Sandra's training is quick, effective and really, really fun (for both owners and dog!). We all loved working together and the results are amazing. We recommend A-Grade Dog Training to anyone with a dog!

As first-time dog owners, we needed all the help we could get: We adopted Oscar (a 2 year old Bosnian terrier-mix) from a charity and, while he is a cuddly dream at home, we soon discovered some anxiety and reactive behaviour around other dogs, as well as an extreme love of chasing squirrels, climbing trees and all things distracting.

We took a course of four lessons with Sandra and the results have been brilliant. Our indoor work has helped us bond with Oscar and he's more playful and attentive as a result (it's also great fun!). The work we've done outside has made us feel much more confident around other dogs (we now have strategies to help distract / calm him) and we're slowly building up to off-lead play. Sandra has equipped us with strategies to deal with any stressful situation and our walks are such a joy now!

In a few short weeks, our little rescue (who has never had any training or structured play) can now consistently perform 'watch', 'sit', 'down', 'leave', 'come', 'stay' and 'paw'. His recall is improving daily and he's so much happier around other dogs. Best of all, he absolutely loves his training sessions.

We are so happy we chose Sandra and A-Grade Dog Training to help us learn how to give Oscar the best home possible. Worth every penny! We'll miss you loads. Thank you!

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Pepper

We would like to say a massive thank you to Sandra for all the work she has done with Pepper. We have all learned so much in such a short time.

Sandra helped to ease our initial concerns and always made us feel confident in what we were doing during our training sessions. Pepper loves practising all the new skills she has learned and we can already see a big difference in her.

Both of us feel much more confident at letting Pepper off lead, even when we go somewhere that we don't often visit. We even managed to have a bark free walk tonight! Something that hasn't happened in a long time!

We would definitely recommend Sandra to others and can see us booking in for further training sessions in the future!

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Brinn

Sandra - you are a star! It's been an absolute pleasure working with you over the past few weeks.

I think I've enjoyed it more than Brinn if that's even possible! We'll carry on practicing and look forward to checking in with you soon.

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Bouncer

Sandra was recommended to us by a friend and we are so glad we arranged training sessions with our 7 month old puppy, Bouncer.

Sandra's training was very structured and thorough and has made such a difference.We had 2 indoor sessions and 2 outdoor sessions covering a variety of areas eg. recall & walking on the lead.

Bouncer learned very quickly from Sandra's style of training and we noticed a difference immediately. Sandra follows up with training notes to practice on your dog which we found was a huge help.

I would highly recommend A-Grade dog training. Thank you so much Sandra, we will keep in touch.

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Fleur

The sessions with which we have had with Sandra have proved to be of enormous help in the training of our puppy Fleur. All have proved to be immensely instructive as well as hugely enjoyable occasions and have taken place in a variety of different locations.

We would never have thought of varying the setting or conditions for training sessions. Sandra recommended this - just one small example of the extensive knowledge and wide experience which she demonstrates in her dealings with clients and their pets.

The information sheets which are issued as a follow up and reinforcement resource to each training session proved to be of great benefit. Clearly a great deal of time and effort has been devoted to compiling these. We found them to be of tremendous value as an aide-memoir to what we had been taught in practical sessions. The contents of these resources and of course the practical sessions reflected our own circumstances and needs at each stage of our training programme.

This flexibility of approach and willingness to respond to particular issues or concerns which clients may have is a most welcome, useful and reassuring aspect of the training programmes which Sandra is able to offer.

Her assured manner and patient approach inspired confidence in us as, we are convinced, it would in most dog owners. The natural affection for, and interest which she shows in owners' pet's quickly establishes a relationship of trust.

Sandra is immensely impressive at what she does. Prior to engaging her services we had heard that she was good. We were wrong. She proved to be positively brilliant!

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Ted

We first got in touch with Sandra as we were concerned about Ted's puppy biting. We had some sessions with Sandra which provided us with the techniques to deal with this, as well as all the other basic training.

Ted responded immediately to Sandra and we were amazed at how quickly he learned under her methods and how much he enjoyed them.

Ted's behaviour is improving all the time. I would not hesitate to recommend Sandra to any dog owner.

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Bruce

We have completed our training sessions with Sandra, and Bruce our 10 month old Cocker Spaniel.

We hadn't expected just how much fun we would all have together and how response and willing to learn Bruce was - he absolutely thrived on the praise he was given after each achievement.

The whole process has been a pleasure from start to finish. Sandra had such a wonderful way with Bruce. We found the training invaluable and would have no hesitation in recommending Sandra.

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Ivar

After almost a year we still use the techniques taught to us by Sandra in her puppy programme. Sandra taught us how to communicate with Ivar which, to me, is one of the vital parts of dog owning.

Sandra is a pleasure to learn from and is understanding when it comes to the possible stresses of a new puppy! Not only are the sessions great for you and your puppy but the support through email is so helpful - comprehensive notes on techniques you've learned in the sessions ensure you can always look back - and I feel like I could go to Sandra with any puppy problem I may have!

We are now very happy to have Sandra help us with introducing our second puppy, Tavie.

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Rufus

We were slightly nervous first time dog owners and so were very keen to get started on training.

Sandra came round when Rufus was just eight weeks old and in the space of a mere 4 hours of lessons over 4 weeks plus our homework, we have become happier, more confident owners and Rufus has become a well mannered, happy dog.

We look forward to working with Sandra again as he develops.

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Gethin

With Sandra's guidance and direction Gethin has gone from a "wildy" to a real pleasure to take for a walk and to be around in the house.

We've had him off the lead at the park and he comes back on command. I would never have believed it!

I would recommend Sandra to anyone who wants to gain confidence in dog handling and to learn some really great practical tools for how to get the best out of your relationship with your dog. The sessions are informative and fun and it won't take long before you notice a real improvement in your dog.

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Tia

Initially, I was concerned with Tia's shyness, barking and reticence to approach Sandra, when she arrived on a beautiful hot afternoon. However, within a matter of a few minutes, Sandra literally had Tia 'eating out of her hand!

Her warm, pleasant manner, whilst also assuming an assertive 'I'm in control' attitude quickly won Tia over and during the course of the sessions, my dog learned a number of key commands, and to demonstrate better recall skills.

Sandra genuinely loves her job and her patience and warmth towards my dog is evidence that I would have no qualms in suggesting her to other clients.

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Bonnie

We would like to thank Sandra for all her work with our girl Bonnie. Not only did Bonnie really enjoy the training, the whole family did! We loved the fact that the kids were involved and it was great to watch their expressions as Bonnie followed their commands.

We were very impressed from the onset that Sandra could have our dog responding so quickly and we're glad to say that she's continued to do so.

Without a doubt, we would recommend Sandra to both new and existing dog owners and would not hesitate to use her services in the future if needed.

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Rory

Dear Sandra,

Thank you so much for all your help. You have been amazing. Thank you for calming me down when I phoned you in tears worried that I had a dog so unruly that I would not be able to manage! Your confident reassurance that he was displaying completely normal puppy behaviour and that all would be well was just what I needed to hear.

With your advice, Rory has improved immensely and in such a short space of time. Your teaching not only gave me the skills and knowledge to improve Rory's behaviour but most of all, the confidence to implement those lessons and know that I am doing the right thing.

I know we are only at the start of a life long journey of development but I now look forward to that journey as part of a happy team. See you at Crufts………. ;-)

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Tinker

Hi Sandra,

Just to update you. Tinker fully off lead in the park. Wanders into woods from path then runs back at great speed if shouted on. Thinking of renaming her Dora! (the explorer).

She has come on in leaps and bounds literally. Fine with other dogs off lead-will divert if too big or too many. Screeching only rarely and only on lead. Still wary of loud traffic but too excited to notice on way to park.

Thanks again for help and advice.

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Bruno

Thank you for everything - you have taught us so much in a short period of time - both quick wins and those we will need to spend more time practicing!
We got so much out of the sessions and will absolutely keep in touch.

Hopefully in the not too distant future we'll be able to progress Bruno to the intermediate programme.

Thanks again for everything, it was a delight working with you.

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Harvey

Sandra

Many thanks for all your hard work with Harvey. We both learned a lot and importantly both had great fun whilst learning.

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Hoover

I would highly recommend Sandra for dog training. Her knowledge of training seems vast and the methods used are very kind and based on sound psychological theory.

Our dog transformed from a quivering wreck around Sandra on week one to a lively, more obedient, confident dog on week four.

The written summaries of the sessions are also really helpful to refer back to. Overall, we were really glad to have had the help of Sandra.

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Hector

Sandra Cowe is literally "the dogs bollocks" as with her help in training my Hector he got to keep his!

Such was the ease Sandra put us both at, it was like working with someone with whom we had known for a long time.

Many thanks!

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Oscar

Hi Sandra - thanks for all you have done for me and Oscar.

I really enjoyed our training sessions and will work hard to keep it up, and I know Oscar enjoyed them too.

Thanks again for everything.

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Tiegan

Sandra was recommended to me for training of my German Shepherd. It was from the first meeting that Tiegan liked her - Sandra's approach to her was sensitive in order to get to know and accept her. Tiegan was introduced to the clicker, all basic training was taught using reward based methods, and she was, and still is now, keen to learn and to please.

Following each session I was sent a very detailed plan of what we had done and what I was required to emphasise before next session.
Sandra is very encouraging both to dog and owner and has an excellent understanding of differing breeds which all have specific needs as well as common ones.
I am very grateful to Sandra for her hard work and advice, knowing I can contact her if further help is required.

I now have a very happy and responsive dog - work is still in progress (training is for life!) and I would emphatically recommend her to anyone for dog training.

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Diesel

Sandra has been excellent with us and our mini dachshund Diesel. We really can't praise her more highly.

Diesel loves his training, and we really enjoyed seeing him so engaged and eager to learn.

We would not hesitate to recommend Sandra to anyone looking for some guidance and training for their puppy or dog.

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Sandy

Sandra, we are delighted with your training, for both Sandy and us! Being a second home for Sandy, we needed to re-affirm our control over him.

As a Border Terrier, and an exceptionally single minded one, we will have to continue with ongoing training. Thank you so much for the 'notes' which we will refer to regularly!

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Milly

We've had previous dogs and never did any formal training with them.... at times as they grew up they could be hard work!

We recently bought a new pup - a cross between a golden Labrador and a Golden retriever, she's a great dog, but this time we thought it best to do some introductory training.
Our vet recommended that we contacted Sandra of A-Grade Dog Training ..... what a brilliant move that has been! Sandra has been amazing at training both Milly and ourselves!

In the few weeks that Sandra has been helping us, Milly has improved her life skills and obedience hugely and we have learned loads of tips on how to continue to train Milly and get the best out of our wonderful dog. We can't recommend Sandra highly enough!

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Cleo

Thank you very much for four excellent puppy training lessons. The humans and the dog have really enjoyed them. I had read a bit about puppy training before we got Cleo but it's much easier, less daunting and more effective to have your coaching and advice to guide us through it.

My 11 year old son Andrew's feedback is that the lessons were "fun and 5 star". I can't argue with that! Thanks again.

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Maya

We must thank Sandra for converting our 8 week old mental Cockapoo girl puppy into a surprisingly obedient little lady. The most notable changes were from her pulling constantly on the lead to walking to heel on a slack lead, and her ability for re-call, all within one day of your training.

You are a natural trainer of dogs with an amazing gift of understanding each and every dog you deal with. Maya has gained obedience combined with fun during the training.

We had originally booked training with another trainer but after reading Sandra's testimonials and a recommendation from another of her clients we cancelled and contacted Sandra for which we are so glad we did.

Well done Sandra - much appreciated.

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Alfie

Sandra, I would not hesitate to recommend your one-to-one puppy training sessions to other dog owners. Your techniques worked so well for Alfie (our 4 month old puppy).

You have also been extremely helpful in sharing your extensive knowledge and expertise regarding all aspects of caring for a puppy.

Many thanks!

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Rhu

Having trained my first dog myself and had friends who had taken their 4 legged friends to group classes I was a bit sceptical at the prospect of 'one on one' training and only 4 sessions.

How wrong was I! It is absolutely incredible how much Sandra can achieve in a 1 hour session. Rhu immediately responded well and also enjoyed every minute Sandra was with her.

More importantly, Sandra gave us humans skills for life that we can continue to use as Rhu grows, ensuring she has the safest and happiest life possible.

In addition Sandra is such a lovely person; one of those people you feel you have known all your life and are really comfortable with.

I would recommend Sandra to any dog owner without a second thought.

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Minnie

I would like to say a huge thank you to A-Grade Dog Training! I have a lovely Bichon Frise called Minnie, who has just completed her training programme and I can honestly say that it was invaluable.

As a new dog owner, I wanted to ensure that my dog was well trained, but had no clue how to do this. Then Sandra of A-Grade Dog Training came into our lives!

From day one I could see the positive effect the training would have on our puppy - I was amazed that Sandra had Minnie following cues almost immediately and was even more amazed when Minnie did the same with me!

After each session, Sandra would send me notes covering what we learned which I could refer to when I was practicing. I never felt the training was a chore, I always looked forward to seeing Sandra and even more importantly, so did Minnie!

There is nothing more satisfying than seeing your puppy with a reliable recall and being delighted that she has learned a new skill!

The training has had a really positive impact - I feel much more confident when I am out and about with Minnie as she has had such a superb training programme, and I would thoroughly recommend A-Grade Dog Training!

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Harvey

When we decided to get another dog one of the first things we did was to book A-Grade for Harvey's training, as we had all found the sessions done previously with Alfie a great help.

Harvey has a bit to go to be as good a dog as Alfie, but he is definitely on the right path thanks to your training. Would thoroughly recommend you to anyone and definitely the sooner the training starts the better it is - Thanks again!

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Buddy

When meeting with the breeder of our gorgeous Cockapoo puppy, Buddy, she highly recommended that we get a dog trainer. We contacted Sandra and she came along for a very useful pre-puppy home visit to discuss what we needed to get in place for bringing our puppy home.

We then had 4 individual training sessions with Buddy. We were amazed and somewhat in awe of what Sandra achieved on that first visit when Buddy was 8 weeks old!

Every training session ran smoothly, followed up by training notes. Sandra is very professional, knowledgeable and extremely approachable and we all looked forward to her weekly visits.

Sandra's help and advice has been invaluable to us as a family with our first ever puppy. We wouldn't hesitate in recommending Sandra and we now have a happy, content and obedient puppy with owners who now know what they're doing!

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Daisy

Sandra was friendly, professional and helpful. We're so grateful for all her help with Daisy.

She persevered with our training when we had to take a break due to poor Daisy having an injury.

Training sessions were fun and we have clear instructions to help us continue the work at home. I'll definitely recommend A-Grade Dog Training to friends.

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Kobe

Sandra from A-Grade Dog Training is second to none - she made us all feel relaxed with her lovely manner and great explanations, Kobe LOVES her and I'm so proud of him and the progress he has made.

Thanks again Sandra for all your help, I really can't recommend you highly enough.

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Ruby

We cannot recommend Sandra enough for her very professional dog training service!

I have never had a dog so our Cavapoo Ruby is a very new experience for me and a few months ago I needed help! My husband was more used to having dogs around so seemed better prepared with the change we were about to have in our lives.

Thanks to Sandra, who came highly recommended, I feel more confident about taking care of Ruby the way she should be taken care of. I am more relaxed and enjoying the fun of having this lovely new friend in our lives. Sandra has taught Ruby (and us!) how to sit, stay, lie down, leave (my shoes for example!), walk on the lead, recall and all the other essentials you need to have a well behaved dog.

We truly cannot recommend A-Grade Dog Training enough!

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Cooper

Thank you Sandra for your help and support with Cooper.

You manage to achieve amazing results so quickly, you give advice and guidance when you think I am doing it wrong and you gently correct my behaviour!

Cooper thrives on learning and has loved all his sessions with you. I wouldn't have such a well behaved boy without you so thank you again - every dog owner should have you in their life!

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Luna

Luna is the most beautiful Tibetan terrier pup, however she has a mind of her own and not having had a puppy for many years I needed help!
Sandra was recommended to me by many friends who she has helped over the years ......

I now have a 13 week old pup who comes when called, sits, stays, lies down, leaves, walks well on lead etc, all thanks to Sandra showing me the right path! Luna thinks she is getting what she wants but it's me in control!

Sandra was also there to help me when I was pulling my hair out through lack of sleep and Luna hating being in car. All solved.
Can't recommend highly enough.

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Rosie

We loved the training sessions for Rosie. They were incredibly useful, great fun, and we learnt so much.

We now have the confidence to continue training her, and we can't wait as a family to practice recall in the park.

Worth every penny! Can't recommend A-Grade Dog Training highly enough!

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Monty

Just wanted to send you a wee thank you for all the advice and guidance during Monty's (and my) training sessions, with A-Grade Dog Training.

The four sessions were so valuable to us as they were tailored to the issues I felt we needed help with - obedience, barking, listening skills, lead pulling and recall.
After his very barky start, Monty soon caught on to the fact that Sandra was his new BFF.

It was amazing to watch him respond so quickly. All positive behaviour was rewarded, and Monty picked up on this really well. Turns out Monty is quite a smart wee cookie, and now that I know how to tap into his wavelength, we have a better relationship. He wants to get things right and now I know how to help him get it right more often.

Both Monty and I looked forward to your visits, you put us both to work and we thoroughly enjoyed it! Thank you again.

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Snoop

Just wanted to say thank you so, so much for your help with Snoop, you really are gifted!

I will be recommending you to anyone who needs help with their dog.

Hope to see you again one day (obviously not for any doggy behavioural issues lol!) Thanks again, we will miss our sessions with you.

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Peggy

As first time dog owners we were a bit nervous when our four month old puppy Peggy arrived so we decided to enlist the help of Sandra and we are so glad we did.

When we first brought Peggy home, she wasn't house trained, was nervous of the big outdoors and couldn't be left alone for even a minute without barking. Now, after only four sessions (and lots of homework!) she is a completely different dog. She is an absolute pleasure to be around, she is excited to go outside and she is totally happy being left by herself for a few hours without becoming agitated and incessantly barking.

Peggy has become more confident but we have too and as a result we are a much happier family!

Sandra has been an absolute pleasure to work with, she is friendly, patient and understanding. She answered all of our questions (of which we had many) and we are so very grateful!

Thank you so much once again and we look forward to future training sessions with you.

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Heidi

Sandra - Thank you so much for your training sessions with Heidi, we are sorry that they are finished…..for now!

Both Heidi and I learned a lot and I am confident that we will be happier and safer together, especially around speeding cyclists in Botanic Gardens. I am amazed at how much Heidi has re-trained in just a few short weeks - it is as though she was awaiting proper instruction!

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Cooper

Following your session this week, Cooper has already made progress with the window and barking, and yesterday I introduced the whistle to interrupt him and go in to training mode or give him something else to do.

We can't thank you enough for all your help, positive outlook / insight to issues and help us going forward.

Thanks again, you are amazing!

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