Reviews

Okay – so, apologies in advance that this is going to be a long one!

Bit of background first – I got Tatws 4 years ago with a (now ex) partner. At the time he’d had experience with other dogs – English pointer, spaniel, staffy. While I loved dogs, I’d never owned one myself – not even had one as a child. I’m not sure why we thought it was a good idea (please don’t judge us too harshly!) but we decided on a GWP – how hard could they really be right?! Safe to say we soon found out. Recall was non-existant, he was reactive with other dogs, he generally took the piss at any opportunity. A classic poorly trained GWP.

He was about 2.5 years old when I took him on full time by myself. We had seriously thought about rehoming him to someone who would manage him better, but I couldn’t face doing that without at least trying. I tried two local dog trainers to improve his behaviour. He marginally got better but it was still unbelievably stressful to take him anywhere. I was constantly on edge, constantly on the look out for the next thing he was going to react to. I couldn’t let him off lead unless I was somewhere I knew was fully secure – and even then, he’d usually find an escape route to chase something! I’d had to traipse through brambles, up cliffs – I don’t think I’ve ever sworn so much in my life.

I’d seen Ian’s reviews on the GWP facebook group and always thought it sounded too good to be true. There was no way someone can completely change a dog’s mindset just like that, right? I agonised about taking him, spending that much in one hit – what if it didn’t make a difference? What if Ian couldn’t help?

But after months of thinking about it, countless walks full of anxiety and 2 broken fingers – I finally spoke to Ian. He immediately recommended bringing Tatws to him for a week and so a few weeks later we were on our way up. I bawled like a baby leaving him there and watching Ian immediately taking him into a field full of sheep blew my mind. And before I knew it, it was my turn to go up there and learn my bit. Ian met me in the morning and after a reintroduction, he sent us off into the aforementioned field full of sheep. I could not believe my eyes and genuinely thought either he’d replaced my dog, or I’d entered another dimension. He followed me for every turn, he listened to commands, and more importantly – he didn’t try to eat the sheep! We spent two days teaching me my part – all the boundaries that needed to be in place and all the techniques I’d need to implement to keep this behaviour on point. By the time I took him home I couldn’t wait to start putting everything into practice.

When reading all the reviews prior to taking the leap – I kept thinking about whether the training sticks, how it translates to a different environment, what happens when you try these techniques in places he knows. So, I waited a few weeks before writing this. Safe to say – even though he occasionally tries to push the boundaries – the difference is incredible. I can finally walk him in the park, on the beach, in the woods – off lead! I’m not sure it’s even fully sunk in yet. We trust each other more; he actually enjoys our outings and I’m infinitely less stressed! I’m not sure if I can even put into words the gratitude I feel for the help Ian has given me.

It’s been said on here before – but if you’re sat there contemplating going to Ian, thinking it might not be worth it – I would 100% urge you to go. You won’t regret it.

Having had german shepherds for over 45 years my latest young dog was having reactive issues that I thought I could cure, to no avail. I saw Ian’s website and reviews and gave him a ring. He spent nearly half an hour asking about my dog and his issues and could not have been more informative and helpful. I was very impressed with his knowledge. I booked a day with Ian, and could not speak highly enough of how the day was planned, and the results achieved. I took my dog home confident that the problem was sorted, and the next day I was able to put into effect the techniques Ian gave me and the results speak for themselves. He showed no reaction to other dogs, and I’m sure that we will be able to keep improving with time and effort using the tools Ian gave us. I was at the end of my tether before going to Ian, and I’m extremely grateful for his support, I can’t recommend Ian enough. 😁

I have just visited Ian this afternoon with our nearly 5 year old border collie, Annie, who has been exhibiting some increasing anxiety issues which have manifested as random barking, whimpering, aggressive attitude to some dog breeds amongst other problems. I have come away with lots of advice on how to develop better leadership skills, focused training and lead work. She is currently extremely relaxed after working hard.

We took our 2.5 year old Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla, Opie, to train with Ian at Anvilstone and the difference this has made to all our lives is immeasurable.

Opie was a very confused boy and before the training, our walks were filled with anxiety as his recall wasn’t reliable; he’d nibble at our pockets; he would bark and whine at us whenever we were stood still or when he wanted his own way in the home.

Since the training, Opie’s engaged with us, his recall is improving and most importantly, we have a happier, calmer dog which is all we ever wanted for him.

We are incredibly grateful to Ian and his doggy wisdom! When delivering the training, Ian was a calming influence on all of us and tailored the training to suit Opie’s needs as he could read his behaviours and body language and knew exactly what he needed and when.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend training at Anvilstone highly enough and wished we could’ve stayed for longer!

I was mind blown with all the information Ian filled me with regarding dog training. I took my 11 week old pup but Ian thought go home and implement his ideas and go back for session 2 in a couple of weeks. Loads more questions after chugging away day one at home. Excited for the journey, thanks for your time Ian.

Harvey is nearly 4 and I’d tried everything, I’d had initial puppy training, then one-to-one with a number of trainers. But despite many hours and many sessions, I’d about given up.

I tell everyone I’ve been to a dog whisperer. The difference is amazing and I’m over the moon with the results.

I had, issues with Harvey’s recall, jumping up and generally trying to boss the day’s activities.

Ian explained things, initially on a call and then when I turned up to leave Harvey for 5 days.

Everything he said made sense and when I turned up to spend the last day, Ian emphasised clearly what I needed to do.

I spent the day with Harvey and Ian imparting some of his wisdom. Harvey was a much calmer dog, even staying focused and recalling when a pheasant flew up in front of us,

I’m so pleased and look forward to enforcing the boundaries Ian said I need to set and to repeat the exercises we did.

Most of all I have a big smile on my face thinking of the many walks and days out we will both enjoy, both of us stress free.

After an initial conversation with Ian, we were assured after explaining Patch’s behaviour, he would be able to help us.

Patch had zero recall, he talked back when he didn’t get what he wanted, when off lead he just disappeared. He also pulled on the lead, jumped up at cyclists and runners. He was a challenge.

On day one we arrived and Ian assessed him and started work immediately. We stayed in their beautiful cottage for the duration of 6 days, and occasionally watched Ian work with patch, who initially was trying to dominate Ian, jumping up at him in the field and ignoring him.

By day 3, we watched as Patch had stopped jumping, he was walking by Ian’s side, off lead and following him in every direction, as Ian walked back past the cottage we crossed paths and he told us how well he was doing, we both got a lump in our throats. Watching Patch so well behaved on an open field was something we had only ever dreamed of. It was very emotional.

Two days later we joined Ian for the full day, he taught us how to respond to Patch’s negative behaviour (just don’t!) and reward good behaviour only- it was a game changer.

We spent the morning practising what Ian had shown us on long lead, after lunch we joined Ian and 2 other dogs on a walk through fields with plenty of smells and animals (yes, cows!) Patch was off lead, listening to us, he did attempt to approach the cows but soon got told off, and he was back to walking by Ian or our side.

The walk was a pleasure, we walked, he didn’t leave our side, he did so well.

We have lots of hard work to continue when we get home, but we’re confident we will be able to enjoy walks off lead and have an obedient calm Patch now we understand him more.

Ian is incredible and we can’t recommend him highly enough, the cottage is also amazing and Sue was so helpful ensuring we have everything we needed.

Thank you so much.

Luna my, 3yr old, small cross breed from Romania has had a tough start in life. I fostered then adopted her after she was signed over to a rescue centre last year. She is a lovely companion but has always been nervous of certain breeds of dog & new people. I was becoming concerned that our life together was going to be very difficult. However one session with Ian has turned that all around for the better. I stood & watched Ian put Luna through some intense training which included clear, down to earth, explanations of what I need to do going forward. I was so happy to see her responding so well. Now it’s over to me to keep it going. It was a lot to take in but the change has been incredible. I have more confidence & our walks have been amazing. My regular dog buddies have all noticed the difference, especially those with dogs Luna wasn’t keen on. No more avoidance tactics on my part & no reactive behaviour from Luna. I can’t thank Ian enough for sharing his time & experience to help Luna & me. I will be keeping up Ian’s good work, it’s been a game changer for me & Luna.

I would highly recommend Anvilstone Dog Training.

Me and my “runaway” canine companion had a great time training with Ian at Anvilstone. Ian has to be your ultimate dog whisperer, but with a great skill in ‘human’ whispering too. He is very knowledgeable, calm and had a great capacity to instil confidence in me and Bigs (dog).

I was amazed at what could be achieved in a relatively short time, I think the ‘immersive’ nature of the training was a significant component. I would highly recommend him and the Anvilstone set up.

It is, of course, still work in progress, not sure Bigs has entirely lost his penchant for duck, but I now know that ultimately he can and will. It was an extremely rewarding experience working with Ian.

Struggling with a dog sours the relationship and this experience potentially changes all that.All done in a beautiful location, with high class snacks! Cant recommend it highly enough. Thank you Ian.

Tara is a 5 year old GWP with a short attention span and although she has acceptable heel work, recall, sit and generally ok obedience there was room for improvement. As a typical GWP she was always pushing the boundaries. She also was a worry around sheep. So we went to Ian Wh near Kirkby Lonsdale info@anvilstone.co.uk who has tremendous empathy with dogs and wealth of experience in training dogs. By day 3 we were able to walk her off the lead in a field of sheep getting to 10m off the sheep which was remarkable. Thoroughly recommend Ian if you are having issues with a GWP of any breed and need help.