"When we visited Helsbury Park in October we decided to see if Shona could help us
on how we could get our puppy Doberman Marley to stop stealing, jumping and
nipping. We have had a few different dog trainers and spent a lot of money on trying
to get help to help us with Marley none which worked.
We spent a few hours with Shona she helped us understand what he might be feeling.
and why he may be acting the way he does. The most simplest rule we found is the 5
minute rule, if you are neutral with him until your ready he seems to be a lot more
relaxed and doesn't get jumpy. This is brilliant with visitors as he is a very large puppy its
a bit daunting when he jumps.
We have nearly got his nipping under control now, Shona helped us to understand
why he may nip and we need to recognize when this may happen to get it under
control and prevent this from happening. When Marley was first let off his lead he got
chased around a field by a GSD we think this is why he is so nervous of other dogs, so
when we take him out and let of the lead we do it where he doesn't feel threatened.
This has made a huge difference in his behaviour.
Shona has helped us to understand our dog and we can enjoy him a lot more, the other
trainers got impatient when their techniques didn't work and said "what do you expect
its a guard dog", but Shona helped us to learn about him, he is the most loving dog
and just wants to be with you and love you, we feel so much happier that we are
starting to understand Marley and make his life happier."

Thanks Shona
Hannah and Neil

Just thought I'd tell you that I finally got to let Solly off the lead on our walk this
morning and he was great, he came back 4 times to a click and a treat and went
back on the lead as good as gold - hopefully a taste of things to come

Dave Wilson
Helsbury Park

Rains, a German Shepherd dog, came to us via the RSPCA at the age of
approximately 2 years, having been kept in a cupboard by his previous owners and
therefore having had no socialisation prior to being with us.
He developed a number of behavioural issues which were of concern to us. These
included barking and mouthing other dogs, barking and jumping up at people when
off the lead on his walks, mouthing our cat, excessive barking when people came to
the house and excessive barking in response to noises outside the house.
We tried several dog trainers/behaviourists prior to finding Shona but none of them
provided us with the ‘tools’ or confidence to deal with the above concerns and in fact
made us feel that Rains’ behaviour was solely our own fault. When we contacted
Shona we were as a family having doubts as to whether we were the ideal home for
Rains and whether it would be best for him if we found him a new home. However,
by this time we obviously all loved him very much and did not want to have to do
this.
Shona remained non-judgmental and supportive; any queries that we had were dealt
with via telephone conversations with Shona, even when she was on holiday with her
family in Exmoor, and importantly her advice gave us positive results.
Rains, as well as being a lively 2 year old with a great personality and sense of fun is
now a much happier dog; he is more relaxed around other dogs and enjoys his walks
off the lead, even when around people.
It has been hard work, not just time wise but also emotionally, but we know that if
and when any further issues arise Shona can still be contacted for support and advice.
We will always be really grateful to Shona and it is because of her that we will all be
enjoying Rains’ first Christmas with us.

Maire, Jim and Emma Warren
November 2009

After losing my 13 year old dalmation, I was keen to have another dog.

I eventually got a beautiful black Labrador puppy called Marley and completely confused him by treating him like a child and smothering him with kindness. I knew it was wrong and I knew I was bringing out the worst in him.

I also knew I didn't want to lose the bond I`d built up with him but equally I couldn't have him ruling the roost.

Shona came and re-educated ME. My bond is even stronger with Marley now he knows what I want from him.

Within days we were both on the same wavelength, clearly working out what we wanted from each other. Marley had it all there within him, he was just waiting for it to be brought to the surface. Now he is an absolute joy to be around.

Once I was able to understand dog speak, it was not only enlightening but is hilarious too!

Marley and Justine

Hi Shona.

Just to give you some feedback on our dog Jonson that you helped us with in Cornwall early October.

Jonson now is a much better behaved dog, your golden 5 minute rule really worked for him, also his food manners are much better, but the most improvement is in himself. He is now much calmer & doesn't worry as much.

Also I have been taking him for obedience classes & he passed his bronze award already, I am continuing for his silver award.

Thanks again,

Eric, Debbie & Emma Towers

When our daughter, Phoebe began to crawl Brown our Staffy became confused about his role in our 'pack' and we were very concerned about his behaviour, we needed help to retrain him. Shona was recommended to us and after working with her and following the excellent advice she gave us we quickly saw real changes in Brown's behaviour and in the way he was around Phoebe. Amichien Bonding makes lots of sense in allowing a dog 'to be a dog' and has enabled us to build a very positive relationship between Brown and Phoebe, and now at nearly two years old Phoebe knows how to treat Brown with respect and kindness, she enjoys going out on walks and helps to feed him, even asking him to sit and wait before she puts the bowl down. We are so grateful to Shona for her all her help and kindness.
Sara Haden