So Rewarding!

Feb 112015

Second session today with a new family who own a lovely cocker spaniel who has become progressively boisterous. It was so gratifying to see such a marked improvement in the dog’s behaviour, focus and obedience after just 7 days, testament to the hard work by all members of the family.

Just goes to show that when we humans change our behaviour and set rules and boundaries for our dog, combining reward with correction, our dog will change with us.

Can’t wait until the next session!

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Demonstration Testimonials

I was lucky enough to watch One Man and his Gundogs at The Wessex Country Fair recently and even luckier to chat with him after the demonstration. On mentioning writing a review of his demonstration, Stephen, tongue in cheek, informed me of the correct spellings for some adjectives I might need for the review-

Stephen told me “there are two p’s in appalling and two b’s in rubbish”!

Of course these are two adjectives I would never have need of using when reviewing one of Stephen’s demonstrations, however, it highlights his wonderful humility and sense of humour which shines through fantastically when you watch him.

Stephen starts with some classic dog training but makes it accessible for anyone. He follows with a brilliant display of his Gundog’s skills which is a joy to watch. You leave feeling you can achieve great things with your dog too, which is wonderfully empowering and an amazing achievement from one man in a demonstration with his dogs.

Then there’s the fun and tricks which always gets the audience going! Stephen does “voices” for the dogs and a brilliant array of tricks which particularly appeals to children but entertains the adults brilliantly as well. The trick at the end with Daisy “fooling” Stephen is genius and brings laughter all round!

It is the very fact that Stephen doesn’t take himself too seriously that is part of the charm of the show. If it’s hot and his dogs don’t perform perfectly, that’s fine. I love that. There’s no pressure and therefore it ends up being a lot of fun to watch.

You cannot help but smile and feel good when you watch One Man and his Gundogs. In this world of increasing connectivity, competition and complications, the fact that a man in a field with his beloved dogs can achieve this and enrapture and lift his audience is nothing short of astounding.

Thank you and the dogs so much for a wonderful show Stephen.

Lorraine Taylor

“Stephen provides such an enthralling and thoroughly engaging display of dog/owner training that we’d have Stephen back at any future event – no question!

No matter how many times I’ve seen Stephen and his wonderful dogs in the ring, I’d watch him over and over as there’s always something to learn - or remind yourself again that you’re not doing!

On a personal note, both my collies (& myself) are so much happier having taken on board his very practical advice, given in a very straightforward and practical way. It’s great fun too! Look forward to see Stephen back at the Cranborne Chase Woodfair next time around!”

Linda Nunn, AONB Director

Cranborne Chase Woodfair, Breamore House, 3 & 4 October 2015

Dear Stephen

Many thanks for coming to our Fete: the feed back has been marvellous, you were just wonderful!

My husband said that you were the Star of the Show. You inspired the Secretary's Grandchildren to do their own Dog show in the arena!

Many thanks for coming.

Best wishes from Debby

Debby Underhill - Fete Organiser

Dear Stephen,
I should like to congratulate you on the show that you put on. It was both very entertaining and educational. Perhaps I should praise your dogs more so given the faultless performances they gave. They really are a credit to you and your training methods.
I'm very grateful for the fact that after the show you devoted so much time to patiently answering my questions on training. In particular your demonstration on dealing with lead pulling which already is having very positive results.
I look forward to seeing your demonstration again and have made a note of the Wessex Country Fair in my diary.
Regards, Steve Whitfield

Nunton Fete - 9 July 2016

Hi Stephen,

The Wessex Country Fair was thrilled to welcome you and your dogs back for a second year by popular request. Both you and the dogs were a huge hit again: the audience was once again thrilled by the level of obedience and skill shown, and thanks to your unique approach of breaking down the training to show how the dogs are taught, everyone was held spell bound for the whole display. I'm sure some went home inspired to improve the obedience of their own dogs!

It was lovely to see you and your team again, and please pass on my thanks to them for giving up their day to support the hospice.

Thank you so much for all of your support, and for adding so much to the show.

Kind regards,

Rachel Turnbull

Fundraising Officer, Salisbury Hospice Charity

16 August 2015 - Wessex Country Fair

Dear Stephen,

I was extremely happy and impressed at how everything went off. Our correspondence before the event was very plain and straight forward, which, from an organiser's point of view, was most helpful.

On the day your demonstration was extremely informative and presented in an interesting and friendly fashion. Everyone enjoyed the first Dog’s basic training display and how you built on each stage as time went on, for a young dog it certainly showed what could be achieved by kindness and expert knowledge. The little Dog has a bright future ahead!

Poppy, the star of the show, was quite brilliant, not only in all her Gundog training but also the very entertaining tricks etc. she performed on the day. It was a great display and demonstration.

Provisionally, I would like to book you for next year, it is always the last Saturday in July, I will confirm everything after our next committee meeting later in the month.

Well done for a great display and once again many thanks.

Best wishes,

David Coley, Show Organiser

Shrewton Summer Show