Sue suggested to Jack’s mother that perhaps it would be for the best if Jack didn’t come over the wall for a while, until Oscar was a bit older and calmer; they didn’t want Jack traumatised and the story ending in tears.

Luckily they ran this theory by me and I told them that, infact, the opposite was true.  They shouldn’t avoid the problem, but address it and deal with it.  Treat it as part of Oscar’s training.  I gave them the advice they needed to carry this out and Vassos & Sue embraced the idea and explained what needed to be done to Little Jack’s mum.  Everybody was very happy and relieved with the suggestion.  Oscar is now seven months old and everything has turned out perfectly.  Both families are thrilled that the kids can carry on jumping over the wall to visit whenever they want without having to worry and, as you can see,  Oscar and Jack are now firm friends.

Scruffy The Puller

		Scruffy came to me for 5 days residential training to solve his pulling problem.  His owners are both retired and were finding it difficult, if not impossible, to control him on walks.  The final straw came when Scruffy dragged not one, but both of his owners, into a busy road and literally pulled them both flat on their faces.  This was now becoming dangerous and something had to be done.  The first time I met Scruffy he pulled me so badly that I was left with blisters on my hand from the lead, the problem really was that serious.
Within three days the improvement was incredible and by the time he went home Scruffy walked calmly on the lead, responded to my commands and looked to me for guidance, instead of getting his head down and dragging ME to where HE wanted to go, which was his normal behaviour. This short video was taken on day 4 of his stay with me (right click & select play to view). Suffice to say his owners are thrilled and continue to note improvements in him, not only on his walks but within the home aswell.

Bonnie - I hate my sister...

I was called to Bonnie and Foxy by a very desperate owner who could no longer have her two dogs in the same room together.  Bonnie is a four year old Border Terrier and Foxy a one year old small cross breed.  Previously they had been the best of friends but once Foxy reached social maturity Bonnie decided it was necessary to make sure that Foxy understood her place in the pack and continually tried to put her in her place.  However, the fact that they were so equally matched in temperament and size meant that Foxy wouldn’t back down to these assaults, resulting in fights so aggressive that by the time I met them they were kept in separate parts of the house and garden, fed separately, given affection separately and walked one at a time.  Their owners, Debbie and Tristan, were at their wits end and had already decided that if my advice didn’t work then Foxy would have to be re-homed.  The idea of that was clearly distressing to them but things were so bad they really felt like they had no other choice.

I met Bonnie first and it was very clear from the outset that she ruled the roost.  She constantly showed dominance over both Debbie and Tristan, and once Foxy was introduced to the room she became instantly tense and aggressive.  The second their eyes met they would lunge towards each other attempting to have a fight (obviously this was all carried out in a controlled environment to ensure nobody, including us humans, got hurt).  There was a real intention behind these attacks and had they been loose they most certainly would have done damage to one another. 

Having assessed the dogs and the problem I left Debbie and Tristan with a modification programme to follow.  First of all they had to tackle Bonnie’s dominance.  As long as she thought she was the top dog, no amount of correction from her owners would have worked because she didn’t view them as people who had any authority over her.  Only when Bonnie knew her place could they move onto the second stage of the modification programme, which was tackling the fighting itself.  Although Bonnie was the instigator of the fights, Foxy responded without hesitation so the programme covered rules for both dogs, not just Bonnie.

Less than a month later Debbie sent me by email this photograph.  As she put so well in her email ‘a picture tells a thousand words’. 

4 months later I received this update from her.  "Just thought you might like an update on how Bonnie and Foxy are doing, they're now the best of buddies and I can't remember when they last had a fight which is great.  I think Foxy has accepted her position at the bottom of the pack as a couple of times Bonnie has been let in before Foxy has finished her food but she just walks away and lets Bonnie polish it off. They're also fine when they're off the lead. We had visitors stay the other week and there wasn't a problem there either!"

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