What We’re All About
‘Understanding Dogs: Enriching Lives’ – we don’t just say it, we live it; this is truly at the heart of everything we do. By really understanding dogs, we can help you build a great relationship with your canine companion so that having a dog in your life is the joy that it should be.
We specialise in working with pet dogs (rather than working dogs or competition dogs) because we feel that the importance of having a dog which is a happy, well-adjusted, well-mannered member of the family cannot be underestimated. However, achieving this takes a very special set of skills; pet dogs need resilience, adaptability, tolerance, self-control and confidence if we are to set them up for success in our busy, modern lives. We use kind, compassionate, force-free methods, underpinned by science, to help you and your dog both succeed. The days of stuffy instructors, intimidation of dogs, over-crowded classes, out-dated curricula and stressful assessments are over (or, at least they should be!). We believe that dog training should be fun, bond-building and useful to real life.
However, we like to think that we offer more than great dog training and behaviour services; our clients tell us that it is the relationships that we build with them and their dogs that really makes us special. Scroll down to 'Why We're Special' to see more about why you should choose to work with us and if you want to know more about how we do what we do, we’d be delighted to share it with you... Just take a look at ‘How We Work’.
We specialise in working with pet dogs (rather than working dogs or competition dogs) because we feel that the importance of having a dog which is a happy, well-adjusted, well-mannered member of the family cannot be underestimated. However, achieving this takes a very special set of skills; pet dogs need resilience, adaptability, tolerance, self-control and confidence if we are to set them up for success in our busy, modern lives. We use kind, compassionate, force-free methods, underpinned by science, to help you and your dog both succeed. The days of stuffy instructors, intimidation of dogs, over-crowded classes, out-dated curricula and stressful assessments are over (or, at least they should be!). We believe that dog training should be fun, bond-building and useful to real life.
However, we like to think that we offer more than great dog training and behaviour services; our clients tell us that it is the relationships that we build with them and their dogs that really makes us special. Scroll down to 'Why We're Special' to see more about why you should choose to work with us and if you want to know more about how we do what we do, we’d be delighted to share it with you... Just take a look at ‘How We Work’.
Who We Are
Gretta Ford Post Grad CAB, MA (Hons), GDipABM, ADipCBM Dog Trainer & Behaviourist My love of dogs is huge part of who I am and I currently have a Hungarian Vizsla (Lola) and a Working Cocker Spaniel (Pedro) in my family. I am fascinated by the science of learning and admit to being obsessed with canine communication and dog body language! My passion is in helping people and dogs have wonderful lives together. |
Claire Mellor BSc (Hons), Dip Canine Coaching Dog Trainer I first met Gretta when she helped me with my French Bulldog (Pierre). Gretta changed my approach and ignited my passion for dog training. Since then, I have been personally mentored by Gretta and undertaken a Diploma in Canine Coaching to enable me to do this wonderful job! I love what I do because it is fun for the whole family and it really works. |
Dilnaz Baria BSc (Hons) Student Dog Trainer I met Gretta shortly after getting my Husky x GSD (Tala). I wanted to do things right from the start and no one else came close to her level of qualifications. Having 'caught the bug', I am now in the process of changing careers from school teaching to a dog training, with the Victoria Stilwell Academy (VSA)! I hope to specialise in Northern breeds and challenging behaviours. |
Sarah Lane BSc (Hons), VSA Graduate Dog Trainer After a career in IT Project Management, I decided it was time for a change. I enrolled on the prestigious Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Trainers course and was mentored by Gretta. Having qualified with distinction in 2016, I continue to work with A Different Dog by providing holiday cover, alongside running my own dog training school in Berkshire. |
Lisa Sinnott BA (Hons) Specialist 1:1 Dog Walker Having worked for an assistance dog charity after finishing university, I decided to start a dog walking business.... with a difference. By only walking dogs 1:1 and ensuring I am formally educated in canine body language and behaviour, I can tailor dog walks to meet a dog's individual needs and support owners with their dog's behaviour/ training plan. |
Lola Lola is Gretta's dog. She is the 'big sister' of the gang – she takes no nonsense but is a softie at heart. Her favourite things are chasing squirrels in the woods and lounging around in the sun. |
Pedro Pedro is also Gretta's dog. He loves everyone and everything. He’s a sensitive soul and totally adores his big sister, Lola. His idea of heaven is sniffing out rabbits and paddling in the river. |
Pierre Pierre is Claire's dog. He is a cheeky chap. He's full of character and charms everyone he meets. He enjoys swimming and racing around but is equally happy cuddled up, snoozing on the sofa. |
Why We’re Special
There are many trainers and behaviourists out there so why should you choose A Different Dog? Well, here are just a few of the things that make us rather special (if we do say so ourselves!):
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We're recommended by vets + previous clients
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We are experienced in
training and behaviour |
We keep up-to-date with world-class CPD
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We are professional and customer-focused
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Don't just take our word for it...
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We have been complimented so many times on our dog's lovely manners,
which is entirely down to the expert tuition at A Different Dog.
The classes provide a safe, fun and comfortable environment for owners and dogs alike.
Not only did we all look forward to the classes each week, we learnt so much!
which is entirely down to the expert tuition at A Different Dog.
The classes provide a safe, fun and comfortable environment for owners and dogs alike.
Not only did we all look forward to the classes each week, we learnt so much!
Caroline and Jennifer (with Albert)
Lynn / Dixie
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Gretta is a fabulous trainer! She somehow manages to make time for canines and humans alike, understanding each participant in her class. Her 'dogology' is endless!
Everyone enjoyed the classes very much, but then it's Gretta and dogs
- such a wonderful combination!
Everyone enjoyed the classes very much, but then it's Gretta and dogs
- such a wonderful combination!
Joan
Julie / Elsa
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Having struggled for 9 months (with input from other trainers, behaviourists
and my vet), the change after just one day of working with you is unbelievable.
Archie really is a different dog - more relaxed and much happier.
I can never thank you enough. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
and my vet), the change after just one day of working with you is unbelievable.
Archie really is a different dog - more relaxed and much happier.
I can never thank you enough. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Natasha
Joan / Archie
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After conducting extensive research about local dog trainers, we chose A Different Dog.
Gretta was clearly highly-qualified and we trusted that she would
know what she was doing - she didn't disappoint!
Our experience with A Different Dog has been positive from start to finish.
Gretta was clearly highly-qualified and we trusted that she would
know what she was doing - she didn't disappoint!
Our experience with A Different Dog has been positive from start to finish.
Ceri
Elizabeth / Annie
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A Different Dog's training classes have been invaluable. The fun, interactive sessions in bite-size chunks have made teaching Alfie (and ourselves) a pleasure and something to look forward to every week! We also benefited from a 1:1 session when we first bought Alfie home at 10 weeks, which taught us how to be good parents. We highly recommend A Different Dog.
Lizzie
Bev / Alfie
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Before going to A Different Dog I had taken our dog to another trainer whose method was to dominate the dog and rule through fear. It was a bad experience for all of us.
Choosing A Different Dog was by far the best decision we ever made for our family;
we now know how to get the best out of our dog.
Choosing A Different Dog was by far the best decision we ever made for our family;
we now know how to get the best out of our dog.
Lynn
Natasha / Jessy
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Thank you so much for all your advice and help over the last few months.
Tala truly is a different dog and it is all thanks to your help and support with her
(and us becoming better owners); we could not have done this without you.
I would 100% recommend A Different Dog without a shadow of doubt.
Tala truly is a different dog and it is all thanks to your help and support with her
(and us becoming better owners); we could not have done this without you.
I would 100% recommend A Different Dog without a shadow of doubt.
Dilnaz / Tala
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We really enjoyed attending the classes, almost as much as Harper did!
We learnt a lot and have been given many extra tips and pieces of advice
to work on over the next few months.
The teaching is first class and the dogs can't fail to improve!
We learnt a lot and have been given many extra tips and pieces of advice
to work on over the next few months.
The teaching is first class and the dogs can't fail to improve!
Archie and Jo / Harper
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I’m not sure who enjoyed the training classes more…. me or Bracken!
We have completed Bronze, Silver, Gold and Recall and are looking forward to doing more classes. They are so much fun as they are always a nice size and very interactive, meaning the hour flies by!
I can’t recommend A Different Dog enough!
We have completed Bronze, Silver, Gold and Recall and are looking forward to doing more classes. They are so much fun as they are always a nice size and very interactive, meaning the hour flies by!
I can’t recommend A Different Dog enough!
Penny / Bracken
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When we first got Yogi, we quickly discovered that many tips we found in dog training books didn't work for us. With Gretta we learned that each breed has it's own little quirks and that each dog is different; her knowledge of dog psychology helped us understand our puppy better and get amazing results really quickly. I am so happy we found you!
Maya / Yogi
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I took my dog to Gretta's wonderful puppy classes and, even though we've moved away from the area, I still like to go to her when I need help or advice with my spaniel. We had experienced a specific problem behaviour recently, so I made a booking for a Helpline call through the website and was able to speak to Gretta the following day. I explained the problem and took notes on all the advice she had for me. She then sent me through LOADS of websites, videos and fact sheets which was really helpful. I have a lot to be working through! I would highly recommend the Telephone Helpline service to anyone who is short of time or doesn't live locally.
Hanna / Byron
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We've struggled with our dog's behaviour for months, unsure how best to deal with it. We have used other behaviourists who have fallen short. Gretta was wonderful and gave us really simple, effective and practical exercises to do. She also pointed out signs we had missed and taught us to understand what our dog had been trying to tell us all along. Millau improved within days and continues to do so. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Gretta and her team to work with any dog that needs a bit of help. Fantastic service, very professional and incredibly helpful.
Lydia / Millau
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He may look cute but he can be a menace when he's on the lead! Oscar loves going for walks and being off the lead but, as a result, his lead walking skills have got progressively worse over the last year. We booked the 1 to 1 lead walking course with Gretta and it has been brilliant. Gretta tailored the course to his personality and gave us some great tips and methods to continue training him. The change in his attitude whilst out was almost instant and we couldn't be more grateful.
Eloise / Oscar
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Our Story
[WRITTEN BY GRETTA]
It all began with Lola, my Hungarian Vizsla... I was working as a Deputy Headteacher at a local Primary School and excitedly waiting for the day I could collect my new puppy; I devoured puppy books and training websites, wanting to learn all I could before the big day. Having researched puppy classes in the local area, I thought I had found a gem; the trainer assured me that she was experienced and that up-to-date positive training methods were used. I eagerly snapped up my place and, when the day came to take my pup along, I was full of enthusiasm.
However, this soon faded when there was an off-lead ‘free-for-all’ as soon as we entered the hall, with some of the puppies being intimidated and bombarded by others who were older or more confident. The trainer reassured us all that the puppies would ‘sort themselves out’ and we should leave them to it. Something didn’t feel right. Soon, one of the puppies got a little boisterous. In response, the trainer grabbed the puppy and forced on to its back on the floor, with the explanation that it needed to be ‘flipped’ and ‘pinned’ until it ‘submitted’. At this point, the knowledge I'd gained from all of that eager 'puppy-book' reading reassured me that my gut feeling was right; these ‘alpha rolls’ are outdated, misguided and downright dangerous, with lots of evidence that this sort of handling leads to dogs that are more aggressive and less predictable (if you want to know more about this and read the scientific research, take a look at ‘How We Work’). Later, when the trainer did the same thing to Lola, I had to intervene. Not one to enjoy confrontation, I quietly took my bemused and scared puppy back to my place, waited for the session to end and then never went back, forfeiting the significant cost of the course of classes and the One to One sessions we had booked and paid for.
Angry with myself for choosing this trainer (despite my best efforts) and for not speaking up or leaving the session sooner, I vowed to do things differently - to do things better.
Many months later, armed with up-to-date information and research into best practice, having then undertaken a degree-level qualification in Canine Behaviour Management (ADipCBM - passed with Distinction, cum laude), alongside the skills from my teaching background and gained by working alongside other trainers, I began my professional dog training journey with the hope of offering another option; one based on professionalism and a sound understanding of dogs... A Different Dog. A Different Dog is so-called because it struck me how often people would comment, after working with their dogs, that it was like having 'a different dog'!
As the business grew, we have expanded and I am delighted and privileged to have Claire working alongside me. I hand-picked and personally mentored Claire (while she worked on her Diploma in Canine Coaching, at which she excelled - getting a mind-blowing distinction of 100%!) so that, together, we could offer even more dogs and owners a great, professional, quality service. More recently, Dilnaz has become a regular, super-helpful assistant at our training classes and is now beginning her journey to qualify as a dog trainer in a career change from teaching children! We are also very lucky to now have Lisa on the team - a professional, highly trained dog walker who can support owners of 'reactive' dogs by walking them 1:1 and implementing the individual behaviour protocols that we have devised. Sarah (who sometimes covers for us if we are on holiday) is a graduate of the Victoria Stilwell Academy, having been mentored by Gretta while she was a student. She now runs a successful dog training business in Berkshire. In addition, we are often joined by assistants and student dog trainers, including those mentored by us for the Victoria Stilwell Dog Training Academy.
We are proud of our reputation and the recognition that we have achieved over the years. Gretta is registered as a Certified Canine Behaviourist and Certified Dog Trainer (INTO Dogs), a full member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), an approved Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Trainer (VSPDT), an Accredited Behaviourist and Animal Training Instructor (ABTC), a fully Certified Member of the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC) and a member of the British Veterinary Behaviour Association. Both Gretta and Claire are committed members of the Pet Professional Guild and A Different Dog has even been featured on TV; our training sessions with an RSPCA rescue puppy were filmed for the Channel 5 TV show, The Dog Rescuers!
Of course, the story doesn’t end there….. we continue to refine our skills and increase our knowledge (through continually investing in many hundreds of hours of Continuing Professional Development from the world’s experts in canine behaviour and training) in our drive to help people and their dogs. Most recently, Claire is undertaking a further diploma (Canine Behaviour Professional); Dilnaz is a student at the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Trainers; Lisa is working on her diploma and has just completed a course in canine body language and Gretta has gained a distinction in her Graduate Diploma in Animal Behaviour Management (GDipABM) her postgraduate qualification in Clinical Animal Behaviour with the world-famous Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh, as well as having a dog behaviour research paper published... you can see it here if you're interested!
We look forward to helping you discover just how great your dog can be.
However, this soon faded when there was an off-lead ‘free-for-all’ as soon as we entered the hall, with some of the puppies being intimidated and bombarded by others who were older or more confident. The trainer reassured us all that the puppies would ‘sort themselves out’ and we should leave them to it. Something didn’t feel right. Soon, one of the puppies got a little boisterous. In response, the trainer grabbed the puppy and forced on to its back on the floor, with the explanation that it needed to be ‘flipped’ and ‘pinned’ until it ‘submitted’. At this point, the knowledge I'd gained from all of that eager 'puppy-book' reading reassured me that my gut feeling was right; these ‘alpha rolls’ are outdated, misguided and downright dangerous, with lots of evidence that this sort of handling leads to dogs that are more aggressive and less predictable (if you want to know more about this and read the scientific research, take a look at ‘How We Work’). Later, when the trainer did the same thing to Lola, I had to intervene. Not one to enjoy confrontation, I quietly took my bemused and scared puppy back to my place, waited for the session to end and then never went back, forfeiting the significant cost of the course of classes and the One to One sessions we had booked and paid for.
Angry with myself for choosing this trainer (despite my best efforts) and for not speaking up or leaving the session sooner, I vowed to do things differently - to do things better.
Many months later, armed with up-to-date information and research into best practice, having then undertaken a degree-level qualification in Canine Behaviour Management (ADipCBM - passed with Distinction, cum laude), alongside the skills from my teaching background and gained by working alongside other trainers, I began my professional dog training journey with the hope of offering another option; one based on professionalism and a sound understanding of dogs... A Different Dog. A Different Dog is so-called because it struck me how often people would comment, after working with their dogs, that it was like having 'a different dog'!
As the business grew, we have expanded and I am delighted and privileged to have Claire working alongside me. I hand-picked and personally mentored Claire (while she worked on her Diploma in Canine Coaching, at which she excelled - getting a mind-blowing distinction of 100%!) so that, together, we could offer even more dogs and owners a great, professional, quality service. More recently, Dilnaz has become a regular, super-helpful assistant at our training classes and is now beginning her journey to qualify as a dog trainer in a career change from teaching children! We are also very lucky to now have Lisa on the team - a professional, highly trained dog walker who can support owners of 'reactive' dogs by walking them 1:1 and implementing the individual behaviour protocols that we have devised. Sarah (who sometimes covers for us if we are on holiday) is a graduate of the Victoria Stilwell Academy, having been mentored by Gretta while she was a student. She now runs a successful dog training business in Berkshire. In addition, we are often joined by assistants and student dog trainers, including those mentored by us for the Victoria Stilwell Dog Training Academy.
We are proud of our reputation and the recognition that we have achieved over the years. Gretta is registered as a Certified Canine Behaviourist and Certified Dog Trainer (INTO Dogs), a full member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), an approved Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Trainer (VSPDT), an Accredited Behaviourist and Animal Training Instructor (ABTC), a fully Certified Member of the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC) and a member of the British Veterinary Behaviour Association. Both Gretta and Claire are committed members of the Pet Professional Guild and A Different Dog has even been featured on TV; our training sessions with an RSPCA rescue puppy were filmed for the Channel 5 TV show, The Dog Rescuers!
Of course, the story doesn’t end there….. we continue to refine our skills and increase our knowledge (through continually investing in many hundreds of hours of Continuing Professional Development from the world’s experts in canine behaviour and training) in our drive to help people and their dogs. Most recently, Claire is undertaking a further diploma (Canine Behaviour Professional); Dilnaz is a student at the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Trainers; Lisa is working on her diploma and has just completed a course in canine body language and Gretta has gained a distinction in her Graduate Diploma in Animal Behaviour Management (GDipABM) her postgraduate qualification in Clinical Animal Behaviour with the world-famous Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh, as well as having a dog behaviour research paper published... you can see it here if you're interested!
We look forward to helping you discover just how great your dog can be.
DID YOU KNOW?
Unfortunately, anyone can call themselves a dog trainer or behaviourist as it is legally an unregulated industry. This makes choosing a dog trainer or behaviourist quite a challenge!
Some impressive-sounding 'titles', qualifications and memberships actually mean very little. Sadly, some only require evidence of a certain number of years of doing the job rather than an assessment of the person’s knowledge and skills (you could have been doing the job terribly for 20 years!) and others can simply be purchased with payment of an annual fee and nothing more. Shocking, isn't it?
Fortunately, the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) was established in 2010 as a voluntary regulatory body for animal trainers and behaviourists in the UK, working in association with the British Veterinary Association, RSPCA, Dogs Trust and many more leading charities and professional organisations, with the aim of ‘setting, overseeing and monitoring standards of professional competence in the practice of behaviour therapy and training of animals’. You can search for ABTC registered professionals here.
Because of our commitment to ethical methods and the drive for professional standards within the industry, we will always be happy to recommend other suitably qualified and experienced trainers and behaviour professionals to you - just ask! We want you and your dog to get the help you need, whether this is with us or another highly-skilled, properly-qualified colleague.
Some impressive-sounding 'titles', qualifications and memberships actually mean very little. Sadly, some only require evidence of a certain number of years of doing the job rather than an assessment of the person’s knowledge and skills (you could have been doing the job terribly for 20 years!) and others can simply be purchased with payment of an annual fee and nothing more. Shocking, isn't it?
Fortunately, the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) was established in 2010 as a voluntary regulatory body for animal trainers and behaviourists in the UK, working in association with the British Veterinary Association, RSPCA, Dogs Trust and many more leading charities and professional organisations, with the aim of ‘setting, overseeing and monitoring standards of professional competence in the practice of behaviour therapy and training of animals’. You can search for ABTC registered professionals here.
Because of our commitment to ethical methods and the drive for professional standards within the industry, we will always be happy to recommend other suitably qualified and experienced trainers and behaviour professionals to you - just ask! We want you and your dog to get the help you need, whether this is with us or another highly-skilled, properly-qualified colleague.
ACCREDITATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
