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A BIG thank you to Dave and Lee from Glenrothes for this thank you email.

"Hi Mick Myself and my partner David brought you our 18 month old Black Labrador Jake to see you on Monday 5th October 2009. We have been having a few problems with Jake, when walking him on the lead he always pulled and was far too strong for me to hold on to, his recall was shocking and he didnt do what we told him. On Monday you took David and Jake for a walk and 25-30 minutes later you both walked back to me and Jake was walking perfectly to heel. I could not believe it I actually asked you "where is Jake? Thats not him" but sure enough it was. Then I went for a walk with you and Jake walked great with me too. You asked us to work on him at home with the tips that you have given us, and if it was possible for us to come back on Saturday 10th October, we did and you spent your time with me and Jake as I treated him more like a child than a dog which is wrong as he is a dog. After a few minutes on Saturday he was walking brilliantly with me and we worked with the whistle off the lead and he kept coming back to me. The difference in him is absolutely amazing you only worked with him for 2.5hrs and we now have a dog who walks perfectly to heel, he has an excellant recall, he no longer jumps up at people which is amazing. The transformation is staggering!

We also have a yellow labrador called Abbi she's only 5 months old and we have been far stricter with her as we made our mistakes with Jake, we just needed to get him brought back into line. We took Jake and Abbi to the beach today (Sunday 11th October) and I took Jake, he was amazing I can honestly say that I dont think ive enjoyed myself more walking him than today, he was so good, he kept to my heel, I even had him off the lead and he was walking away I blew the whistle and changed my direction and he followed. We all had an amazing day, Jake was so good he got his reward - a swim in the sea. He loved every minute of it. David & I were so relaxed we were not stressing when other dogs or other people were approaching, our arms were still in their sockets by the end of it and it was a really relaxing walk.

You mentioned to me on Saturday that you are going for a dog handlers position within the ****** *******, and I personally think that you are extremely gifted when it comes to dogs, and that the ****** ******* would be extremely lucky to have a dog handler of your abilities working for them.

You obviously have a passion for dogs, you know what they want and how to get the best out of them. I would be more than happy to be contacted if required to say that to them directly. I cannot thank you enough, we will definately be in touch in January as discussed. I have also recommended you to 2 other people who also have issues with their dogs. Kind regards & thanks David, Lee, Jake & Abbi

Debbie Adamson from Dunfermline

Miracle worker! Charlie (our 12 month old Airedale Terrier) was a nightmare - especially on a walk. He constantly pulled on the lead, and if he was off the lead, and seen another dog, there was actually no way he'd come back. We tried taking him to puppy classes, but he simply got too distracted by other dogs, we found these classes pretty unhelpful (and pretty expensive!), and left feeling even worse - these classes don't suit every dog, some need one on one training. With a few trips out with mick and a handy wee tip or 2, Charlie is a changed dog, he's a pleasure to walk... and now people actually comment on how well he behaves! Working Canines changed our lives! Highly recommended to all, thanks so much. x Ian, Debbi, and Charlie x

Thanks to Anne Rogan from West Calder for this

"Hi Mick, just a wee note to thank you for the training and advice you gave me with my 18 month old cocker spaniel Bria.

When I first came to you Bria was relatively good at recall. However my concern was that I needed her to come back 100% of the time and not just when it suited her. Also I had huge problems with her pulling on the lead. Within 10 minutes you had her walking at your side, something I had been trying to achieve for over a year. You taught me that I am the one who has to be in control and the best way to deal with this is to walk the other way and NOT go after her. It only took two lessons and she was coming back when called every time. Mick told me to practice, practice, practice, and it has really worked. Bria ALWAYS comes back when called and I much more relaxed and at ease when out walking her.

I would also like to say a big thank you for Kim, the 2 year old Springer that I bought from you. She is absolutely fantastic and gives me so much pleasure. The training you did with her prior to me having her has certainly paid off and she is a pleasure to take out. Also last but not least thanks for all the “phone” advice you have given me, I know I can phone you whenever I need to chat about any issues I have about the dogs and you always seem pleased to help out. I would certainly recommend Mick to anyone struggling with their dog or just wanting to brush up on their training. Many thanks again. Anne Rogan

PS I have attached a picture of Kim. "

Lynne Wray from Larbert kindly sent this in

"In January I went to Mick for help with my 5 month old Labrador puppy Ozzy. Despite my efforts to train Ozzy we had hit a brick wall, Ozzy was pulling on the lead and his recall was poor. Within the first hour of training Ozzy was walking well on the lead, Mick advised me on the type of lead I should be using and how to use it.

Ozzy has completed 6 weeks of training and is now a very well behaved dog. During training sessions Ozzy has socialised with Mick's dog Charlie and has had great fun. Mick has shown me techniques to improve recall while being fun for the dog. Mick has also been training me! Mick has shown me how to be calm and assertive with Ozzy.

The last session included a swimming lesson for Ozzy which he thoroughly enjoyed. I would recommend Mick if anyone is needing a dog trainer.

Lynne Wray"

Thanks to Sandra In Auchterarder for this testimonial:

"I contacted Mick as I was having problems with my lab, Madge, pulling on the lead and ignoring my recall command and basically only returning to me when it suited her. On my first meeting with Mick within minutes he had Madge walking nicely to heel on the lead and then taught me this technique. My homework for that week was to practice this which I did with great results. Next up was the recall. I had reached a point with Madge where I couldn’t let her off the lead without panicking as she would ignore me. Mick showed me how to calmly and confidently walk in the opposite direction from Madge in order that she had to watch and follow me – not the other way round.

Mick gave me lots of tips and advice and is always just a phone call or e-mail away if needed. I have nothing but praise for Mick as he has given me the knowledge/tools and most importantly the confidence to enjoy walking my dog again. I would have no hesitation in recommending Mick to anyone needing help with their dog."

Angela from Townhill kindly wrote to us:

" I contacted Mick as I was having problems with my Collie Cross Kenya. Kenya basically took me for a walk, would constantly pull on the lead and completely ignore me if off the lead. he would also bark and chase anyone passing us. During the first meeting Kenya walked to heel after Mick showed me the technique to get him to do this. Kenya was also trying to dominate me to allow him to be the pack leader instead of the other way round. A few changes in the house were discussed and this was put into practice for a week. What a difference a week makes, it became a joy to walk with him. At the second meeting it became apparent that Kenya was scared of almost every other dog we met or anyone or anything that he did not know and this was causing him to bark like a maniac at everything and everyone that passed us. After a few tips and exercises, some road walking and some homework progress started to be made. He managed to sit and let a group of runners pass him by without batting an eyelid or barking! We met up again a couple of times and Mick brought his own dogs as Kenya needed to be taught some manners on how to behave and how to approach other dogs. He was scared and unsure at first but has gradually got more confident. We still have a way to go before Kenya is fully confident with everything and he does need reminding of who's boss from time to time but tremendous progress has been made so far and long may it continue.

Mick achieved more in 4 sessions on a one to one basis than approx 20 weeks of dog training, where it was thought that Kenya was just a barky disobedient dog when all the time there were other issues that needed to be addressed.

I have had no hesitation in recommending Mick to other dog owners I know and I know that several of them have been in touch so far. I would recommend Mick to anyone having behavioral problems with their dogs as he can fix them within a matter of weeks.

Thanks for all your help

Angela and Kenya"