Rewarding Dogs

28/06/2024

Our thanks to the RSPCA for producing the poster that is so relevant at this time of year. ☀️

11/05/2024

'Mike has recently had to deal with a serious case of sheep worrying.'

Our furry friends can attack sheep. This is a devastating situation for the farmer or crofter who owns the sheep and for the dog owner. Unfortunately, sheep attacks by dogs occur more often than we think. It can happen in a split second, with a dog getting into a field of sheep and causing chaos. The consequences of these attacks can be severe, with sheep being injured and killed.

You can read more on our website by following this link -

https://rewardingdogs.com/sheep-attack/

Warning: there is an extremely graphical image in the article.

27/01/2024

😍 Here's another review just in...

"Our session with Mike was fantastic. The lesson started out with a consultation which went in-depth on Monty's current behaviour and what needed to change.

The tips and tricks that Mike provided over the session has given a complete change to Monty's behaviour. Our daily routines and dog walks are now such a breeze. With the reactiveness reduced considerably.

The session provides the tools needed to move forward with Monty's behaviour.

Thank you to Mike for his help."

Craig

Comment from Mike - RWD

Monty is a 6-year-old Caucasian Shepherd/Rottweiler Cross and is actually a lovely, laid-back dog.

12/06/2023

Just received a very nice testimonial from the owner of a working cocker spaniel. Makes it all worthwhile...

To read this testimonial and others, just visit our website - https://rewardingdogs.com

24/01/2023

It’s now winter with a vengeance, which means something is happening. It happens every year. It’s the season for a dog’s behaviour to regress.

Every year around this time, we get emails and calls on the same theme. The stories vary but they are along the lines: “My dog was doing well. But the last couple weeks his/her behaviour has been going backwards.”

There’s a common theme that dogs aren’t getting enough of the right type of mental and physical exercise. The weather is getting colder and wetter, which keeps many owners indoors so their dogs aren’t getting out and about as they need to. The dogs become frustrated with pent-up energy, which has to find an outlet.

Your dog still has the same needs even with bad weather! Dogs need time where he or she is out and about, moving in a structured way, with no pulling and some focusing on you, which is what it takes to keep them calm and content.

Dogs who get that structured level of exercise, as well as time to sniff, run and play, are less likely to show aggression, be destructive, and whine, amongst other bad behaviour.

I know it may not be much fun to walk for a half hour in the driving rain or frozen snow, but your dog will thank you for it and his/her behaviour will be much better.

Keep warm & dry!

Mike

28/08/2022

Just a heads up folks, after Mike's return from his annual holiday, we find ourselves inundated with cries for help. Therefore, we have had to suspend all new consultations until further notice.

We will update our page and website as soon as the backlog has been cleared.

This of course does not affect our next training session in September that is already full.

You can still contact Mike by phone for a brief discussion if you have a pressing need for help.

Thanks in advance for your understanding.

Best regards,

Rewarding Dogs - Inverness.

01/08/2022

Here's another testimonial Mike has received today from another satisfied customer.

"Hi Mike,

Thank you for your advice. I am pleased to say Archie and Ruby are now best of friends.

I can’t believe the change in Archie over the last few years and even the last few months. He is an absolute pleasure to take out now and really is like a different dog, in all the best ways.

Thank you so much for all your help."

If you have a problem pooch, check out our website first, as Mike may have the solution for you.

www.rewardingdogs.com

13/07/2022

Great Danes and SUVs without sunroofs are far from ideal.

04/07/2022

Mike has just received the following testimonial from Brenda, the owner of Dexter, a Rottie X.

"Dexter is a 3 year old Rottie-x who we adopted a year ago. He's had a rough start in life - battered over the head which left him totally blind - thrown out of a car - months in a rescue in Spain - moved to a UK rescue then adopted - spent time in a flat alone when his adopter was hospitalised with mental illness.

We've had dogs all of our lives but a mixture of his blindness and his history made us over-do the sympathy and neglect his training. This created a spoilt but seemingly happy dog indoors and a hell-on-legs dog outside. This resulted in us limiting his outings to private bookings at a dog park or walking along a narrow lane and hoping like mad no cars/people/animals would appear.

I contacted Mike and after conversations via phone and email a visit was arranged. Because of the distance, he arrived at lunchtime and stayed until the following lunchtime. By the end of the visit Dexter understood the basics, had been in close proximity to two dogs, walked to heel on a loose lead, ignored traffic on the busy main road, learned not to drag people out of the front door - AND he'd spent time on a busy Saturday morning outside the entrance to Tesco - but thanks to Mike he was a star. We now know that Dexter is capable of doing what is asked of him and we just have to practice and make sure that we ask in a way he'll understand."

"Post-visit Mike sent us the Behaviour Modification Programme which explains in detail everything that was covered during the visit, which is wonderful for someone like me whose brain can only retain so much new information at a time. If you are struggling with your dog, please forget advice from friends, watching YouTube videos etc and just arrange a visit from Mike - you really won't be disappointed."

03/07/2022

Indeed it is...

Keep an eye out for pesky grass seeds! https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105499

13/06/2022

14/03/2022

Please make sure you keep your dog under control as the consequences do not bear thinking about!

To help make countryside dog walks safer and more stress-free for both pet dogs and farm animals, we’ve joined forces with The Kennel Club to give you some b...

09/03/2022

“Thank you Amy for the wonderful cake. It tastes just as good as it looks, fabulous!”

10/12/2021

++ UPDATE - 16.12.2021 ++

The first of the training sessions for 2022 is now fully booked.

++ UPDATE - 16.12.2021 ++

We are pleased to announce that from 12th January 2022 we are finally able to go back to our regular training venue at Raigmore Community Centre in Inverness.

Those that reach the required standard may take the Kennel Club Good Citizens Bronze certificate.

Training will start on 19th January and will continue for 9 weeks. The cost is £60 for the full course.

For those that reach the required standard may take the Kennel Club Good Citizens Bronze certificate.

To register for the beginners training course, please visit the following link to our website: https://rewardingdogs.com/beginners-training-class-registration-form/

We can only process registrations using the electronic form. Places are limited, so don't delay, register today!

This form is best completed on a tablet, laptop, or desktop.

02/12/2021

Jura, the English Springer Spaniel.

Thanks go to J & J R in Scotland for their comments after bringing Jura back under their control from running off and chasing sheep.

"Thank you so much for the help you gave us with Jura in the summer. Walks are so much more enjoyable now & her recall is 100 times better than it was. She's enjoying the training & recall too & seems more confident & happier. Just wanted to pass on our thanks!

15/11/2021

Mike has received another testimonial from Stephen A today.

"Mike helped me progress my dog to gain his full potential. I would highly recommend his services. He is the last trainer you will need to consult and the only trainer you’ll need to consult if you go to him first of all."

09/10/2021

Thanks for keeping us posted about Pablo the Doberman, Katie. Pleased to hear that everything has worked out fine for you and Pablo.

Kind regards,
Mike Grantham.

"It has been over two years since we used Mike’s service but please be assured although we haven’t written a testimony, we shout his names from the roof tops.

We got in touch with Mike a short time after rescuing our dog, Pablo. It was very clear to us that Pablo was a difficult dog and we needed the right guidance to tackle these issues. Pablo was a reactive dog, we didn’t get much information on his past but we did know that he had never been socialised. This was obvious when walking Pablo as his behaviour to dogs was not acceptable and quite frankly embarrassing.

With the help from Mike, we went to work on not letting him away with his nonsense. Mike really showed us how to handle him properly and tackle his difficult behaviour. I remember Mike saying, “3 months and you should see a difference”. While we saw the difference in smaller areas in the bigger areas I still struggled. But I persevered and after 9 months I saw all the hard work we’d put in really come together.

The big thing for me is how in control of any situation I feel. Mike really helped my confidence in handling Pablo and for that I am really thankful!

Over the course of two years, we have had comments telling us to get our dog under control to what a well trained dog. All the hard work has been worth it.

Mike is defiantly the trainer for you if you want a no nonsense approach. Mike is fantastic at what he does and we’re so thankful for all he did to help us give Pablo the best quality of life! "
We got in touch with Mike a short time after rescuing our dog, Pablo. It was very clear to us that Pablo was a difficult dog and we needed the right guidance to tackle these issues. Pablo was a reactive dog, we didn’t get much information on his past but we did know that he had never been socialised. This was obvious when walking Pablo as his behaviour toward dogs was not acceptable and quite frankly embarrassing.

06/10/2021

Moving forward with Zoom Meetings & Home Visits.

Book a Consultation today!

Following the latest situation regarding COVID-19 in Scotland, we would like to update you on the services we can offer.

We can now provide in-person sessions, under the current social distancing rules and regulations. We are limiting visits to within the Highlands for the time being.

There is still the option of Zoom meetings. This has proved popular and can be followed up with an in-person, outdoor session.

The Zoom meeting will last around an hour, to get all the background information we need and a feel for what is going on. This will give me an understanding of the problem and an idea of what we need to do. It will probably be followed up with a written summary of the first stage of the required behaviour modification.

An in-person, or face-to-face session may last 3 to 5 hours and will deal hands-on with the specific problems. Most cases will not require further visits but will have free phone/email backup and support. Sometimes, more than one visit (or another Zoom session) may be necessary. Again, a written summary is provided as a hard copy in an easy-to-read format.

Where Zoom is involved, our charge is £40 per hour. We add time involved in writing to the hourly rate. Where there is a single in-person consultation, the charge is £175 regardless of the time involved. Mileage is charged at 45p per mile outside of Inverness.

What’s the next step?

Complete our ‘Consultation booking form’ on the Website, or call us on 01463 230 757 if you would like further information.

Both your safety and ours are, of course, our priority.

Stay safe, everyone.

Mike Grantham
Rewarding Dogs – Inverness

29/09/2021

Mike is happy to announce that he is again taking bookings for consultations and referrals.

Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen an extraordinary increase over the past 18 months with problem pooches. Some of these can be linked to rescue dogs coming in from Eastern Europe.

The hall that we were using is still contracted out to NHS - Scotland. Speaking with the local authority yesterday, this is an open-ended contract and as such, there is no sign of early termination.

We are trying our best to find an indoor location locally, that is both suitable in terms of size and are willing to accommodate our four-legged companions for training sessions. As soon as we find a location that meets our needs and requirements, we will update both our website and page.

In the meantime, to arrange a consultation, please visit - https://rewardingdogs.com/consultation-booking-form/

Thanks to all of our friends and followers for your kind messages of support in these trying times.

Mike Grantham
Rewarding Dogs - Inverness

16/07/2021

Since the onset of the Pandemic we have answered all enquiries to the best of our ability.

However, now that restrictions are easing we are seeing a rapid increase in cries for help with problem pooches. So much so, that to be able to properly look after our current clients, we have had to put a hold on all additional requests for help.

This will give Mike Grantham a chance to clear the backlog. This, together with a bit of planned annual leave, means that we should start taking new enquiries from the begining of September of this year.

We will update both our website and pages when we have cleared our backlog.

That said, should anyone have an urgent need for help, we will do our best to handle this with a telephone call.

Thanking you all in advance for your understanding in these extraordinary times.

Rewarding Dogs – Inverness.

16th July 2021

25/06/2021

Here's a testimonial from a happy Husky owner just received by Mike Grantham today...

I want to thank you so much as there has been so much progress.
We are quite happy with Sky's behaviour now:
- she happily can stay home by herself with no problem for up to 3 hours.
- she is more responsive.
- she can be off leash on known and safe walks, around the house, and on the farm courtyard.
- she walks to heel happily even when off leash.
- she come quicker and do not pull anymore!
- our relation evolved for the best (more playful, waiting for our signal)

Again, a huge thank you, her and our life are so much better now!
Charlotte

31/05/2021

And "they" say these dogs can’t be let off the lead!

Here's a lovely testimonial from the owner of Blue, an Alaskan Malamute -

"Evening Mike, Louise and Blue here. Just wanted to catch up and show you the amazing progress Blue has made with your expertise and guidance. He is now safety off the lead on woodland walks and recall is worth the work".

Big thanks! Louise