Man's Best Friend
Bristol
(12)
Bristol
(12)
Please see our website www.mansbestfriendbristol.co.uk and send us a direct message via the website :) we can help with a wide range of training and behavioural problems.
12 customer reviews
Diana Bodger
Tom has really helped to settle our puppy Buddy into our lives. We've had great advice and practical tips to work with as well as great insight into understanding what he likes and how to tap into his interests so he is a happy puppy! Buddy has responded to Tom really well and it has made training much easier to see these strategies in action rather than reading it from a book / website. Thank you! :) More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Annamarie
Dog Training
Tom was very professional and understood the difficulty I had been having.
Given me things to work on without being pushy.
Thanks Tom
Isabelle Jackson
I could not recommend Tom and Holly high enough. I am kept updated on when Poppy is out on her walks or at Toms for day care. I never stress when Poppy is with Tom or Holly because they are so capable, knowledgable and know Poppy as well, if not better than I do. I am so lucky to of found a dog walker that cares about my pooch as much as I do. Tom is Poppy's favourite person and is always there to answer any questions I may have, no matter how silly! The best in Bristol by far! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Yazmin Belle
Tom is a calm and knowledgeable dog walker. He does his job extremely well and I highly recommend him!
Reviewed on Facebook
Amelia Berry
Tom has been amazing this week after we contacted him for daycare help with our puppy on very short notice. He is calm, knowledgable and kind - and extremely considerate of each dog's personality and needs. Our puppy was a bit nervous on the first day, but now drags me out of the car and up to his front door in the morning, tail wagging! Laika comes home happy and exhausted from lots of lovely walks and playtime with Tom and the other dogs. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Fiery Lenard
Tom and Holly have both been fantastic. I moved to Bristol early Jan and had real trouble finding a dog walker. Tom stepped up and has been looking after Lara when I work ever since. He's been very professional and has taken as much care of her as I would. He even provides text and photo updates. It's really good to know I have someone I can trust to look after my dog when needed and I'd recommend him to anyone. Tom and Holly aren't just dog walkers, they really enjoy the company of the dogs they're with and put their safety and happiness first. Thank you! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Kat Quartermain
Tom immediately hit it off with Islay, he is flexible, reliable and knowledgeable. Knowing that he is giving her a good run with all her friends every day gives great peace of mind whilst we're at work. Whilst a quick text each time to letting us know she's back safely is a lovely touch. Its great to know she's being looked after by someone experienced each day, Tom has even helped with a few training tips to help ease Islay whilst the house is full of building work and upheaval. We cannot recommend Tom highly enough! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Ellen Battles
Tom looks after my Aunts Dog Betsie and she loves him so so much!! He's definitely her favourite person
Reviewed on Facebook
Jenna Flicker Sanchez
Tom and Hollie are both fabulous and offer such a valuable, reliable and professional dog walking service. Our dog Teddy loves his group walks with his new furry friends, and an added bonus that Tom is a dog trainer. Thanks for everything guys. X
Reviewed on Facebook
Becs Flicker Sanchez
Our Dog Teddy loves going out on his group walks! Tom and Holly are amazing at what they do and we highly recommend them!!
Reviewed on Facebook
Melissa Carlisle
Tom looked after our dog for the weekend recently, it was great to know he was in good hands, bonus that Tom is a dog trainer! He kept in touch so we knew all was well. I was impressed that our dog clearly felt settled quickly and also had a lot of fun, coming home nice and tired! Also his sensible older dog is on hand as a good influence on younger dogs :) More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Marcelo Marino
Tom looked after our Springer Zeb whilst we were away on holiday. This was the first time we had been separated but Tom was confident and reassuring and we trusted him implicitly. He has a lovely manner with his own dog and with doggy visitors. He didnt mind when Zeb promptly peed on his floor when we dropped him off out of nerves. Tom sent regular videos of Zeb playing in the park and house whilst we were away. We would recommend Tom wholeheartedly to anyone considering a sitter. We have already booked again More...
Reviewed on Facebook
What do you love most about your job?
I love seeing the change in dogs from start to finish. You can make improvements in just a session or two and it's very satisfying seeing the owners more relaxed and content with the new behaviours that start emerging.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I like to be hands on and in control of the whole project myself. I get a huge sense of satisfaction trying to resolve an issue and tackle difficult complex problems.
Why should our clients choose you?
I am very patient and have a non judgemental approach. a few years ago when I rescued my dog from Spain, I suffered with every behaviour problem imaginable, so I know exactly how you feel! But with the training program set out, I can help you do exactly the same and have a happy, relaxed, well behaved dog. I am a force free trainer who does not use aversive punishing methods in my training and only use positive reinforcement which has been shown in studies to be the most effective way of teaching dogs new behaviours.
Excessive Barking
here is nothing more likely to upset the neighbours or stress you out than a dog which repeatedly barks in certain situations and it can become a huge and embarrassing problem.
We do not encourage barking or reward barking particularly, and if your dog or puppy doesn’t bark, enjoy the quiet! Some breeds are bred to bark and therefore are far more likely to posses this behaviour whereas other breeds may naturally be quiet. Dogs bark to communicate with us and with each other, where, when and the frequency and duration of barking will depend on a number of factors, such as breed, previous experience, age and environmental factors. Barking can generally be categorised into 3 types, watchdog, frustration or attention seeking- which one does your dog fall into?
Toilet Training
Accidents in the house for a puppy are completely normal (full bladder control can take up to 20 weeks) but you want to try and minimise the frequency as much as possible.
The best way of doing this is by taking them outside…ready…first thing in the morning…after eating…after waking…after play…after a visitor arrives…after any excitement indoors…before bedtime…and anytime he/she is sniffing/scratching/circling the floor…phew! Who said having a puppy was easy though! Toilet training a puppy is time consuming work, but it doesn’t last long and it’s worth it in the end! Be aware that accidents are not the puppy’s fault and never punish them for it. Oh, and stay patient! We can help toilet train your puppy with you (and give you some moral support!) during this stressful time.
Recall issues
Your dog coming back to you when you call their name is the single most important piece of training you need to do for yours and your dogs safety.
Ask yourself, if I call my dog once will they return quickly and immediately? If not, not only are you putting your dog at risk of injury, you may be in breach of the Dog Act 1871 which applies to all breeds and requires all dogs to be under control. Furthermore, not all other dogs are friendly! Some may be dangerous and other may be extremely nervous. A solid recall will get you out of sticky situations at the dog park. If your dog doesn’t come back yet, we recommend keeping them on lead or a long line until you’ve overcome this hurdle. We can help with this important piece of the puzzle to make your walks more enjoyable and safe for yourself, your dog, and other dogs in the park.
