Dog Training Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

Below are comments by some of our clients.

If you’d like to read the full case studies, please visit our “Case Studies” page, where you’ll also see photos of some of their dogs.

November 2011

Steven,

First of all, thanks for such a great and positive hour last night. To be completely frank, I am very emotional about my dog and I was just so relieved to have found someone sympathetic to his needs.

I have sent an email to the chap who I had taken my dog to for training just a couple of (very long) weeks ago telling him of how very different your assessment is from his own. This trainer was himself trained by Jan Fennell, and his assessment was that my dog was totallly in charge and that I needed to become the Alpha. I didn't buy into this, but was truly shocked by my dog's aggressive reaction to the techniques I was advised to use. I'd be really interested to know your views on Jan Fennell's technique. A quick scan of the Internet would indicate that she has been somewhat discredited in recent years? Maybe her techniques work for certain problems, but not a highly stressed dog like mine, who seemed only to get worse.

We will definitely be coming to your classes over the coming weeks.

thanks, B.

P.S. On your website there is a quite clear message that you believe it is the human that needs training and not the dog. I would not argue with that at all, but I would suggest also that the dog training world as a whole needs to get itself sorted out. Such conflicting guidelines as I have received from different people, none of which I have felt comfortable with until last night, make the job of trying to do the best for your dog something of a lottery.

Clients Letter to the Leicester Mercury

This is a letter a client sent to the Leicester Mercury. It was published on Monday 29th August 2011.

Click here to read the letter.

Work Experience with Steven Havers

August 2011.

I emailed Steven Havers to ask if it was possible if I could sit in on a few of his training sessions so that I could get an idea of what his job as a trainer/behaviourist involves. Having recently graduated from college and having a big interest in dog training I was curious to see what it was about him that made his way of training so different from all the others out there.

I noticed two things about Steven when I met him, the first was how straight talking he was. He wasn’t there to mess around he knew his stuff and he knew exactly how to put it into practice (and I have to say with quick results). The second was his passion for his job mixed in with his love for dogs. On first meeting he may seem a little harsh talking with you (the owner, not the dog) but after 10 minutes you see his love for the dog shine through and you realise he is the way he is to ensure he does the best job he can for you to give you and your dog a happy life together.

In the three days I spent with Steven, observing the way he works I learnt so much, not just about myself and behaviour towards dogs but also my own dogs at home. So much so that I have taken everything on board and now am trying to improve the behaviour of my own two dogs.

If I could offer one piece of advice about his training/classes it would be don’t just attend one class, give it three or four sessions before you make up your mind. The reason being is because after my first day watching him work, I was confused. Everything I ever knew about training dogs was tipped on its head and I was being told to do the opposite of what I thought had always been right. The second day with Steven (and seeing the fast results of one of his clients and her dog) everything he was saying was starting to make perfect sense and I could see the logic behind the way he was thinking. By the third and final day of my work experience I was hooked, I couldn’t get enough of everything he was teaching me to the extent that I wished it wasn’t Friday and I had a few more days left to continue learning (and that never happens!)

Steven doesn’t follow the norm of every other dog training website I’ve seen, he offers dog and owner training in the real world in real life situations and that is what makes him so different from the rest. Your dog doesn’t just learn to sit or be next to you because you tell it to or feed it treats, it does these things because it wants to and for that reason alone I would happily recommend him to any person I ever met with a dog.

Jenna Percival, Leicester

July 2011.

Hi just wanted 2 say a big thankyou 4 helping us with scoob cant tell u how much i appreciate u giving us ur time when u hardly no us he had chicken wing 2day no probs. c u next sat thanks again 4 ur expertise and generosity gill ellis

July 2011.

Hello Steven,
I would like to take this opportunity to say thanks for your advice. We have been to two of your classes already and the techniques/tips have really helped. Molly is a 7yo deaf fox terrier from a rescue home and she has a problem with other dogs. We have already noticed vast improvements in Mollys behaviour. She doesn't bark at other dogs and prefers to walk alongside me rather than straining to get to the other dog. She used to try and bite another dog even if we were 20+ metres away. Now she will only try if the dog shows some aggression and is very close. Your tips have helped so much, Molly still has a way to go until she is comfortable with other dogs but I'm very happy with the progress so far.

Thanks

James Burton.

June 2011

Hi Steve

Just a note to say thanks for the Home Visit this morning, having attended your classes with Luca for a few weeks we wanted to make sure we were following on the good work at home. Having owned many boxers over the years it is easy to drift into bad habits, your visit quickly not only reinforced the work we have been doing at your classes but highlighted where we are going wrong at home. As it turned out not only with Luca but with our other boxers as well, we were often praising and rewarding poor behaviour in them all, more often than not without realising it, you certainly gave us food for thought.

I am sure we will all progress from here, we are now very clear on the way forward for all the dogs, I would recommend to anyone who is unsure or concerned to book a home visit, it really is time and money well spent, I think the Government would call it a spend to save initiative wether it be time or money, spend a little bit of both now and save loads later.

Once again thank you and see you with Luca at his and our next class

Graham

June 2011.

well it's been a week to the day since you paid me and stanley a visit to help with a few of our issues around the house.well im glad to say great progress has been made by us both,me in understanding stanley's issues and using your idea's,techniques and training tips, and stanley in finally knowing what behaviour i want from him and what behaviour gets him the biggest reward....we have been practicing everyday,and now i can now hoover without any barking or biting at the cord from stanley.

He now leaves trainer's and shoe's at the door,and no longer runs with them around the house looking for attention.The issue with the yard brush while brushing the patio is almost dealt with he now only barks sometimes,which is a big improvement on him running around the garden with it,with a little more time im certain we will crack it.

People can now come to the front door without excessive barking,there is now just a couple of barks to let me know someone is there then he goes and sits in the kitchen waiting for me to let them in..

Also i would like to let you know that there have been a couple of more issues we never disussed,but we have again been using the same ideas and training tips you told us a week ago,and there is no longer a problem with cutting the grass as now he just sits and watches me.And now after abit of practice he actually sits still while i brush him,which would not of happend before.....I think you would agree that there has been a big improvment on the issues we had and trying to deal with just a week ago... so we would just like to say a big thanks..

From wayne and stanley

June 2011

Just to say thanks for all your help and the hours of daily telephone support you gave. From the stressed Lucy has now changed to the slightly highly strung Lucy but much much calmer. We have all worked very hard with her as she challenges us for leadership on a daily basis; I think this is just the way she is. She now only barks for fewer than 10 mins in 5 hrs instead of 2 1/2 hrs of howling. She now sleeps well and does not have one eye open, (well most of the time) She just seems a much less stressed dog.

Just a note to all reading these testimonials, I contacted lots and lots of dog trainers and none made any difference or made sense. The first time I talked to Steven it all fitted into place. We thought it was as simple as separation anxiety but no, she was hypersensitive to all sound, doorbell, knocking, people walking past the house well you get the picture, trust me it was tough but well worth it. He gets straight to the point and no messing which is what is needed in most cases. Thanx again Steven from the James house in Leicester.

May 2011

Do the right thing by your best friend...............see Steve. Our 2 year old German Shepherd Heike was great sitting at the kerb, heeling, sit stays, down on the move and recalling.

Recently though the wheels started falling off. She became aggressive towards other dogs, and is very obstinate in her day-to-day behaviour. We thought it was the terrible twos.

We’d spoken to a few people and someone recommended Steve. Heike is calmer (and probably a little confused and mentally challenged), and we are calmer and enjoying the new lease of life that Steve has given us with Heike.

Steve is passionate about what he does, he’s straight talking, calm and definitely knows his onions. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Steve to anyone. Needless to say, we won’t be obedience training any time soon.

CJ, Nat and Heike, Tamworth.

May 2011

Hi Steven

I just wanted to let you know that we won’t be bringing Boogie tonight. In the last week both of us have had a light bulb moment and the improvements have been dramatic. He seems much calmer and I suspect that has something to do with the food combined with the training. He’s stopped nibbling his skin too since changing food to Duck Complete Excellent so it’s all good really.

Anyway will email you when we’re low on dog food, thanks for all your help - Penny, Leicester

5 day Intensive Training Testimonial

May 2011

"Dear Steven,

Firstly, we would like to thank you very much for the five days of training for our dogs.

Whilst I think we recognised that the dogs regarded themselves as superior to us, we didn’t realise by how much! They are now, slowly but surely, losing control of us and recognising their position in the “pack”. We have been amazed at Amber’s recall using the techniques you showed us and have thoroughly enjoyed walking with her off the lead for the last three days.

One of our dog-owning friends expressed “astonishment” this morning at her behaviour compared to what she had been like. We are still having to play some serious mind-games before going out for walks but we recognise that Benson’s behaviour, in particular, has been reinforced over 5 years so it will take a bit more time for him to change.

So, thanks again and we will keep you posted of progress. Hope you had a great weekend.

Regards,

Richard

Testimonial from three Border Terriers

May 2011

I have had my third home visit which went really well. My eldest dog, Lottie really tested he boundaries but I feel we made real progress. We even went for a walk this session which was wonderful and one of my dogs who has not been off lead in five years came off, had a lovely time and didn't do a runner!! Amazing! I realise I still have lots of work to do but am very encouraged by the progress we have all made.

Lynne, Staffs.

April 2011

My second session with Steven went really well. It was lovely to get positive feedback from Steven who could really see the improvements in all of us! All the hard work is paying off and I am encouraged to continue as well as having a few new things to work on. Really pleased I ventured down this road!

Thanks again Steven, look forward to the next session.

Lynn, Staffordshire.

April 2011

Hi steven,sorry to disturb u on a sunday but both myself and pete are totally amazed that for the first times ever we have managed to get out the kitchen door 1st and not in a stampede like normal,so the door thing u showed us yesterday has really helped,and has for yesterdays lesson we are both still astounded with what unfolded before everyones eyes im sure we are not alone with that one and the calm that was felt by all,just wish i had been a bit braver .so thank you from us both.

Elaine & Pete, Newbold Verdon, Leicestershire

April 2011

Hi Steven
I wanted to put pen to paper quickly just to say such a big thank you for last week. The insight that you’ve given into how intelligent and adept dogs are and how we humans’ disregard this was so enlightening. THANK YOU….You’re fab…see you in June.

Jo Ormerod, North Wales

April 2011

Hi, we think its time to stop dog training for Loui now as he has achieved everything we wanted him to, we would still like to purchase dog food from you if this is ok? If so would you prefer us to see you on a tue night or pick up from your house? thank you so much for making Loui a lovely family dog. Regards mark & donna, Markfield, Leics.

March 2011

Hi Steven, just wanted to say thank you for coming over and helping on the road to a better understanding of what my dogs are telling me. It was a really refreshing session that was full of common sense and didn't make me feel like I had 'failed'. I am continuing with what you started and already i am seeing improvements!

Lynne Drinkwater, Leicestershire.

March 2011

Dear Steve,

I want to say a huge thanks for the week's intensive course which both my dog and I enjoyed tremendously. I not only learnt a lot about my dog, but about myself and my own behaviour. This was the best money I have ever spent, and worth every penny and more. It was also very good fun. Intense, yes, but also very productive. Many thanks for your time, patience and humour.

Nita,Thringstone, Leics.

March 2011

Hi Steve,

Just a quick note to say thanks a million for the week you spent with Max and I. It really brought it home to me just how much he and I had achieved when I came to the session this morning. Dogs that he hadn't met before, bouncing, barking and being just like Max used to be. And what did he do? NOTHING!!!!!! I kept aiming at the other dogs and we walked through them, past them, in front of them. Brilliant.

There will be no stopping us now and deffinately no Faffing, Phaffing!!

Karen, Whitwick, Leics

To train a dog is not an overnight sensation, it is a slow and loving operation. Steven's Home visits carry the same overall aim to help ourselves to understand our dogs properly, but a home visit is applied totally to our dogs whereas we have to share time on training day. Both have their advantages, but the home visits are huge value as they demonstrate so much that we take for granted and overlook.

Jane, Gaulby.

My client put this on Twitter after my visit:

"Just had a home visit from @Haversdogs and what a fantastic visit, if anyone has concerns or questions about there dogs it truly is well worth every penny."

A very good day, thank you owners!!

I would just like to say how grateful I am for all the training and information Steven has given me to help me with my 20 month old manchester terrier Mansell. I only wish I found Steven when he was a puppy.
Becky Wardle, Leicester.

Just an update now that Remy's been on DUCK complete food for three months. Quite simply, she LOVES it, drools if made to wait for it, scoffs it, smacks her lips after and checks the empty bowl atleast twice to see if it has magically refilled itself. Kibble was reluctantly eaten or dropped on the floor and left and needed vast amounts of water afterwards.

She's so calm and chilled out around home it's unbelievable, there's no "doggy" breath, weird gurgling noises in her stomach or BAD smells from her bottom. She drinks less water and even her poo looks better. We (and Remy) would like to say thanks for making us aware that there is a much better food available than the dreaded kibble.

The Cookes, Hinckley

William has trusted me from the first day I met him and I have not let him down. All down to you and your training. Thank you Steve.

Margaret Crane, Nottingham

After meeting Steven from hearing him on BBC Radio Leicester I was really impressed with what he told me about my dog. I could not beleive how wrong I had been in interperating my dogs behaviour. I look forward to the classes as after a couple of hours my dog was much calmer. I have alot to learn as I now understand its my behaviour which has made my dog behave the way he does.

Becky Wardle.

The man at the kennels was right about Steven - he is good - VERY VERY good.
Many thanks,
Alan, Ann & Gavin Cooke, Hinckley.

Hi Steven,
It was great to meet you today. We have all learned a great deal. At the moment both dogs are fast asleep, behaving like angels. We now feel we have something positive to work with and have a better understanding of how a dog's mind works. I will contact you again in September.
Thank you again.
Regards

Nikki

Hi Steve,

I am so grateful for your observations at training last night. Because I have had William from a puppy, I was looking at his behaviour through rose coloured glasses. He certainly does have a few behavioural issues I need to deal with now before they get out of hand.

Thanks so much, Margaret and William.

"In Steven Havers you certainly have a man who not only understands how dogs think but can also pass this knowledge on to his clients." - Abbie Tillotson.

"Arriving at the class was a complete culture shock. I have never seen a class like this before and what a breath of fresh air it was.

The dogs are all walked calmly together before starting the training, although the walk was probably the biggest training of all.

I cannot thank Steve Havers enough for the hard work he has put into Mutley and the hard work he has put into us. I will most definately be continuing training with both dogs with Steve by attending his classes on a regular basis.

Being a veterinary nurse I thought I knew what a good diet was, until I read the nutrional information on the back of the packet showing it contained 27% of protein, only 3% more than was in the puppy food! I know such a high protein content can add to behavioural problems, and am just kicking myself for not picking up on such a blantantly obvious issue earlier - I was blinded by what I had learnt and was told from work. I think both dogs will be moving onto 'Duck Complete Excellent' very quickly - once we get a freezer big enough." - Lorna Thomas

“The progress we have made training Zac with Steven Havers is quite unbelievable. It's like having a different dog!!! “ – Lisa Woolman, Hinckley, Leics.

“ We can’t believe the dramatic change in such a very short space of time.” - Anastasia and Andy.

“Anytime we need help or advice Steven Havers is at the other end of the phone.
Thank you Steve “ - A F Porter, Hinckley.

“The difference is remarkable and we would recommend Havers Specialised Dog Training without hesitation" - Mr. and Mrs. Williams, Rugby

“The whole class is making good progress and everyone who comes is very pleased and we would all recommend Havers Specialised Dog Training to anyone” - Rob Taylor, Swadlincote, Derbyshire.

“What a wonderful dog training course! This is the first time we have attended classes where the trainer actually assesses the needs of the individual dogs and their owners” - Helen, Leicestershire.

“Within 2 hrs you had her walking at heel and the aggression under control and now she is coming along brilliantly.” - Pam, Hinckley.

“It has made such a difference already in both our dogs, the Jack Russell is a completely different dog overnight.” - Shaun and Krishia

“Can’t ever thank you enough!” - Alan and Helen.

"The results have been incredible. I am extremely grateful of the bond Havers Specialised Dog Training has enabled me to form with my dog.” - Heidi Price, Nottingham.

“The quality of the training for my dogs was superb and it has been money well spent. There are great improvements in both my dogs” – Cheryl Barnard, Dorset

“Steven Havers knows what he is doing and he does it so well. Once he explains the psychology of it all it all makes perfect sense” - Ellie & Mark Yates

“The difference in the dogs behaviour was miraculous” - Christine and Chris Dexter, Hinckley, Leicestershire.

“Tremendously rewarding” - Sandra Davis, Earl Shilton, Leics.

“We will certainly recommend Steven Havers in the future” - Sarah Russon