Testimonials

V Vets4Pets"I have known Donna professionally for over 14 years and during this time have referred numerous behaviour cases to her. The problems have been wide ranging from basic training and obedience, separation anxiety, dominance and aggression.  I have had nothing other than positive feedback from the customers she has seen with succcessful outcomes in the vast majority of cases. She is extremely patient and thorough giving excellent advice and support materiels to both customer and to ourselves.

I would thoroughly recommend her for any behaviour problems and look forward to continuing to work with her in the future."

Tom Mowlem BVSc MRCVS, Vets for Pets, Dorset

 

Dumbledore Vets Logo“I have worked with Donna for many years, both with my own dogs and in my professional capacity as a veterinary surgeon referring clients and their dogs to her for further support when required.

Donna has a fantastic approach to her work - she builds a wonderful rapport with her clients (both the dog and the owner!) and really seeks to delve deep into the background of each individual dog’s circumstances, spending time with them in order to fully understand them and enabling her to generate an extensive plan for ongoing training and behavioural assistance. She provides fantastic follow up to all of her individual assessments and training courses in the form of her ongoing group sessions and direct follow up of every dog after they complete assessments or training courses.

Her training classes are always well run, with sensible sized groups and careful attention always being paid to ensuring that all participants are suitably matched to work together to maximise the benefit for everyone involved.

It is always a pleasure to work with Donna and I really do appreciate her input and support professionally as we work towards helping local owners and their dogs.”

Katy Dalton B Vet Med MRCVS, Veterinary Surgeon and Director of Dumbledore Vets, Dorset

 

Stonehenge vets"Our Practice has relied on Donna's advice and guidance for various behavioural cases for many years.  Donna has been so helpful with her valuable recommendations that she passes on, including her comprehensive reports that she provides for any cases that we refer to her.
 
We are reassured with her professional approach, qualifications and experience and look forward to her assistance for many more years."
 
Grant.C.Mcfarlane BVMS MRCVS  Stonehenge Vets, Wiltshire
 
 
 

barn"Donna has been a client of our practice for over 14 years and I have come to know her well through the care of her horses.  Most recently I have seen her train her New Forest pony using methods which were previously unknown to me in horses but which have yielded superb results, evidenced by impressive demonstrations at local shows and events often in front of large crowds.

I have always found Donna to be patient and understanding in her horse care and I have no doubt that she extends these skills to other areas of her professional life. As an equine vet I would recommend her highly to anyone requiring behavioural assistance for their horse or pony, and I am sure this will be an area where Donna can make a real difference."

Chris Pearce BVSc CertEM(IntMed) MRCVS, Dorset 

Pet Plan Equine Vet of the Year 2011

 

Tara“I wanted to say thank you for your help and expertise in training me and my Doberman Tara. Your training classes were an inspiration and good grounding for the 1-2-1 sessions we had with you. The reward based training really does get the best out of the dog so that they are willing to work for you and give their best without all the shouting and the use of force. You took us into the forest where Tara learned how to behave around ponies and livestock. People out riding would often stop to complement me on my beautifully behaved Tara as she always came to heel and sat calmly as they went past. You also took us to built up areas where she was with people and traffic noises. All of which gave me the very special bond that I shared with my Tara. We had a mutual love, trust and respect for each other. She was the air that I breathed. We went on to do the Kennel Club’s Good Citizen Awards - Bronze , Silver and Gold. With your training she passed them all first time and we actually went to Crufts to do a demonstration of the Bronze award. Thanks to you Donna, Tara showed impeccable manners and was admired by everyone that she met and she made both you and I very proud. I would say to anyone that to get the best out of their dog they contact you and work with you, that they too could enjoy a rewarding relationship like I have had with my dog. Thanks.”

Maureen Simmonds and Tara, Dorset

 

Merlin“My mum adopted me when I was very young because my birth mother couldn't look after me. Although I loved my new home very much I found it very difficult learning how to be a cat! I was very nervous and confused about what I was meant to be doing where and when. This caused my new mum a lot of stress and upset, and my brother Woody to be quite withdrawn and upset. So we made friends with Super Donna! She came to visit me a few times and we talked through all my problems. My mum was able to learn new ways of making me feel more comfortable in my home and taught me how to be a real cat! I now love my new litter trays, have lots of climbing and hiding places and have a much better relationship with the whole family! I do still struggle sometimes, mum says I have a nervous disposition (whatever that means) but she understands all my quirky ways now and things are getting better month on month! And apparently mum is over the moon that my issues were covered by something called cat insurance?! Thank you Donna for waving your magic wand! Lots of love and snuggles.”

Alice Dale and Merlin, Dorset

 

Dandino 2"Donna helped me when I had problems with my horse, Dandino, with spooking and loading onto the lorry. We began by accustoming Dandino to respond positively to clicker training. He enjoyed these games and worked enthusiastically for small rewards. He soon learned to go past plastic bags in the hedge, umbrellas up, balloons and flags in gardens, without hesitation as soon as I said the magic words 'touch it'. Before long we didn't need the treats at all, just the magic words and a pat for good behaviour. Even now, several years on, when he sees something new the words 'touch it' will encourage him to lower his head towards a scary object and move towards it. We broke loading down into achievable steps and until eventually he was loading well at home. At every stage we used the clicker to shape the behaviour we were looking for, and rewarded him generously when he achieved it. My daughter and I were finally able to take him down to the Ridgeway to load him at a place where previously we had spent about two hours trying to load him and did it first time! Dandino now loads quietly, will stand and happily eat his way through a haynet, travels well and loads well to go home.  Many thanks to Donna for helping us on our way."

Annette Peach and Dandino, Oxfordshire

 

silver turbo sleep"Silver, our socially inept teenage GSD, was in danger of being labelled a hooligan and I had already started limiting her contact with other dogs. Thankfully a friend told me about Donna's 'Back-on-Track' classes where Silver learnt how to behave around other dogs and, just importantly, we learnt how to be confident and positive about taking her out and about. She became a sensible and joyful participant in Donna's social dog walks in the New Forest and, also, we made many new friends both four- and two-legged.

Turbo, our Lancashire Heeler, is also a graduate of all Donna's classes starting as a puppy learning to be a polite and courteous canine. He had great fun for a few years showing off his skills alongside Shadow, Donna's Doberman, at various training demonstrations. And he still, at eight years old, enjoys doing a trick for visitors or children he meets in the park. He is a happy amiable little chap who, because he is so polite and courteous, is taken everywhere even staying in 5-star hotels!"

Christina Oates and Silver & Turbo, Wiltshire

 

harry cart"Donna came out to give me a hand with my donkey, Harry, who was proving a little tricky to lead i.e. planting himself and refusing to move. Using the clicker training, he soon picked up what we wanted and I was amazed how quickly he cottoned on and progressed. We have never looked back since then. Donna explained how it worked and gave me the confidence to carry on and I now have a super driving donkey. I would have no hesitation in recommending her for any advice on equine handling problems."

Janet Salmon and Harry, Wiltshire

 

 

 

jazz“On Christmas Eve 2001 Donna accompanied us to see an abandoned Rottweiler-X who was available for adoption. We were told she had shown some aggression towards other dogs. Undeterred we brought “Jazz” home and introduced her, with Donna’s help, into our family.  Over the next months and years we worked with Donna to achieve success through “Good Manners” classes and on through the Bronze, Silver and Gold standards of the Kennel Club. Many people were wary of Jazz because of her Rottweiler genes but this picture of her, tolerating the attentions of our two grandsons, is evidence of what can be achieved with care, training and attention with dogs even when they have had a troublesome period in their lives.

Donna's behavioural and training activities have impacted the lives of hundreds of dogs, and their owners, over the last 15 years or so. She contributed enormously to our all-round experience with dogs and we still remind each other by saying “You know what Donna would say!” when we are discussing the “how” of dog relationships. We trust that she will continue to share her gift with the wider community."

Tony & Jenny Trussler and Jazz & Tasha, Nova Scotia, Canada

 

Bud 1"The change in Bud from an excitable, slightly manic individual to a well adjusted if still slightly excitable dog is testament to Donna’s teaching, incorporating a loving and reward based method. Whilst Maggie and myself realise that we still have to persevere with the training and consultations, we can't thank Donna enough."

Michael Powell and Bud, Surrey

 

 

 

winston and harvey“After a series of very negative encounters of dog aggression towards my two pugs, Winston and Harvey, I found I had completely lost all confidence in myself to walk my dogs off lead where they would normally love to run and at agility where they had started to display negative reactions towards a couple of dogs. I realised I needed to do something quickly and get help. Thankfully I found Donna who helped me to regain my confidence and taught me the skills I needed to manage and resolve the problems effectively using positive reinforcement. As well as the practical help, we received a written report, which was very in depth and covered everything. 

As a result of Donna’s help our recall has improved dramatically and 'leave it' is really working! Harvey in particular has learned a better way of focusing on me instead of a perceived threat at agility. We found the clicker training a great learning tool. I am happy to say we are now back walking the dogs off lead at their favourite place without me panicking every time I see a dog!! We were very impressed with Donna’s knowledge, professionalism and caring attitude. Many thanks!”

Sue & Paul O’Connor and Winston and Harvey, Surrey

 

Peanut"I adopted Peanut, a Yorkie JRT cross, in 2012, when he was approximately 15 months old. He had been abused by humans and then attacked by two dogs whilst being fostered. He was afraid of everything and almost feral. On walks he was aggressive towards both people and dogs and I resorted to walking him at night when we were less likely to meet either. After struggling to cope, I looked for a trainer/behaviourist to help us. After meeting the first one, her advice was to avoid walking him near other dogs, to cross the road if another dog approached and always be able to see what was around the corner. I’d paid a considerable amount of money for this "professional" advice – useless!

I struggled on for a while before seeing a behaviourist recommended by my vet. We attended her indoor classes, but had to do them from a room off where the class was taking place because Peanut couldn't cope with being so close to the other dogs. We also went to classes in a field where we walked around stooge dogs. Her advice was to walk backwards when a dog approached - no joke! This went on for over a year with no real progress being made with Peanut's aggression issues. I was then told that perhaps he should be put to sleep as he was beyond help. Disillusioned, I gave up and resigned myself to coping as best I could; I'd taken him on and had to live with it. I became so stressed by all this that my doctor told me that if I didn't get my stress level under control, it would cause serious harm to my health. I got to the point of seriously considering the pts option, but I decided to give Peanut one last chance and set about looking for yet another behaviourist, number three.

I found Donna after an online search and to say she's saved Peanut's life is an understatement because she's also saved mine. After the initial behavioural consultation and one-to-one I began to feel that finally it was third time lucky. Donna had the experience, knowledge and ability to get inside Peanut's head and provide solutions to his aggressive behaviour not just sticking plasters to cover them. She had faith, grounded in her considerable experience, that we would help him to become a dog who could cope with being close to other dogs and accept people looking and talking to him. We have just finished Donna's ‘Good Manners’ course and I really can't praise Donna highly enough. The individual attention and advice has been invaluable and Peanut is proving he can change and adapt his behaviour, none of which would have happened without Donna's considerable input. I just wish I'd found her at the beginning of this journey four years ago, not only would life had been easier and happier for Peanut and myself sooner, but I'd be considerably richer! I shall be attending Donna's ‘Finishing School’ to keep up with the training and meet as many other dogs as possible in a controlled environment.

Peanut will be an ongoing project, but thanks to Donna he has a bright and happy future and for this I couldn't recommend her enough. To anyone facing problems with their animal, I would say that Donna has achieved in a matter of a couple of months what two other behaviourists couldn't in a couple of years! To Donna I say from the bottom of my heart, we both owe you an enormous debt of gratitude."

Lynne Dryden and Peanut, Dorset

 

Bertie2"When I first came to Donna for help with my rescue Collie X Bertie in April 2016, I was really struggling with Bertie’s reactivity around people and our walks consisted of leaping behind hedges and ducking behind walls in order to avoid seeing other people for fear Bertie would turn into a snarling monster. The first time I met Donna, it took Bertie over an hour to calm down and start to concentrate. By the end of the session, I was surprised to see Bertie relaxing and actually start to accept Donna. I was quietly hopeful that I’d finally found the right person to help. Within two or three sessions he would run up to her, tail wagging with excitement and I started to become more confident walking Bertie as his reactions gradually lessened under Donna’s tutelage.

A year on and Bertie and myself have made huge improvements. He can still be nervous when taken by surprise but he’s improved hugely and I can actually start to take pleasure in going on walks with him, safe in the knowledge that while I may still get the odd reaction from him, thanks to Donna I now know the correct way to respond and we can continue to improve together. I can’t wait to see where we’ll be in another a year with Donna’s support. I don’t know where we’d be right now without her help. Thank you Donna!"

Alison MacGregor and Bertie, Dorset

 

Frasier"We cannot thank Donna enough for all the help she has given us with Frasier. Going out for walks is now a pleasurable experience rather than one of feeling apprehension of what might happen.Our story. Our little fluffy bundle of joy changed behaviour over a relatively short period of time after being on the receiving end of a few negative encounters with aggressive dogs. In response Frasier decided to protect himself if other male dogs approached acting aggressively. We knew we had a responsibility to correct this unwanted behaviour before it got worse so approached Donna who came highly recommended.

Donna’s sessions have provided us with the skills to identify unwanted behaviours and show Frasier the correct way of behaving in certain situations through positive reinforcement. We went to her group sessions to work near other dogs. We supplemented these excellent sessions with individual 1-2-1 sessions to work on specific issues. Frasier loved it, really enjoying his time with Donna and his behaviour changed accordingly.We have now joined the other dogs in the finishing school sessions. Training is harder but Frasier really seems to enjoy the mental challenges presented to him.Thanks again Donna for all your commitment and hard work."

Paul Western and Frasier, Dorset

 

Frankie“Soon after adopting our rescue dog Frankie it became clear that we needed professional help with his anxiety and reactivity. Our vet stressed the importance of finding an ABTC accredited behaviourist, which is how we met Donna. Donna is a fantastic behaviourist with a wealth of experience & expertise - we have learnt so many valuable skills from our 1-2-1 sessions together. Frankie has made such wonderful progress since working with Donna - she has given us the tools and education to help Frankie thrive and as a result he is a much happier and more self-assured dog who has become the best family dog we could have ever hoped for.

Donna initially helped us with Frankie’s reactivity towards other dogs and people when out on walks - her positive reinforcement training methods have produced fantastic results. Our walks are now much more structured around the exercises Donna has taught us and this has enabled Frankie to learn how to behave appropriately in different situations and environments. The clicker has become fundamental & is something we have found so helpful. Donna has also helped us with Frankie’s separation anxiety in the home environment - he is now completely relaxed when we have to leave him for a couple of hours each day, which we are so happy about. We are extremely grateful to have met and worked with Donna and would highly recommend her.”

Tim Catton and Frankie, Hampshire

 

Pippa"Pippa is our second show cocker spaniel, and came into our lives in April 2021. How different can two dogs be? Pippa is confident and strong willed. She had bilateral inguinal hernias as a puppy and with family circumstances and her recovery we took our eye off the ball with training. By August I realized we needed professional help with her behaviour – if she had something she shouldn’t or was doing something she shouldn’t and was asked to stop or give an item up she would turn feisty and mouth. These episodes were getting more frequent and wilder as time went on.

It took a while for me to find a fully trained animal behaviourist – not just anyone calling themselves a dog trainer. Donna was recommended and we made contact in Autumn of 2021. Before training started in November Donna took a full behavioural history, ascertained what we wanted to achieve and how to go about it. It has taken time and several 1-2-1 sessions with the very knowledgeable Donna to get us on track. I have had to put a lot of homework into the art of clicker training and all the different exercises. Pippa is a quicker learner than I! There is still a way to go but the improvement we have seen since working with Donna is massive. An added bonus is the finishing school, where Pippa and I can put training into practice with other dogs around, under Donna’s guidance."

Ruth Langford and Pippa, Dorset

 

 

Bruno“When we first had our rescue dog, Bruno, we wondered how we could cope. He was very stressed, and we were anxious every time we took him out as he’d loop around and growl at other dogs and people walking past.

Donna’s calm and reassuring manner and her behavioural techniques and philosophy gave us the confidence to work with him, both in 1:1 sessions and Group walks, and now we can enjoy walking him off lead with his dog buddy, and can meet other dogs socially - which I’d have never thought possible. I can’t recommend Donna highly enough - thank you so much.”

Hazel Stone and Bruno, Dorset

 

 

Milo“Donna's been brilliant and a great support throughout the 9 months of helping me to manage my dogs behavioural issues. My dog is a collie rescue, he was highly reactive to most things and has a high prey drive. He has made huge improvements. We've finally found the right behaviourist who understands his breed, needs and the right way to move forward with his training.

I can't recommend Donna enough.”

Caroline Atkins and Milo, Dorset

 

 

 

China“I have known Donna at Pet Connection for some years.  I consider myself extremely fortunate to have found her.  Donna’s approach to early training is excellent, undoubtedly the kindest and most expert trainer I have ever met.  Over many years I have been on the receiving end of some appalling training from old fashioned and, sometimes quite brutal, ‘traditional’ trainers, mainly in the gundog world.  There are now many gundog trainers that have adopted more positive, kind training methods but it is my view, if you do early training with Donna, you will have a clear understanding of what is and what is not acceptable.  Donna helps you to understand how your dog learns and it is the most enriching and rewarding way to achieve the best relationship possible with your four legged friend.

My homebred Labrador, China, is now approaching six years of age.  I did all her early training with Donna and continued with my own clicker training over the following years.  She is now an exceptional dog, an expert as a gundog (the photo is of her winning first prize in a Gundog test), a beautiful rounded character with a great attitude to life and all that it entails.  I put this down to having the privilege of being included in Donna’s classes together with dedication to continuing with her many words of wisdom and advice.  I could not recommend her any more highly.”

Hillary Hardman and China, Dorset

 

 

Buddy“I was referred to Donna by my vet.  Buddy had started to exhibit resource protecting behaviour towards other family members.  Donna completed a full assessment and then worked with us 1:1 to help us teach Buddy to learn self-control and good decision making skills.  We also looked at his diet to understand how this might be impacting on his behaviour.

Since finishing our sessions we have joined the Sunday group walks which are also fabulous for practising our new skills and for meeting up with other dogs and their owners.

A service second to none, from a highly qualified and experienced behaviourist who has helped us to help Buddy.”

Sharon Powis and Buddy, Dorset

 

 

Libby“We got Libby a working cocker spaniel in the summer of 2020.  I had grown up with a rescue Spaniel when I was younger, who was an amazing dog, so this was only breed that we wanted to consider.  My son had also had a bad experience with a dog when he was two, so we also wanted to get a dog to help him overcome his fear of them.

Having never had a puppy myself before, I read lots of books and thought I had it all worked out.  Little did I know how different it would be.  From the moment we got her she was extremely mouthy and nippy like some puppy’s are, but it felt excessive.  I have since learnt that puppy cockers are often known as cockerdiles.  Shedidn’t have an off switch when she was awake, she often drew blood with her crazy nipping and it was extremely hard work.  It didn’t get any easier, she then started to resource guard her food bowl and chews at 3-4 months.  I was concerned as it seemed quite aggressive, I mentioned it to a lady who ran a dog class locally and she suggested I growl back and show her I was in charge. This didn’t sit right with me, and I contacted the vets, who put me in touch with Donna.

Donna has been brilliant and taught me so much, after an initial online consultation she set up a time to meet and we have been working on and off with her now for two years.  Libby is a resource guarder, sensitive to touch, scared of gunshots, fire-works, traffic, loud noises, and sometimes she can’t tolerate dogs who want to play, she just wants to sniff and be a spaniel, so can react.  Donna has taught me so much, we have used the clicker to train her with lots of lovely treats and worked on her fears of traffic and noise.  She has come on so much.  I still have to watch her with the resource guarding and from time to time we mess up and leave something very temping in her reach, which she will then proudly think is hers.  But we have ways of managing it now and are now much more aware of her needs and her anxieties.

She has a lovely nature with us now and has grown in confidence.  I understand the needs of working cockers so much more now, we do lots of scent work and training on walks, which Donna has taught  me and Libby is definitely part of our family, and loves her cuddles in the evening.  For the days when it felt tough and I thought I had made a mistake in getting her, I am now so thankful we preserved and we wouldn’t be without her, she definitely keeps us on our toes.  Thanks Donna you have been a big part of her story.”

Lucy Shattock and Libby, Dorset