Starting with a recent testimonial, here are just a few recent notes taken from typical telephone back-up conversations with dog owners within the first two weeks after the consultation, and emails. Whilst some improvement is usually very quick, this is not an Instant Fix. To reverse a situation completely takes as long as it takes and may depend upon the severity of the problem!

A dog believing that he or she has the job of leader is at the root of every behaviour problem I have personally come across. Here is a sample of my recent cases illustrating what happens when this burden is lifted from the dog.

Dear Theo,

"Better than we could have ever hoped."

That’s what my family said about the immediate impact that your session had on our dog.

The comparison of the BT and AT as we call it was dramatic. BT standing for Before Theo and AT, After Theo.

The reason we called you was we knew we had basically a good cocker 18 month old cocker spaniel She didn’t chew the furniture that much, but she did…

• Jump up and claw every member of the family whenever we came in
• Jump up at every visitor
• Bark uncontrollable at the slightest noise outside.
• Jump up on the furniture often when there were drinks around
• Run when let off the lead and just keep running
• Pull excessively on her lead
• Eat the cats food
• Beg for our food
• Leave her own food
• Torment our 15 year old cat

We realised we needed professional help when we recently let her off the lead and she crossed several roads before we got her back she was oblivious to our calling.

During the 3 hour session where you ran a dawn till dusk analysis of her and most interestingly our families behaviour we immediately began to see results and had a clear understanding of what to do in almost every situation we described to you. You carefully blended the research and the practical so we knew the right thing to do but equally as important we knew WHY it was the right thing to do for both the family and most importantly the dog.

In just two weeks we have made dramatic progress in all areas. We have a quieter home, a happier family even a happier cat and most importantly of all we have a more contented dog.

Theo, I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending your services to any other dog owner that has a "problem" with their dog, or more appropriately a dog that has a problem with its owners.

Regards, Robert Umpleby

Bing, White Border Collie who is blind and nearly deaf, age 9 months. Living with Darry, Labrador, age 3

Bing is obsessive, panting air snapping, barking, confused. Darry barks a lot and is fearful. Two very nervous dogs. Bing had bad start and is deaf and nearly blind. On lea or harness Bing spins and gets hyper, pulls ,jumps onto chairs, hyperventilates, his gums and nose go bright red. Because of a blood disorder, made worse I’m sure by his stress level, he has very frequent bleeds behind his eyes which require vet treatment and and account for his loss of sight. Dogs are seldom together because Darry may start a fight due to Bing’s erratic behaviour.

Five days later: We have continued with Bing and have noticed a big difference, he is a lot calmer. He still has not been out for a walk as he still looses it when ever I pick up his lead. I have feed Darry and Bing in the kitchen together and that was the most Darry had eaten in one go. We have had a lot less air-snapping from Bing now and he and Darry are in the living room longer and longer each day as they don't fight and act silly as much but when they do they know now they go into the Kitchen. Darry is stopping barking. Bing had a little bleeding behind his eye one morning and by the evening it was gone and we didn't even have to use any eye drops just him being calmer sorted that out.
I am really seeing a massive improvement in Bing and I can't thank you enough as this will probably make him live longer.

Email two and a half months later: Hello, I just wanted to show you this picture I took yesterday. I never thought in a million years that Darry and Bing would go to sleep in the living room together nor did I ever imagine they would fall asleep on each other. I just wanted to show you how calm Bing can be, obviously he can be quite hyper but nothing like before and so I would just like to say thank you. Also since you have been his eye has only had bleeding behind it once. Before you came it was really every 2-3 weeks. Thanks again, Clorissa

Keiser – Rottwellier/German Shepherd age 5, Kara Rottweille/Staffie age 10

Keiser was beaten as a puppy. Protective – won’t let anybody in the house, or near them. They can't have anybody to the house. Kara apparently is such a puller that they don't even have her on lead ever. She is the worst barker. She is scared of being in the car - she shakes, drools and is car sick. They can only have visitors if the dogs are shut in the bedroom.

Three days later: Jan can't believe how chilled the dogs are without their three walks a day. She hadn't believed me that no long walks for a while wouldn't make them worse! No longer going on furniture. Walking and not pulling - Kara got message quickly. The barking at front door and in garden has improved dramatically. Dogs are now restricted to hall and kitchen when they are out. Jan really has got the hang of not allowing Keiser to dictate to her. In a week or so we will develop a strategy for visitors.

Betsy – Springer Spaniel age 4

They have had Betsy since puppy. Had her brother also - but got rid of him because of aggression a year ago. 2 children 10 & 8. Betsy has taken over leadership role and is getting worse. Bit daughter. Aggressive to husband and very possessive of Corinne. Dog sleeps by Corinne's bed and aggressive when husband sends her downstairs. Yesterday she bit daughter, so now Betsy is on lead in house when kids are about.

12 days later I phoned Steve. Everything MUCH improved. They noticed a difference as soon as I was out of the door. I shall phone Corinne tomorrow morning.

Next day I phoned Corrine. Wonderful feedback. She says there is no aggression any more - even when daughter fell over Betsy who was sitting next to Corinne. Corinne says it's well worth the money and she wishes they had known me before getting rid of their other dog. She may get another dog - a small one - and will use AB right from the start.

Oscar – Dalmation age 2

They have had Oscar from 6 months – from Dalmation rescue. He has just bitten a lady when out on a walk. Oscar never settles. They have two young children both with special needs. They already have Jan Fennell's DVD. I found Oscar to be a very frantic dog, manic. He was chewing a chew as though his life depended upon it. Oscar kept leaping on the sofa and was taken behind door each time. As the evening went by Dawn and John said it was the most peaceful evening they had for ages. Normally running and jumping all over the place, stealing toys, raiding the bin, chewing things, never still.

Next day: Children really getting involved. Oscar was a completely different dog this morning at breakfast time, and I was so pleased that I didn't have to resort to any of our usual restriction methods in order to save the packed lunches from being ‘Oscared’. We did manage quite a bit of door opening, and whereas he would usually rush through nearly taking my legs out en route, he has been much more hesitant, he has actually behaved as though he has some manners! Even the children are doing brilliantly.

I also think, from some of what you were saying last night, that whilst we have thought we were doing the right thing for Oscar by filling his day full of long walks, lots of exercise and taking him to obedience, agility and heel work to music classes during the time he's been with us, that we have actually just been over-loading him with more and more pressure.

Two weeks later, they went away for a fortnight.

Two days afterwards: Oscar came home from kennels and has been wonderful. Children are doing very well. No more pestering at mealtime or stealing. Last night they had the best evening and night ever. Oscar lay peacefully on his bed grooming himself. Dawn says she can't believe the difference in Oscar in the house. Dawn says Oscar is 100% better in the house. They are all thrilled at the change.

One month after that, email from Dawn: I can’t believe no walks means a chilled dog. We took him for his first ‘proper walk’ yesterday and it was magic. Any hint of pulling and we pushed some more stop start change direction into him just to remind him who was leading who.

Sky and Storm – Border Collies age 9 months

Sky has an issue with cars. When she was little she tried to chase them and then went through a period of distress whenever we went near a road. We have been trying to get her used to road walking again and although things seem a little better she will turn and try to nip her brother or my knee as we cross the road. Lesley has a bite on her leg where Sky bit her as they crossed a road. Sometimes she is fine on walks and sometimes she cowers next to me. She pulls on the lead too. We do go to training and she is doing very well there and will walk to heel !! I feel so sorry for her that she is not able to enjoy walking. These are lovely dogs - with Sky becoming increasingly dominant. Storm is much more laid back. Everyone make a big fuss of the dogs - only 9 months old. L and R understand this isn't about dog training as such. Sky also barks in the garden.

Two weeks later, email: It was a pleasure to meet you on Saturday and we have already started acting differently with them both even though certain things have been hard. We aren't sure if it is some kind of fluke but Skye went on her lead in the garden yesterday and just trotted around at our sides on a loose lead. It is hard to ignore them when they come over for attention but we are calling them over when we want to and that seems to be working well. The garden balls go away when the game has finished too. The biggest difference which they twigged almost straight away was not going through the door before us and as we haven't got the stair gate up yet they have started staying behind when they go up or down stairs with us instead of speeding full pelt ahead !!

Three weeks from my visit: Dogs calming down dramatically. Sky still doing Stop Start Change-Direction in garden - not out in road yet. Storm OK outside and walking with loose lead. Interesting shift in dynamics between the dogs. Storm showing dominance. Sky now coming very promptly when called. She still runs around the garden after birds, but stops and comes when called now.

One month later: Life has settled down to something very different now. We are able to walk both dogs together with loose leads and Sky is taking no notice of the cars at all. She was OK as soon as I walked her through the gate for the first time, though this was not until we got really fed up with walking around the garden for about five weeks! We wanted to be sure she was really ready to believe in us first and it worked.

Duke – Rottweiller/German Shepherd Cross age 2

They have had Duke from a puppy. Aggressive with men especially when out and especially when it's dark. Today he lunged at an elderly man. He pulls. He is muzzled when out. Good with other dogs. Quite obedient. Unpredictable.

Two weeks later: Lynne phoned. She is thrilled. The whole family have been doing everything perfectly. SSCD (walking) - no going in front, no pulling and no more harness or muzzle. They went for first outside walk yesterday. Duke was a dream. Even when seeing another dog. Duke is much calmer. He seems to have picked up everything as though he's relieved to have all the leadership stuff removed. The attention seeking has nearly stopped, and the foot biting completely stopped. Thanking stops the barking. All this in one week! I said be prepared for a relapse or for Duke thinking of another test from time to time. They will persist with the homework of stop start change-direction’ every day before going out for a walk.

Ziggy and Maddie – Great Danes age 3 and 2

Ziggy aggressive towards Maddie. Tracy tried to separate them and had several stitches in her arm. Teenage daughters 13 and 15 God - these dogs are so big they look straight into your eyes. Hard to ignore!! Ziggy has a way of suddenly woofing straight in your face. Main problem is the two Danes can't be left together because they have had a couple of fights - only small puncture wounds, but by mistake Lynne got hurt and had stitches. Maddie, who they have only had for 5 weeks, is beginning to get above herself - started off very well. She's is challenging Ziggy for top dog and also running into other dogs, knocking them over and dominating them. She tries to stand over Ziggy when he's lying down. Lynne doesn't dare take them out together - not even for toilet in the garden.

Ten days later: Tracy says there has been fantastic progress from where she was ten days ago. I left her house at 10pm and she put it into action straight away. Dogs have been playing outside together again though Tracy keeps an eye on them. Friends and parents can't believe the improvement.

Shuey – Doberman age 2, and Jasper – Labrador Cross age 7

Shuey from Wood Green, Jasper from Battersea. Shuey is too strong for Jean to control and has recently nipped someone. We also need help to calm the dog down when he is out with Jean so that she can learn to control him better as his sheer strength far outweighs hers and she has to let go of his lead or else be pulled over. He lunges towards sheep. When he’s off the lead he has been known to disappear from her once or twice for up to 20 minutes. The doberman often in the house air snaps – rather obsessive.

Three weeks later, Jean says they have improved immensely. She has had dogs all her life but now sees things differently. After walking separately, she is doing walks with both dogs together now and there is no pulling at all. They walk beautifully. Even near the sheep Shuey has a loose lead. Off lead they Shuey is coming back well. Both dogs are much calmer. Jean is committed to sticking with it now.

Corrie – German Shepherd/Huskie X age 5

This dog is very anxious. A lot of barking when I arrived - she was on lead and lunging to get at me. Eventually with ignoring Corrie settled and first Jean dropped lead and then removed it. All was OK. Eventually dog very relaxed. She pulls on walks, lunges, all the usual stuff. Very much guarding owners. Barks and cries when they are out of sight. They can't go out without son being in to dog sit. Corrie creates all the time in the car.

One week later, Jean phoned to say how much Corrie had improved already. A different dog. Corrie now stopped barking a dustman and post woman. She upped her game by stealing a packet of chews. Jean found the empty packet, put it in the bin and ignored the whole thing. They haven't had visitors yet but will do the same as I showed her when I arrived - Corrie on lead and taken out of room if she barks.

Three weeks later: Jean is just so grateful. Dog is totally changed. Instead of barking and frantic, she wanders around - even went to sleep on the lawn today. She would never have done this before. They had a stranger in the house today, and although they put Corrie in the bedroom she made no fuss or barking. Jean said Corrie would have barked herself silly before. In Jean's words - Corrie is now no longer rushing about all the time, just wandering instead or asleep.

Alfie – Parsons Terrier age 5

It started as just being afraid of fireworks gradually increasing to thunder and lightning now even the rain or wind brings on an anxiety attack. During an attack he shakes violently, drools and pants constantly and claws his way in any way possible to get out of the room. Even in the cage he will bite and scratch making his gums bleed. We have reluctantly used tranquillisers from the vet and also a natural remedy but this only masks the problem.

10 days later: Alfie has totally changed around in just a week. Rain, noises on TV etc. and he’s ignoring it.

Phoebe – German Shepherd age 7, Tarquin – Great Dane age 18 months

Phoebe is a rescue dog. Suffers from separation anxiety. Barks 'all the time' when they are out. Complaints from neighbours. She isn't good with other dogs. Tarquin Great Dane is ENORMOUS. He barked when I came in - not used to being ignored. Tarquin messes and urinates indoors, while they are out. They have run of most of the house and garden and upstairs. Barking is a problem with neighbours - Phoebe mostly.

Ten days later: They are getting on very well indeed. They are responding and stopping barking. Phoebe now calm when lead is picked up. Des has camcorder today to see if improvement when out.

Another week later: Tarquin has completely stopped all messing etc. indoors. He is walking beautifully off and on lead. Barking when they out has practically stopped according to neighbours. Recall is excellent with both of them.

A week after that: Lovely call from Des. His brother came at the weekend and there was no barking! Brother was amazed at difference in the dogs. Phoebe has at last started to eat all her food up straight away.

Jasper and Jake – Springer Spaniels age 2

Hi Theo, We have 2x 2year old springers , quite well behaved at home but one of them as soon as you put a lead on him he pulls like mad the whole of the walk whether its 10mins or 2hours he continues to pull.. He has even cut his neck through pulling and we have tried every collar and harnesses but has made no difference. We take them both to training classes which he has improved on but when you have to walk him outside it all starts again and we are worried that we are damaging his neck. I found that Jasper in particular paces around all the time and pulls so much on lead that he has cut his neck. Jasper almost cowers before going on a walk when lead is put on but launches out as soon as door is open. Dogs bark at visitors at door, and Jasper continues to bark at you once they are in the house.

Two weeks later: They are really pleased. Both dogs have calmed down a lot. There is no longer any jumping up. They are no longer on sofas and they have a stairgate now. All barking indoors and out stops as soon as the dogs are thanked. Jasper still cowers when lead is put on (he is the puller out on a walk) so he has done no lead work, just SSCD in house off lead. (He runs away in the garden). Next he will do SSCD on lead in the house initially, then garden, then down the road. When he cowers Pauline puts the lead away, and then calls him to her and attaches lead if he isn't cowering. Jake is walked by Kevin who is now taking him out in the road. He used to be wary of people, but is fine now apparently. Feeding is going well. Also, recall is good now. Everything is going very well indeed.

Ebony – Black Labrador age 2

Ebony hates walks, she hangs back when lead is put on and runs off if she can. She is very nervous and jumpy in the house, barking at anything sudden. She growls if anybody goes near her bed. She was sent away to a trainer, but within a day of coming home she had reverted.

Ten days later: Ebony is relinquishing leadership in the house especially. Jan didn't walk her for 7 days and Jan played with her and she couldn't believe I was right when I said Ebony would be more chilled because of it. Lots of SSCD and very good heel walking, through doors first etc. Now on long line in field practising recall. She missed agility for two weeks as advised, and went last week a nd Ebony was only dog to do it off lead and stuck by Jan all the time!

Jan is ignoring demands for attention, or moving away. There have been electricians working in utility room by Ebony's bed and she has taken no notice of them (they were instructed to ignore her). No growling – she would have gone for them before. Jan is very encouraged and feels in just two weeks things are going in the right direction.

Gunner – Retreiver Poodle Cross age 11

It seems that Gunners nervousness started 5 years ago when Pete's first wife left. Pete spoils him. He barked for about five minutes when I came but we all ignored it. He did settle down very quickly. He did bark at back fence down end of quite long garden where people come past constantly. He has fear of water, sometimes of birds, of small dogs and Dalmatians, thunder and fireworks. He is always given attention when he asks. He sleeps downstairs on his own sofa, with run of sitting room, dining room and kitchen. Gunner’s not happy left alone.

Ten days later: Pete is amazed at the transformation in Gunner - and is surprised how well he is 'taking it'. He lies down and relaxes. He stops barking quickly - the thanking is working. Everything is so much nicer Pete says. Gesture eating is going well. Walking - occasional lunge which Pete deals with.

The next day: Email from Carol: We hadn't phoned because there was nothing that had actually come up which had given us any cause for concern yet. We are really pleased with Gunner's progress so far although he does have his moments where he pushes his luck a bit, it’s a bit like bringing children up boundaries etc. To be fair Gunner has always had his own way which isn't his fault. I have workmen in today and normally he would be going absolutely mad. Your technique of making him feel that nothing is wrong is working, and he is now just lying down relaxed which is absolutely wonderful. Thank you so much for all your help and yes I will stay in touch.

Cadbury – Chocolate Labrador age 9 months

Cadbury barks on lead at other dogs. He jumps up on people when out, and in home. No recall. Children wary of him. They have had Cad from a puppy. He has eaten through a harness. He goes to grab Karen’s arm. Cadbury has destroyed many leads plus haltis and harness. His pulling when out is an embarrassment.

Three weeks later: Karen has noticed a big difference. Cadbury walks very well on lead (no longer tries to grab the lead). Karen says it's like having a different dog when they are out. They now have a stair gate and Cadbury is very happy to sleep downstairs in his bed. There is no jumping up or grabbing arms, and no jumping up at visitors. Children are doing well. Cadbury was scared of water, but now he is playing with sticks being thrown into the river for him to fetch.

Holly – Yellow Labrador age 15 months

Holly cowers and urinates and submits - especially with Shaun and sometimes visitors. Holly constantly looks to Shaun for his reaction and he tends to stare lovingly at her whereupon she runs under the table and urinates. She has had too much attention and possibly too boisterous and noisy. Moira was scolding Holly when she urinated but will now say nothing. Give her no attention over it. Suggested Shaun gave her no eye contact for a while.

Ten days later: Brilliant. Not once since I left did Holly run under the table urinating, or lie on her back submitting and urinating. She was doing it constantly before - whenever Shaun even looked at her, when people came and so on.

Ruby – Jack Russell/Patterdale X age 8 months

Ruby is biting and showing aggression. When I arrived Ruby was manic - in your face. She is only tiny, but did vertical take off when I came in - right up to my face. Ruby is frightened of all sorts of things including vacuum cleaner, brooms, rakes. Urinates in the house.

Two weeks later: Pat is amazed at how much calmer Ruby is. Very seldom vertical take-off now! She doesn't jump while food is prepared. There have been no more puddles from the moment I left. Much better with people walking past, though they still have work with dogs, tricycles and a child with scooter. Stop Start Change Direction is still at home - no going out yet. When Pat calls her, Ruby runs to her straight away. She was frightened when rubbish bin was emptied in kitchen, now OK about lots of things that previously frightened her.

Spud- Jack Russell age 8 months

Spud rescued two days ago from Wood Green. He's manic, upsetting and aggressive to Ray - also to other dog over food. I found that Spud is a brilliant little dog - and extremely quick on the uptake. Not vicious at all, just trying it on. The real trouble lies with Monty - the dog they already have and very spoilt. Spud been with them two nights now. Monty is a 'slow eater' and Spud is 'aggressive' over food.

Two days later: Monty is 'downcast' !! (Chilled). Obviously it has started to work with him.

A week goes by: sometimes Spud is a little angel and sometimes he acts possessed (he is only 8 months old!). He doesn't bark so much at birds etc.. Spud is still mouthing. They will now deal with it straight away. Monty is eating everything now quickly - even dried food. Dogs don't go out of door first any more. Walks: they are doing very well when meeting other dogs - even if the other dog is going ballistic. Maria feels very under control. The two dogs play together better now and there is very little real aggression any more. Monty's recall is much better.

Chelsey – Jack Russell age 7 months

My dog is continually barking and howling when we leave her alone in the house causing the neighbours to complain to the local authorities. We have tried leaving the TV, lights, and treats but apparently to no use. It took us 4 months to get the dog to sleep in another room from us she seemed a bit insecure from day one.

A week later: Karen noticed immediate improvement. Almost straight away Chelsey was eating her food all up and no messing about. Chelsey's much more relaxed. They are leaving her for short periods. They recorded her the first time to record the fuss, and they will do so again soon. They think she's better. The neighbour was asked to listen and report, but no problems there. The walking is apparently fantastic. Apparently Chelsey no longer even follows Karen to the door when she goes off to work. Altogether very much calmer.

Another two weeks goes by: A lovely call from Karen. Unbelievable difference in Chelsey very quickly. They tape recorded absences. A week ago Chelsey howled for about 40 minutes. Next time not continuous, next time only twice, and last time only for a couple of minutes. Great news. It has nearly stopped. Soon they will start to leave her for longer.

Toby – Jack Russell age 5

Toby is aggressive and very fearful. He is on tablets. Shirley has been advised by vet and a 'trainer' who visits for 20 minutes at a time to have him put down. She is suffering from her nerves. She's had him since he was a puppy. Toby put on sofa with muzzle and lead. He froze with back to me. Bit of a zombie because of tablets - CLOMICALM. As I ignored him he eventually came and lay down beside me. Suggested Shirley removed muzzle and lead. Toby has to be thrown into another room with biscuits so she can quickly shut him out. He is aggressive on walks - pulls and yaps. Vet and other 'trainer' who visited say Toby should be put down. Shirley is nervous and dog is confused.

Ten days later: Everything improving. Walks are better now she is in control and protecting him confronting dogs etc. She is doing the gesture eating. Barking is more under control. Shirley pushes him away when he jumps on her. His bed is now on the floor not the sofa. HE'S OFF ALL DRUGS. Shirley herself is happier and her nerves are better because of all this. Toby has also started playing with things - throwing chews in the air etc.

Next month: Shirley phoned me. Things still going well.

And a month later: Still more progress. Not worried about a big tractor. On short lead when out.

Reggie – Lab/Retriever X age 3

Reggie has always been quite dominant. He 'humps' my husband, he barks/whines for attention, he scavenges food and chews up the children's toys. He can be aggressive, which is worrying me. He has this habit of greeting someone warmly, tail wagging, then like he has lulled them into a sense of security he growls, turns his lip and has at times nipped. He misbehaves on the lead, by jumping up and pulling aggressively at it. He is my big Bear and I love him so much - but I would like him to be more sociable and not so naughty. I have struggled for almost 3 years and would welcome some advise to help me get it right!

Three weeks later: Sharon phoned to say she can't believe how Reggie has changed in a few days. Didn't bark at postman.. Walking round the block to heel.

Two weeks later: Needed a refresher for barking, but apart from that things are going brilliantly well. Reggie walks excellently to heel. Did bark at another dog but stopped straight away. They have gate at bottom of stairs and Reggie never goes up now. Better in car. Reggie takes no notice of the postman - previously everything was punctured. He never fusses now when kids friends came and they play in the garden. I am thrilled with how both Sharon and Steve are doing. Steve is managing to make no fuss of Reggie.

Pluto and Sky – Great Danes ages 13 and 18 months

You were recommended by a fellow Great Dane owner. Pluto shows aggression to other dogs. He is very well ‘trained’ - walks to heel, sits, down, sit stay etc etc, well mannered at home. He now goes into the red zone if he is the back of the car and sees another dog. In fact today he then attacked my rescue bitch, Sky, as she was in the car too - and my husband tried to stop it and got bitten. Pluto went berserk when he saw a couple of small dogs and barked. Chris shouted and Sky then went for Pluto who retaliated. Sky is now pushing her luck also. Am at my wits end - have done everything I can find to change his behaviour - read everything, watched every programme, tried everything. Please can you help?

Next day: Did your treats have some sort of sedative in them? How can they have changed so dramatically it is amazing.

So far, when they used to go mental at dogs walking down the lane at the side of the garden they just stand and woof, I go out, they turn to look at me, I take a good look, they wait while I do that, I say thanks you, turn and walk back in and they follow!!! Pluto has eaten every single bone (which are his meals) whereas before he buried every single meal.

Two weeks later: Huge difference in their behaviour. No serious scrapping between the dogs at all. Pluto is much more laid back, barking is controlled now. Sky is being clever - goes out and barks so that she gets the attention of being a good girl!!! No guarding on sofas any more. Both dogs are chilled. There is no patrolling any more. They are not yet taking the dogs out in the car until they have a guard for safety’s sake.

Harvey – English Bull Terrier age 3 years

This is the lady’s email: I have a 3 year old neutered male English bull terrier, who has a problem that’s really getting me down. When we go out and he sees another dog he's body always becomes stiff, then he will put both front paws on the other dogs back, and growl near the head and neck, if the dog falls to the ground he holds them down

This is what I found when I arrived: Harvey was jumping all over me and lunging and barking. Her husband was not supportive at all.

I received several emails from the lady over the months. Here is the most recent one and a real tribute to her patience, and proof that there is no time limit and with persistence everyone can get there in the end

Five months later: Hi Theo, I have fantastic news, finally after all these months Harvey has got the hang of the walk!!!!

I can sscd (stop-start-change direction) any way I want and he will stick to me like glue, our walks are so much more relaxed now, and other dogs don't seem to bother him as much, he would rather be with me. (Her husband) is also quite surprised in Harvey’s change and is not winding him up any more! Harvey says a big thank you, for your help he is definitely a different dog.

Charlie – border Collie pup age 14 weeks

Lady’s email: we have adopted Charlie from the RSPCA about 5 weeks ago; Charlie's whole family was rescued from drug addicts who bred them to sell for drug money.

When I arrived: Charlie launched himself at me immediately, jumping up (very sharp claws) and nipping. Very persistent. Apart from that all the usual puppy stuff. He is showing other signs of aggression - humping people, he growled at Peter's ankles when he was walking ahead to open the gate when I went. House is open plan so there are potentially a lot of guarding areas.

Next day email: Hello Theo - Thank you for your email and for coming to see us so promptly. It was a great comfort to have your help and Charlie is now trotting briskly along the paths of righteousness - he hasn't jumped up or nipped either of us yet, today. An undoggy friend called in unexpectedly, this afternoon, and after the second bounce, Charlie went to "The Little Room" to have a 20 second pause for thought. When he came out, he played quite happily and ignored our friend, who was obviously rather surprised and impressed by our new tricks. We privately basked in your glory!

A slight blot on the copybook - later on, he went back to his beloved hole for some gesture digging.

Two weeks later: Charlie has started barking now as he's growing up a little. I explained the process and Jill went out to deal with it while we were on the phone! He is improving all the time - no nipping, very little jumping up, no trouser grabbing. Did climb onto dining table when they stood up and walked across it - they thought it was funny and I said instant naughty room for a couple of minutes! They are gesture eating each time. Trying not to let Charlie initiate all play.

Poppy – Collie/Lab Cross age 8 months

When I arrived it took about half an hour before Poppy stopped barking at me - as Denise took her in and out of the room. Even until nearly the end when Poppy was off the lead, she was very jumpy and barked immediately if I moved. She did not dare come to me for a treat at the end. It was like trying to coax a frightened wild animal. She was timid when Denise got her as puppy. Poppy is frightened of everything. She is a dear little dog - only 8 months and carrying the responsibilities of the world already.

Two weeks later, Denise tells me that Poppy is doing really well and is a different dog. She is so much calmer and also less fearful. She's better with the postman and no longer barks. She now sleeps downstairs in the sitting room. She made a puddle on the floor the first couple of nights but that stopped. She no longer jumps up on visitors. When Denise comes in Poppy calms down quickly now. Denise says that she is really relieved.

Pippin – Staffie/Boxer Cross, 1 year old

Pippin constantly jumped up and mouthed me to start with. What a lovely little dog. While I was there she had stopped all jumping up and we instantly dealt with cat harassing, she caught on to the lead work. It was lovely to watch but Vanessa realises all this will change when I walk out unless she can keep family motivated and the children from calling Pippin and then squealing because she jumps up.

Two weeks later: Vanessa says Pippin is a very different dog now. Jumping up, mouthing and cat chasing is all but finished. Hasn't looked at the cat with intent more than three times since I left. Occasional jumping up dealt with immediately. Walking work in the garden is doing very well. Before I came Vanessa was so fed up with Pippin she was shut away all the time. The hard work is paying off, and Pippin is part of the family.

Elmo – Rotweiller X, 1 year old

Elmo jumped up a lot at me and mouthed a lot also. He is generally fairly unruly, and Gill and Caroline don't know what to do and are having rows about it. They have had a couple of trainers and taken him to classes also - one he was hit over the face several times with his own lead! A week or so ago Elmo knocked a lady down in the park when jumping up and bit her. He has bitten Gill, but it's Caroline he follows around all the time. He has hair loss around neck – scratches (I wonder whether it could be stress), and he messes in the flat. I feel he is a lovely dog, desperate for leadership.

Ten days later: Gill says Elmo is doing so well. His hair has grown back and his rash has gone - he has stopped scratching. Spoke to Caroline - they are both much happier together as a consequence. Elmo is much calmer. The jumping up, jumping on the sofa has stopped, and the mouthing virtually stopped too. There is no more messing indoors and they are doing extremely well.

Lalu – American Cocker Spaniel, 4 months old

Last week Lalu drew blood on my mum’s finger whilst jumping up at her and now she is nervous around him, which is a problem as she is at home with him during the day. My mum wears a sari (as we are Indian) and he keeps grabbing hold of it and won't let go. I have tried correcting the behaviour by saying NO repeatedly and even tapping him on his nose with my finger but he just goes back and carries on with this behaviour. I have also tried putting pebbles in a drinks bottle then shaking it near him to ward him off doing whatever he shouldn’t be, but that does not work either. I saw this technique on Dog Borstal, and it worked a treat, but sadly not for me. Please help as I cannot have my mum being scared of him.

I found Lalu very demanding. He lies on mother's sari on the floor to sleep when she's sitting down, and grabs it when she is walking about. Mother has two bite marks and is very wary of Lalu - jerking her hands out of the way when he jumps which makes matters worse. Lalu still does puddles in the house - in doorways.

Ten days later: Lalu is a changed puppy, Yogani says. He no longer lies on or plays with mother's sari at all - that has completely stopped. His walking is coming on well. There are still occasional puddles, but not nearly so many. Yogani says they are very happy.

Abi – West Highland Terrier – age 2

Abi toilets indoors and has weed on their bed a few times. She barks in the night every night, and Bob hasn’t had a proper night’s sleep for ages. Terrified of animals on TV and barks and growls at any face on TV.

Towards end of our meeting we had huskies and polar bears on TV and Abi was fine!

Four days later: They are thrilled. Can't believe the difference. The have had some nights good sleep now and only one wee since I left. They can watch TV. Only a couple of barking sessions which they dealt with. Abi is eating well now. Such a difference - even in play. Abi is bound to try it on soon, so they will need to be consistent.