the dog listener
Ampfield
(2)
Ampfield
(2)
My name is Ian Mackay and I have been helping owners to resolve their dogs' behaviour problems since 2006.
Dog Listening is not just a training method, it's a way of life. It really works. By giving your dog simple signals, he will be relaxed and a pleasure to own.
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2 customer reviews
Jonathan
We asked Ian to visit us after our dog bit someone after being occasionally and randomly aggressive. He was calm, pleasant and knowledgeable.
It was only yesterday so only time will tell but we were so happy with Ian, and the dog loved him which was not a foregone conclusion.
Thank you Ian.
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Maxine Stevens
Me and my husband meet Ian today for help with our dog Monty. I found him to be very calming and clear on what we need to do to change the behaviour so Monty can learn to be a calm dog and not on guard all the time. Ian explained to us what we need to do and by the end of the 3 hours he was with us Monty was more calmer. It does take perseverance and to keep calm yourself. He left us with an information pack and we can contact him any time for future support and he will come out to us again if he needs too. Thank you again and it was lovely to meet you. I can highly recommend his services. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Terry Copeland
I invited Ian to evaluate and help us correct our 2 year old cocker spaniel Shadow. The main problems were her, chasing bikes, runners and cows, also aggression towards some males. During the consultation we learned to think in a different way when dealing with these issues and will putting the lessons learned into practice. Ian left a comprehensive information pack for us to refer to and I am confident we will get good results. I thought it would be good to involve the whole family and we all agreed it was a good investment and experience. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Diana
I was having serious problems with my terriers fighting. To the extent that both ended up at the vets with serious bite wounds. I found Ian on the web and called him. He was brilliant from the outset. My husband was not entirely convinced thinking that Ian might arrive in flowing robes waving crystals and chanting. Nothing could be further from the truth. Ian is super calm and very reassuring . The dogs responded to him as though he was the Pied PIper of Hamlin . It was extraordinary. Have only been following his instructions for around 4 hours and the change in behaviour is extraordinary. Would highly recommend More...
What do you love most about your job?
Having a dog with behavioural problems can be very stressful. It is important to realise that there is nothing wrong with your dog! When I go to owners' homes and show them how to resolve their dog's issues and they see the results starting to happen before their own eyes, it is very rewarding to know I was able to make a real difference to both the dog and the owner.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I originally became involved with the 'Dog Listening' approach to resolve my own dog's issues, back in 2006. The techniques I use involve communicating with your dog, listening to and interpreting what he is telling me with his own language. It is a proactive approach and works in harmony with the dog’s instincts and nature rather than in conflict with them. The application of Dog Listening is all you need to transform your problem dog into a calm, stress-free companion that is a pleasure to own and that you can take anywhere without fuss. No acupuncture, Indian Head Massage, Reiki, DAP sprays, shock collars, tins with stones in, water sprays or neutering required!
I was able to completely resolve my own dog's issues using these techniques. It was while I was on the training courses that it was suggested that I could demonstrate these techniques to others, which I subsequently did.
It is personally very rewarding to be able to make a real difference to owners by showing them how to remove the unwanted behaviour using a positive, stress-free approach that really works.
Why should our clients choose you?
I have been helping owners to improve their dogs' behaviour for over 15 years. I use an approach that really works because it addresses the underlying cause of the behaviour, not just the consequence of it.
For instance, perhaps you could stop your dog barking when someone walks past your house by keeping the curtains closed. As soon as you open them, the dog will be barking again. We need to show the dog that someone walking past isn't a problem, then he has no need to bark! We have successfully addressed the cause of the barking.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
During the various lockdowns we have endured until recently, I undertook consultations using WhatsApp and Zoom video calls. They worked really well because I was able to see the problems and show them how to correct them using one of my dogs to demonstrate the particular technique. I still offer that service for clients that are perhaps based too far away to offer a 1-2-1 home visit.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
During the Covid-19 restrictions, if permitted or the owner desired it, I would carry out the visit in the owner's garden, remotely via WhatsApp or Zoom video call or by wearing a mask.
Dog Behaviour Problems Resolution
Barking, pulling on the lead, reacting to other dogs, anxious when left, running off, destructiveness, food aggression, chewing, hyperactivity, biting, aggression, stress, jumping up, seeking attention, nervousness, or all of the above!
Puppy Training
I offer 1-2-1 puppy training in your home - which means we can start as soon as you get your puppy rather than having to wait until the inoculations are complete at up to 14 weeks of age. The 8 to 14 week age is the key period for successful socialisation of your puppy and traditional group training in a village hall means that you miss this opportunity.
