I can’t recommend Debbie and Doggy Dilemmas highly enough.  I have been going to weekly obedience classes since Daisy was under a year old. We have both learned a lot, and I realise Debbie very cleverly teaches us how to be good dog owners, as well as teaching our dogs to be obedient. Dogs of all sizes and ages attend the classes and it has been lovely to see the puppies grow up, nervous dogs lose their fear, and timid owners grow in confidence. Debbie believes in training dogs with rewards, and it is fascinating seeing the progress of dogs and their owners over time. Daisy loves going to class and seeing all her doggy friends, and so do I. Debbie obviously loves dogs, she has 5 of her own. She also boards dogs, and they stay with her in her own home. Whenever my husband and I go away and can’t take her, Daisy stays with Debbie. I know Daisy will have a great time with Debbie and her dogs, and she will be completely safe.

- Christine and Daisy the dog.

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After being informed my six-month-old jack Russell, Tilly, was untrainable by another dog training group, I felt stupid and my spirits had been dampened and I felt I had taken on more than I could handle by purchasing a dog. I contacted Debbie Mackay by email and she was very quick to respond, asking questions to try and help me with Tilly's behaviour.  We were invited along to a training group and at first, I was very apprehensive and worried but we were very welcome and reassured that Tilly was trainable. In time, Debbie showed me some fantastic ways of training Tilly and the importance of the owner's body language; something I had never considered before.  Tilly was interacting with other dogs, and I with other dog owners and it was such an enjoyable experience for both of us. Debbie's professional and friendly manner made my dog and I feel most welcome. Now, Tilly has moved up to a more advanced training group as Debbie has helped me bring her on leaps and bounds!  We have even learnt some tricks which is great fun! Next, we are looking into doing the Bronze Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme.  This is something we never would have thought about doing before but with the help of Debbie we now can and who knows, perhaps even aim to do the Silver and Gold also.  I would recommend these dog training groups to anyone as there is no such meaning to the term 'untrainable dog' when you have the help of Debbie.

- Tanya and Tilly the Jack Russell.

 

 

 

 

I had had a bad experience with a trainer, whom both my wife and I were made to feel stupid and inadequate and quite the reverse of confident with my young dog. I was therefore relieved when introduced to Debbie Mackay by a neighbour and signed up for her puppy training classes. It was obvious from the start that Debbie loves dogs and dogs absolutely love her. I learnt that Confidence is the key to success and that setting boundaries are also very important particularly with a willful dog; this means confidence in the trainer, in the dog and in the handler. There is no short cut to instilling confidence in a dog, they have to enjoy their training and feel relaxed with the humans they are working with. Under Debbie’s warm and relaxed leadership all the owners and dogs in our puppy class quickly learnt what fun training our puppies would be for both us and the dogs. Naturally, whether our puppies were large, small, extrovert, timid (and in a few cases psychologically damaged) our relationship with our dogs developed and we happily passed our Foundation assessment in the Kennel Club’s Good Citizen scheme. Since then a large proportion of this initial puppy class has stayed with Debbie to go on to train for the Kennel Club’s Bronze, Silver and now Gold award. All dogs passing successfully. It is a testament to Debbie’s approach and ability as a trainer that this wide range of personalities, in both dog and handler, developed happily and successfully. Now, as a group of dog owners, we still train with Debbie largely because our dogs love going to her classes and enjoy working with her so much. There is no one I would trust more with our beloved dog than Debbie, and we have been lucky enough to be able to leave her with Debbie while away on holiday. My dog loves being with her. I cannot recommend Debbie Mackay to you too highly.

- Phil and Mabel the Airedale

 

 

 

I have always found Debbie to be extremely reliable and trustworthy when looking after my animals. My dog has always been thoroughly exercised and very well cared for when with her. Debbie often puts herself out to make sure he is not left alone for too long and she always makes his well-being her first priority. Debbie uses reward-based training techniques in her training classes. Exercises follow the disciplines required by the Kennel Club Good Canine Citizen Award scheme and we all work to attaining these awards. Shortly after our dog came to us as a puppy, Debbie gave us a one-to-one session on clicker training to get us started. I have since found this a very useful training technique. Over the last couple of years, I have found Debbie to be completely devoted to her own dogs and also to those that come under her care.

- Jo and Monty the Labrador

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My own dog is a Leonberger who started his training at twelve weeks old and has benefitted enormously from these weekly sessions. I started in the puppy class where the focus right from the beginning was based on kindness and encouragement. Treats when an exercise was completed well or simply repeating the task if my dog didn't do what was required. Within a short time, we had passed our first Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog award which was assessed by an independent judge.  I have moved between several classes to fit in with my timetable and the same teaching style has been apparent throughout. The advice I have been given has been very effective and the classes are great fun.  I am delighted with the training I have received and would recommend Debs Mackay as a trainer to anyone looking to work with their dog.  Debs has also helped me out with dog walking and sitting on many occasions.  My dog is always very excited to go out with Debs and always happy and relaxed upon his return. Discovering Doggy Dilemmas and Debs Mackay has, in short, been a Godsend.

- Jane and Mungo the Leonberger

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The classes are always relaxed and happy there is never any shouting from Ms Mackay or any of the owners. On the rare occasion that there has been prolonged barking Ms Mackay has dealt with it in a calm and reasonable manner and the behaviour has stopped very quickly. She has a calm authority with the dogs which is enviable, the dogs clearly respect her and I have never seen any signs of fear or distress. My own dog is always very excited when we get near to the village hall and whilst not really interested in the other owners he is always delighted to see Ms Mackay. She shows a great knowledge of her field and has shown various ways of training if, for example, one method doesn’t work. As well as other practical advice and support helping us all care for our dogs. The classes are well structured and cover all of the aspects of The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme.  There are always a manageable number of us in the classes, and if it looks like there are going to be too many Ms Mackay has started more classes. This obviously benefits both owners and dogs as we have a much more productive session. If there is any play during the session it is always carefully supervised. To conclude I have found the training classes a positive experience and helpful in so many ways. Ms Mackay is an excellent trainer, and the care of the dogs is always at the forefront of all she does. Many of us began at puppy classes and over 1 year on we are still attending dog training classes. Because it is beneficial but more importantly it is enjoyable.

 - Sarah and Finlay the Bearded Collie