Testimonials
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If you would like to share your experiences you can email craig@thedogman.co.uk Any comments that are deemed unsuitable for posting will be rejected.
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I recently bought a dog from Craig (The Dog Man) it's a Dutch Herder as soon as I saw her I could see that she had a lot of potential. After assessing her with Craig and my Father I spent the first few days bonding with the dog and getting to know her. Once I had established a bond with her I started to do little bits of training to build up her fitness.
It has been about 5 months now and she is an absolute star, she willing to learn and such a pleasure to train.
I have always wanted to compete at a professional level and to compete on behalf of my Fathers Company (Watchdogs Limited) and win a place in some of the big trials. I have spent every day training her some examples of my training are 14ft longjump, 7ft scale, 3ft uprights, tunnels, see-saw, barrels, dog walks, A-frame, distracted down, sit and stand stays for numerous minutes, leg weaving, on and off lead heelwork and running to heel along side my bike.
I have been keeping in touch with The Dog Man and talking to him about my training and how to improve with her as well as telling him how she's been doing. Dutchie is now fast and agile and ready for the ring I am really proud of her.
I really can’t thank Craig enough for giving me the opportunity to shine at what I enjoy and I hope to be at the BPSCA Trails in Yorkshire next year and come away with a rosette or a few or hopefully a trophy . She has come so far in a short space of time and to be at a trials level of obedience and agility already, I really have high hopes for the trials next year.
She really is my pride and joy and I hope this can be seen in the pictures.
Thanks again
James (17 years) and ‘Dutchy’ above
Northampton, England
I would like to thank you all so much for looking after our dog Skittles so well. Since my husband picked her up after a fortnight with you she has been like a different dog. When we took skittles on there was a bit of a history with her. Since she has come home she has been calm, hardly any barking, and when we have taken her out she has stopped barking at everything and everyone. She also has stopped pulling on her lead and is walking by my side which has made taking her out much more enjoyable. I would not hesitate in recommending your kennels to anyone, and we hope next time we have a holiday booked to use you again.
Thanks again.
Jackie May Stoke-on-Trent
I have a ten month old Boarder Terrier called Merlin. I have had him from a pup and took him to puppy classes when he was fourteen weeks old. He did not learn a lot other than socialising with other pups and people. I regularly took him to a local field where I let him off his lead. He usually followed me and would sometimes come back when called. When he was about five months old he disappeared down a rabbit hole when I was not watching. He spent thirty minutes down there and I was very worried about him. He finally came out unhurt but it was then I decided I needed more control of him.
I had heard of "The Dogman" (Craig Flint) from a fellow dog owner and gave him a ring to see if he could help me with Merlin. Craig explained quickly his training methods and arranged for me and Merlin to meet him. Merlin’s first lesson was a two hour session explaining how dogs think and respond to situations. Craig gave me a clicker to use and told me to use Merlin’s food as reward for all wanted behaviours. Over the next week I did my homework with Merlin and went back for a second lesson the week later. Craig then introduced the recall and walking to heel exercise and how to strenghthen it. I practised regularly with Merlin for another two weeks.
After three further lessons (over the next two months) Merlin is absolutely fantastic. He comes back when called, will walk by my side on command and will sit and stay as instructed. He does these things 100% of the time when just with me and 95% of the time even when with other dogs and people. Not bad for a ten month old pup!
Craig’s training methods and friendly enthusiasm made the whole experience totally enjoyable and I now have the confidence to know how to keep the good work up and walk Merlin off lead through the woods, past rabbit holes, knowing he will come back when called.
I would recommend "The Dogman" to anyone who wants the get the best out of their dog.
Thanks Craig.
Kevin Thomas Staffordshire
Blue
After an initial course of instruction with Craig, Blue has progressed fast and is enjoying flyball, agility and is always keen to learn new discilplines. His older brother Batman joined us 9 months ago and is benefitting from information Craig taught me. Alicia his daughter trimmed Blue's claws which need doing 2 weekly and he didn't enjoy, but she gave him confidence and he is happy to let me do them now. She also provides a very personal service for dog beautifying.....Excellent!!
Craig, I just want to thank you for all you have taught me Jake is doing absolutely brilliant. I can’t believe he is that same dog I got really stressed out about. The trick with the toy duck is also working really well, and he retrieving so much better. Thanks to you I can finally enjoy my walks out with him.
Charlotte and Jake the Whippet (Stoke on Trent)
Our Cocker Spaniel Milly had real behaviour problems as you would expect at five months old, she was just full of energy. We had problems controlling her on and off the lead, so we decided she needed some training. We booked her into a well known ‘Dog Training School’ where she had six or seven lessons but they were all to no avail.
Then we heard about Craig ‘The Dog Man’, within minutes of meeting us Craig had assessed us both and more importantly Milly. I could not believe it Craig had Milly following him around and doing exactly as he asked from the word go, I felt so proud it was just amazing to see.
We have now had three sessions with Craig and we’ve see a massive difference in Milly, she now responds well both on and off the lead and is much easier to control for us both but still has all the bounce and energy that we love in her. I am so pleased with Milly’s progress that I have moved forward our plans to buy a Springer Spaniel.
I am now the proud owner of two lovely dogs; my only regret is that I did not go to Craig from the start.
Darren & Karen Lycett (Stoke on Trent)
Karen & Craig
Just to say thank you for the week I spent at Quintessential Quarters kennels and dog training facilities. You have been excellent hosts and I have learnt a great deal from my time with you. I will be taking away some long lasting memories and I hope I can return in the future. Once again THANK YOU
Jade Bradley (Skipton North Yorkshire).
We were so lucky to be put in contact with Craig. We had had our beautiful chocolate brown cocker spaniel Jackson for nearly a year but he had developed behavioral problems including growling and biting, which our trainer had suggested may be due to the fact that he was a working cocker and should not have been sold as a family pet. It had become bad enough for us to face the possibility of having to have him put down.
We got a call one evening asking us to send a video of him retrieving a ball, which we made the following morning on the park at 6am and emailed off to Craig who rang us that evening to say Jackson looked trainable and to ask us other background information. We drove Jackson up to Craig in Staffordshire 2 days later to meet him and visit his impressive training facilities and kennels, and immediately we could see that both Craig and his wife Karen had a great rapport with all their dogs, and within minutes were getting Jackson to sniff out hidden toys with great enthusiasm.
We left Jackson with Craig for a further 2 week assessment, at the end of which he confirmed he was a definite candidate for army detection work and he began training Jackson for the army’s own test a few weeks later. We were delighted when Craig told us he had been accepted as an IED dog with the MoD-all thanks to Craig’s undoubted talent for getting the best out of his dogs and understanding their needs and how to handle them, without resorting to punishment -based techniques at all, but on reward and positive reinforcement.
We cannot praise him and Karen highly enough-they are such a personable couple as well as being incredibly talented in their training techniques. We would have no hesitation in recommending their services to anyone who is looking for a dog trainer they can rely on not only for sound advice but who have a genuine love of animals and what is best for them as well as their owners.
Yvette Perryman (Bristol)
I contacted Craig after having Poppy, my now 6 month old Labrador. I wanted to learn dog training techniques so that I could control her whilst out walking as she had a tendency to over greet people and other dogs. After only the 1st lesson her obediance started to improve. After just 5 lessons I have a brilliant puppy that recalls, walks to heel and obeys basic commands. I couldn't be anymore pleased with the help Craig has given me. I now want to do more training with her as both Poppy and myself have enjoyed the lessons so much. I would recommend the training lessons to anyone.
Kristy (Stoke on Trent)
Beau
Well, astonishingly we now have a reasonably well behaved, manageable four legged friend ….. but that wasn’t the case when we first found him at Birmingham Dog’s Home. He was a nervous black Labrador named Beau who had been taken to the Home by a vet as the previous owner’s had asked the vet to put Beau down.
He was approx 16 months old, house trained and in good health so the vet wouldn’t oblige the owners and took Beau along to the Home. Our visit to the Home coincided with Beau’s arrival and my daughter was immediately smitten – he really does have the most soulful eyes.
Anyway, we tried a couple of dog training schools, turning up weekly as instructed, performing as instructed but Beau was exceedingly nervous, not interacting with either the trainers or other dogs and me not feeling as though we were actually achieving anything, he was still a lovable dog, kind of nice but dim but not responding to the structured training regime.
As he got older he was getting stronger, a little less nervous and at times becoming less and less manageable, constantly lunging and of a mind to attack other dogs for no apparent reason.
I decided perhaps it was time to try some training again as I was concerned about his unruly behaviour, particularly as he is so strong, I’m of slight build and had been pulled over one too many times and I got very fed up with apologising to other dog owners.
Hence my call to the Dog Man. Beau and I started training with Craig in the middle of last year, and we really did go right back to the beginning – changing diet, feeding habits, walking regimes etc. It was a learning programme for both me and Beau, but elements of the programme started to work almost immediately, and as Beau became more responsive we would move on to the next stage of training. To date, we’ve had no more than 7 lessons and I now have a dog who’s playful, loving, eager to please, responds to my commands, still dim but much more sociable and alert. So for me and Beau, the training has been a total success and we now see Craig about every 6 weeks just for some re-enforcement training sessions. The training package is flexible, informal; the pace is totally within your control and training styles adjusted to suit each dog and owner. Beau and I tried some things and they didn’t work for us, so we tried other techniques or moved on to something else – it wasn’t a case having to achieve x before moving on to y, so, a result and hence my opening comment.
Diane Cartwright (Birmingham)
I contacted Craig at the end of my tether, I had owned Evie, a very energetic and confident Cocker Spaniel since she had been a puppy and she had gradually over 18 months got me wrapped round her little paw. The worst came when I was taking her for walks before going to work in the morning and it could take up to ten minutes to get her back on the lead. This was getting very frustrating and the angrier I got the more she ignored me. Being a confident dog she liked to say hello to other dogs and had had a couple of nasty experiences with dogs nipping at her because she wouldn't come back when I called her. We had resorted to walking her on a halty because she was pulling so much but this didn't stop her pulling us along wherever she wanted to go.
Following a phone consultation with Craig we arranged to go and see him. Straight away he gave us the techniques to stop Evie being the 'top dog' in the house and start to encourage her to come back when we called her. After four weeks we had a completely different dog, I realised this when one day on a walk I overheard someone saying they wished their dog was as well behaved as Evie was and someone else asked how we had got her trained so well.
She is still a confident dog and still hasn't lost any of her character but we can trust her, we can take her on walks and know she will come back whenever we call her. We are even training her using whistle now to call her back when we want. Best of all Evie has calmed down, she used to be full of nervous energy, she didn't know her place in our family, we have even taken her to the pub a few times and she happily sits with us in the beer garden or looks cute until children come and fuss her.
I can't thank Craig enough for all his help and support I tell everyone who asks me about him, most of all want to thank him for making it a pleasure to have Evie as part of our family and not a chore.
Again I can't thank you enough for your help.
Hannah
I would like to say a big thank you' for the training of our recently acquired 4 year old Labrador, Murphy. He may be handsome but he was also very strong and difficult to handle on the lead. He also rarely sat down on command. Our problem was also how were going to manage to cope with him and our eight year old Labrador bitch that attacked other dogs when they came near. Your advice, enthusiasm and eventually help to put the two together have made all the difference. Murphy is now a very well behaved dog making this a truly remarkable transformation. I can now take both dogs out on a lead and enjoy them to heal. The two are now inseparable and a delight to have around the home. We could not have achieved any of this without your boundless energy and excellent training programme. Very much appreciated!!
Kind regards, Jane Savage
Our year old rescue dog was on the verge of being returned to the kennels as he was out of control and unmanageable. Thanks to you your training sessions and advice, we now have an obedient and much improved dog. He is a pleasure to take walking as he can run free, play with other dogs and come back to us command. The dog is happy and we are happy thanks to you and all your professional help. I can certainly recommend you excellent work to anyone who needs to help with their training regime.
Yours, Mike Turner and 'Trilby'
Earlier this year we experienced pro blems when we introduced a new puppy into our home. Our 31/2–year old Golden Retriever, Holly, became stressed and aggressive towards the puppy. Eventually for the wellbeing of all concerned, including ourselves, we reluctantly returned the puppy to the breeder but with determination to resolve the problems and to re–establish our trust in Holly. The person to whom we turned for help was Craig Flint, a man who has, through his skill knowledge, enthusiasm, kindness and commitment wrought an unbelievable change in Holly's behaviour and attitude to life. This to the point where a friend who has known Holly since a 6 week old puppy said, 'Is this the same dog? How she has changed and for the better! It's amazing!' It's amazing, is how we feel too. With Craig's help we have had the pleasure of seeing Holly blossom into loving, happy, relaxed and obedient dog that wants to and enjoys her training.
The technique Craig teaches of positive re–enforcement combined with play and exactly what we as owners were looking for. There are no harsh words or actions making it a pleasurable experience for the dogs and the owners. Craig also gives generously of his time to ensure that as owners one feels totally supported in the training process. Added to Craig's skills are the superb kennel and facilities at Quintessential Quarters. On all our visits both dogs and accommodation are freely open inspection and are always in immaculate condition, a testament to the hard work and commitment of Craig, Karen and their staff. We cannot recommend Craig, Karen and Quintessential Quarters highly enough.
Margaret and John Newsham
Blue is a typical whippet and a lovely character, so rather than mess up I took him to see Craig.... who has given me the techniques to make him an outstanding whippet, Craig tailors the training so it is specifically for the owner and their dog. Blue loves every minute of his training, because it's fun and he can't do enough to please. I shall be doing ongoing training because Craig can help us reach standards I didn't think possible.
Shelagh Allen (Staffordshire).
the almost impossible can be achieved !
Thanks to Craig, Freddie has finally clicked! The clicker training worked brilliantly and he finally understood what I was trying to convey to him. He was a very scatty but adorable puppy. The training actually caught his attention and he now thoroughly enoys going through his paces to the point he has just achieved his Kennel Club Good Citizen Bronze certificate, which I never thought he would be able to do.
Penny Anderson (Stoke on Trent)
Ziva and I are very grateful to you Craig for helping us in understanding behaviour and training me. Ziva being a German Shepherd is a very intelligent young lady and picked up on the training quickly, sorry to say I’m not so sure about me, and am sure I was a bit more of a challenge. We are both very pleased to say with your help our walking out and obedience is outstanding and our credit must be due to someone and we know this must be you. I would like to thank you for all of your help and would recommend anyone with a puppy to be guided by you and I know if we have any problems in adolescence we will be back to see you. Every success for the future.
Ziva and Pauline.
I first came across Quintessential Quarters a while ago as my cat would board there when we went on holiday. When dropping her off I would sometimes see in the grounds a huge blue Great Dane, I was amazed at his size and grandness. I want one of those I thought and after a lot of searching and a long time of waiting (8 months!) I found a reputable breeder with a litter of 13 GD puppies, and this is where it starts: - 1 boy named Billy my beautiful blue Scooby Doo!!
I contacted Craig once Billy had finished his vaccinations and booked him in for training. I thought if this man has got a Dane he must be able to help me with mine! I knew how big he would be and how strong he would get so I thought we had to do this right or we would be in trouble.
Craig had been brilliant and has taught Billy obedience and discipline and me how to handle my dog for the happiness of all my family when out and about and at home. He has given me the confidence in walking Billy of the lead – something I would never have done from fear of him running off and losing him or not coming back to me. He has given me a better understanding how a dogs mind works especially with his own experience with his Dane ‘Spencer’.
Craig and his wife Karen have also helped me with Billy’s diet. When we first had him he was put on a puppy food by the breeder which after a while caused wheat intolerance. Craig introduced me to Arden Grange which I tried and found a noticeable improvement straight away. Billy unfortunately has a very sensitive stomach and over the last few months has developed meat intolerance, but thanks to them again, after they referred me to the neutritionalist at Arden Grange, there help combined has cracked it for Billy and is now doing brilliantly on a sensitive diet.
Billy is 10 months old now and weighs in just over 7 ½ st and although he can be a little (big!!) monkey some days he is a wonderful family pet that we all adore.
I would recommend Craig to anyone he really is ‘The Dog Man’.
Kat Harper, Stafford.
