Harry

We had a serious problem with our Ragdoll cat Harry spraying indoors every day, and so booked a consultation with Mat at Pet Behaviour Sorted.  Mat travelled to see us all in our own home environment which meant he could observe Harry’s behaviour and see how his life was structured.  Mat gave us some fabulous advice on every aspect of the problem and helped us better understand life from a feline perspective.  Harry is so much better behaved now, and more importantly we think he is leading a happier and more stimulating life.  He has also become a lot more affectionate!

We would recommend Mat to anyone with any sort of pet behaviour problem and will certainly be recommending him to our local veterinary service. 

Thank you again Mat for your great help and advice.

Kindest regards,
Eleanor and Stephen Fielding
Galashiels
October 2008

Ben

I first consulted Mathew after my 2 year old labrador, Ben, began exhibiting some aggressive behaviour towards strangers - such as growling at other people when we were out on walks.  This aggression ultimately led to Ben biting a family friend when he entered our home for the first time, and as such, we felt we had to consult our vet for advice.  Euthanasia was suggested by our vet, as the bite had been fairly severe.  We contacted Mathew in December 2007 the same day of the incident, and he visited us within 24 hours, despite it being almost the Christmas vacation.  Mathew was instantly able to establish the reasons for Ben's aggression, and gave us detailed strategies to work with Ben to help conquer the problem.  He provided plenty of advice on the two lengthy face-to-face sessions that we had (including coming on walks with us) and followed this up with written advice, phone and email support.

Five months on in 2008, we have a different dog - and we are different owners.  Thanks to Mathew, walks are again a pleasure, and there have been no further incidents since we saw Mathew in December.  Christmas 2007 was dreadful for us in that we had to face the real possibility of getting a family pet we dearly love euthanised.  This is no longer a worry, as the strategies we have employed at Mathew's direction have indeed 'sorted' our pet's behaviour.  Due to the measures we now employ, I would be confident that Ben will not bite again.  I am also 100% confident in recommending Mathew Ward to any pet owner with a pet with problem behaviour.

Evelyn, Haddington.

Hercules Morse

Hi, it’s been ages since Hercules Morse was with you and thought you really should have an update as to how the big fella has been.

Escapes from our property = 0

Dogs attacked = 0

Children eaten = 0

He is decidedly more chilled and sure of his place in the household. We have learnt so much from the experience and it was invaluable. There are other dogs our area who are likely to be in touch (or should I say their owners) who after hearing and seeing our success have asked for contact details.

Huge thanks….

Leanne, Steve, Zac, Charlotte, Hercules Morse, Gismo and the 5 cats.

Sparky

Dear Mat,

I am writing to thank you for the incredible work that you have done with my dog Sparky.

I adopted Sparky at the age of 7 months from the Pound. To my horror, he was a nightmare to deal with. It began with an obsession with attacking other dogs or anything else that moved. It evolved into constant barking at my front window (at anyone or anything that passed) as well as escaping over fences, through windows in order to attack whatever he could find outside. He even resorted to eating his way through a window frame as well as my back door in order to escape. I became a prisoner in my own home, unable to open windows on a hot summer day or leave the door open even for a brief moment. Sparky was a prisoner too; only ever going outside with a strong metal lead attached to him and this with me using all my strength to hold him. A daily walk of course was out of the question.

I came to the Behaviour Clinic after watching your animal training segments on television. I thought that if you could do the amazing things you do with the animals that you have, then surely you could help me decide what to do with Sparky. After an initial consultation that was courteous, educational and professional, I decided to entrust you with Sparky, with the theory that if you could do nothing for him, then he could be put down with a clear conscience.

After three short weeks, I returned to find a new dog waiting for me and I am absolutely ecstatic with the results. Sparky now responds to commands, of which the most important is ‘come’ and ‘watch me’. I am able to release him in my yard without a lead and he no longer rushes at the fence in order to jump it. He even focuses on me when a neighbouring dog is seen, instead of looking to attack it. I can even take him on walks. An added bonus is his affectionate manner with me. He is eager to please, responding instantly to my commands as well as cuddling up on the couch with me. As a result, his fate is sealed. He will not be put down, but remain my faithful and loyal pet until the end.

It is difficult to put into words my gratitude, so I can only highly recommend your services for all those dog owners that would like assistance to have the perfect pet. If a miracle can take place with Sparky being such a difficult pet, then there is hope for all dogs.

With my heartfelt thanks,
I remain,
Yours sincerely,

Frances Louard

Bridie

Dear Mat,

I am writing to say a heartfelt thank you from Ivan and myself for the effort you put into helping us with Bridie – she is a different dog. Treatment works!

Bridie and Louis began playing last weekend and we realized that Louis is no longer at risk.

Her discipline has improved 70% and is simple and easy to reinforce when she plays ‘the deaf dog’.

You have performed a miracle in our lives for our dog and we are very grateful.

Both Ivan and I would never hesitate to recommend you to people with a problem pet. It would be the most loving thing anyone could do for their pet.

Thank you again,

Kind regards,
Allie and Ivan Nagel

© Mathew Ward 2008