These are the dogs who shaped how I train.

Victor was found with his sisters, Luna and Gracie, at the side of a busy road in Romania at 4 months old. No mum in sight. He had a burn mark under his right eye, frequent practice in Romania to provoke aggression in potential guard dogs. They were picked up and taken to the rescue covered in fleas, lice and ticks, with stomachs full of worms.

Estelle has worked through lots of behaviours with Victor, including human aggression, resource guarding, traffic reactivity resulting in redirection on to her, as well as a high prey drive.

He is now a simply incredible stooge dog. Calm, balanced and neutral, but when it is time, friendly to all dogs and their owners. He is the first dog Estelle will use in sessions.

Boston was rescued with his mum and siblings from a drainpipe in Romania at only a few days old. He was rehomed in the UK at 4 months and returned to the rescue at 12 months old. Sadly, due to his behavioural issues and because Estelle was not able to take him in at that time, he was moved to a kennel. After 3 kennel moves, her situation had changed, meaning she could take him on as a foster dog in May 2021, and he never left.

Boston is an incredibly clever boy. His ability to learn new things astounds Estelle. He is the dog introduced last in sessions when clients are ready to step up the challenge and work around an off-lead dog at speed. He is super speedy and has lots of drive.

Most loving dog trainers Estelle knows were introduced to the profession when working through their own dog’s behavioural issues, and from there, realising they had a natural ability for it. Her own journey was the same. She has done theoretical learning and courses, but nothing is the same as hands-on experience. Collaborating with the dog in front of you and tailoring the training to suit both dog and owner.