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45 entries on 5 pages
Kerry Cringan
02/10/24 20:39:36
Loved our lesson yesterday. The guidance from Alistair was invaluable. Walked around two fields today with the pup to heel for the first time - didn’t get yanked into a hedgerow once! Great to have confirmation we’re on the right track. Would recommend Alistair in a heartbeat.
Finlay Barker
22/09/24 17:04:11
Had our first session today with Alistair and my springer puppy , Alistair explained everything thoroughly he didn’t just rush through everything quickly ,we have took a lot away from the session and looking forward to the next one , thanks again
Laurie Cunningham
22/09/24 14:00:42
I'm not one for posting reviews most of the time but I'm making an exception in writing this.
I have a 10 month old sprocker who it seems has taken on a new identity in the past 4 weeks.
What have I done to Bracken to justify the change in his personality I ask myself ! The answer it seems is nothing as far as Alistair is concerned. Bracken it turns out is your typical sprocker. After just 3 weeks of putting into practice what Alistair preached it looks like I'm getting my old dog back, thanks be to whatever god you abide by. My confidence has grown to the extent that I'm even contemplating getting another dog to give Bracken a companion. I must be stupid!...Thanks again Branxholme Gundogs.
I have a 10 month old sprocker who it seems has taken on a new identity in the past 4 weeks.
What have I done to Bracken to justify the change in his personality I ask myself ! The answer it seems is nothing as far as Alistair is concerned. Bracken it turns out is your typical sprocker. After just 3 weeks of putting into practice what Alistair preached it looks like I'm getting my old dog back, thanks be to whatever god you abide by. My confidence has grown to the extent that I'm even contemplating getting another dog to give Bracken a companion. I must be stupid!...Thanks again Branxholme Gundogs.
John Rachel
21/09/24 13:48:14
My husband and I have just had an 'Intro' lesson from Alistair wirh our 15 week old springer, Bertie. Having already sampled a group training session for puppies in our local hall I would have to endorse the one2one route as the better option. From working with the lead and recall aspects we quickly saw an improvement even during the lesson. Alistair was able to reassure us with some of our worries which really didn't need to be addressed at this time with Bertie.
Since the lesson we are enjoying Bertie's development, now that we have the confidence that Alistair instilled in us. Hopefully we have soaked in all the knowledge that we gained in the hours lesson, although it lasted well over the hour!, and we look forward to our next lesson probably in 6 to 8 weeks by Alistair's reckoning. Thanks again, John and Rachel, and not forgetting Bertie.
Since the lesson we are enjoying Bertie's development, now that we have the confidence that Alistair instilled in us. Hopefully we have soaked in all the knowledge that we gained in the hours lesson, although it lasted well over the hour!, and we look forward to our next lesson probably in 6 to 8 weeks by Alistair's reckoning. Thanks again, John and Rachel, and not forgetting Bertie.
Ally Granger
04/09/24 15:27:57
just been to Alistair with our 15 week old sprocker who was sending us crazy.
Even after just a day the change is amazing..no gimmicks just sound advice. Will go back for more instruction after 4 weeks. Thank you Alistair . definitely recommend . Ally
Even after just a day the change is amazing..no gimmicks just sound advice. Will go back for more instruction after 4 weeks. Thank you Alistair . definitely recommend . Ally
Alistair Mackay
21/05/24 12:58:50
wow, just read review ..my head can't get through kitchen door ..I'm stuck here for eternity! thanks again Elaine. Loved little Pep!...so easy to train. a little star in the making.
Elaine Kerr
21/05/24 10:12:58
I don’t usually post reviews but this one is very well deserved. I contacted Alistair about my four month old red fox Lab named Pep. He came from a good chain of working dogs and my plan is to work pep as a retriever. Alistair was absolutely superb. I spent just over an hour with him and it was truly fascinating listening to him and learning from his experience. Already it has made a difference to my dog. Alistair was supportive, friendly and clearly has experience in abundance. My plan is to revisit Alistair when pep is a few months older to go over more technical bits of retrieving. But what he taught Pep and I yesterday will change our lives and make the experience so much more fun for both of us. If you are thinking about using a dog trainer - stop looking - Alistair is your man. I simply couldn’t rate him any higher. 10/10. He’s made a friend for life in Pep.
Alistair Mackay
08/04/24 17:17:49
the review by Shane below: it seems Shane, everyone wants to know if you are THE Shane Williams of Welsh Rugby greats....sorry folks, Shane below informs me he has never even been to Wales !
Shane Williams
07/04/24 12:25:01
My wife and I recently traveled to Alistair to redeem a Christmas Voucher for 1 lesson .
Our 6 month black cocker Lena certainly needed some input from Alistair it has to be said.
OMG, we couldn't believe how naughty she was in the first 10 minutes of our lesson. Alistair was so good and reassured us that this was quite normal and not to worry. She ran about like a demented chicken not taking any notice of what was being asked of her.
Alistair quickly picked up on the root cause of the issue which was that she was not responding to her name in any way or form.
After another 20 minutes of instruction Lena gradually started to glance in our direction and give us eye contact. This act alone stopped her from going hell for leather and slow down to 200mph!. . The combination of her name together with a peep of the whistle made all the difference. By the end of the lesson we couldn't believe the difference that 1 hours tuition would make. In the week that followed our whole walking experience has become more of a pleasure once again. Shona and I can't recommend Alistair enough and will be going back for our next lesson in 4 weeks to get further instruction.
Our 6 month black cocker Lena certainly needed some input from Alistair it has to be said.
OMG, we couldn't believe how naughty she was in the first 10 minutes of our lesson. Alistair was so good and reassured us that this was quite normal and not to worry. She ran about like a demented chicken not taking any notice of what was being asked of her.
Alistair quickly picked up on the root cause of the issue which was that she was not responding to her name in any way or form.
After another 20 minutes of instruction Lena gradually started to glance in our direction and give us eye contact. This act alone stopped her from going hell for leather and slow down to 200mph!. . The combination of her name together with a peep of the whistle made all the difference. By the end of the lesson we couldn't believe the difference that 1 hours tuition would make. In the week that followed our whole walking experience has become more of a pleasure once again. Shona and I can't recommend Alistair enough and will be going back for our next lesson in 4 weeks to get further instruction.
Lucy Martin
17/02/24 11:24:54
Had a great one to one lesson with Alistair yesterday. Everything he taught made great sense and now it is a case of putting it into practice with Izzy. It has definitely given me more confidence going forward.
Would certainly recommend Alistair.
Would certainly recommend Alistair.
mackay@branxholme.com