TESTIMONIALS
” My family has had dogs for the last 15 years, starting with a Staffie and working our way up in size to our latest dog, Nina, a Mastiff-Dogue De Bordeaux cross. We have never trained our dogs, apart from the use of food rewards and treats, “give a paw” etc. I had a recent unpleasant experience with our middle sized dog chasing a deer, which prompted me to seek formal training for Nina.
I began my weekly sessions with Chris when Nina was just one, and very soon I realised, as I watched how beautifully she responded to him, that it was ME who needed training and not the dog! I am a Head Teacher of a primary school and as such am used to confidently managing lots of people – both adults and children. Throughout training, Chris refers to my role and my confidence in “being in charge” , in order to build my belief in myself as Nina’s leader. This is a real journey for me, as I am not naturally confident with animals. Over the weeks, however, my confidence has grown and the bond that I have with the dog is just wonderful. I really feel that she has become my dog.
I practise as much as I can, and I know that the technique side of this is largely down to me and what I am able to put into it, given the nature of my stressful job, in between training sessions. It fills me with joy to see how she is responding to my leadership and Chris’s support and encouragement of this is true praise indeed. I feel such a sense of personal achievement when I get it right! Being also a Mum of teenage boys and having a small holding, this is the first thing that I have done for ME in absolutely years and I love it! My mind clears of the stresses of the day during the lessons and the absolute focus on my relationship with the dog, under Chris’s supportive guidance and instruction, is wonderful. Chris talks about the psychology of leadership and instils belief in myself that I can achieve it.
Chris explained at the beginning that the training was a journey and that I wasn’t to expect an immediate turn around. I had no idea at the beginning what an absolute joy the experience was going to be, how proud I would feel of myself and how it would completely change my relationship with my dog. I would recommend Chris to anyone as a dog trainer. He is skilled, insightful, supportive, professional and has a true love of dogs and a passionate commitment to creating responsible and competent dog owners “.
L .C .East Lincs
“ Having been fortunate to be able to purchase an English Springer Spaniel pup from Chris Platt I was then offered by Chris the opportunity to partake in a training programme that would develop my handling skills and therefore allow my dog to reach her full potential. Although it has not come naturally to me, and at times been frustrating for all involved, with Chris’ patience, expertise and superbly bred dog, I have surpassed all my expectations and now have a dog that is a pleasure to work and own. She is well behaved, keen to work and a family pet. I highly recommend Chris Platt and his Strummerjoe dogs for any of your sporting dog’s needs .”
JT . Mablethorpe. Lincs
“I would like to express my gratitude to Chris for the great job he has done training Jess for me. I really thought that I had lost her before he took her on and I consider myself very fortunate that at 14 months of age he has produced such a well disciplined and obedient dog. The end result proves the undoubted ability of her trainer. She works well to the whistle and hand signals, and the retrieves I allowed her to make today when I took her pigeon shooting were very impressive . I am sure, thanks to all your hard work and patience over the last few weeks, that I have a Shooting Companion who will give me great pleasure and service for years to come.”
W.E.H. Lincoln
“My mum and I were recommended Chris when we realised that we needed some help with our two year old cocker spaniel dogs. Our male dog Marley was showing signs of aggression towards strangers which was causing us a lot of distress, and we were struggling with both Maddie and Marley in getting the dogs to not pull on the leads and their recall abilities.
S&G.G East Lincs
We were reassured the whole way through that although the process may be harder with their age, we would finish with the confidence to take control. Our lessons were focused not just on the dogs behaviour, but more importantly what we had to do to correct our own mistakes and to learn what was really happening when our dogs displayed certain behaviours.
We are only around six weeks into our lessons and already have seen a massive improovement in the way our dogs behave. We are able to take them both for walks without being pulled, and Marley has already shown so much improovement in the way he approaches people. In the beginning he would bark at Chris and refuse to settle and now he will even bypass us to greet Chris nicely! The dogs even seem happier having more structure in their lives and it’s a much more enjoyable experience taking them for a walk.
We still have a lot more to learn before we are at the best stage, but Chris has already given us so much confidence and shown us the ability to take control and make it work. We look forward to the end result.”
You asked for some feedback re Pip and I hope the following suffice:
A.P Sleaford.
“Recipe for Gun Dog”
1)Take one keen but mad cocker spaniel
2) Give to Chris Platt
3)Six weeks later receive back identical- looking but otherwise calm and
mature animal.
4)Enjoy working dog.
5)Meet local landowner who is so impressed, invitation to shoot/ pick up swiftly follows.
“On her first day out with my son and me, she sat quietly at the peg and showed no inclination to run in. She retrieved for both of us and ignored a runner that went straight past her nose, which for an inexperienced dog, was really impressive.Chris has achieved all that I hoped from Pip and more. Her calmness in particular has been noted by many and health willing, I am sure that my son and I will have many years of enjoyment working Pip on the peg, beating and picking up.”
“Everyone always comments on how good looking Finn our Labrador is and what a super temperament he has. I think that’s all down to you and your careful breeding. As you might gather , we are totally besotted with him”.
I.B. N.Yorkshire.
“When our 19yr old terrier departed this world we decided to rescue and adopt Hazel, a Husky /Staffy cross with a traumatic background.
Luckily we were recommended Chris and Nicky by one of their previous clients. They guided us and Hazel in a rehabilitation and training program that has developed her into a happy , loving and manageable dog .
To see their dogs is a joy, and proof if needed, of their expertise with both dog training and breeding. “
S & PS Louth, Lincs