Nice to meet you
Dilnaz Baria
BSc (Hons), VSA Graduate (VSA-CDT)
Dear Guardians,
Welcome to A Different Dog- I hope you become part of the family. Let me tell you about myself.
My dog training journey started when I got my Husky x GSD girl, Tala, I had researched both breeds for a long time then a few years later I came across her on a website, one that I wouldn’t use any more or recommend. I met her whole family, and I was given the choice between her and her sister. I fell for her instantly- why? She came over and chewed my laces!
Fast forward to life with her, we got a trainer on Day 4 as I wanted to get things right from the start. I did 121s, classes and read widely because Tala was such a challenge, and mainly with me!! She would bite, growl and snap. I felt alone and heartbroken. But slowly, with my trainer’s support, I learnt to read her, how to provide for her needs rather than just my own. I focused on developing my relationship with her in a variety of ways that worked for both of us. Over time she has become an amazing dog, she was even handpicked by a behaviourist to support other dogs with challenging behaviours - it’s hard to believe how far we have come. I am so proud of her!
So why am I telling you this and what does it mean for you?
It means you are not alone, no matter the reason you are reaching out. I won’t leave you high and dry- if I am not the right person for you and your dog’s needs, I will steer you to those who may be able to support you.
My key aims are to support you to understand your dog and open the lines of communication, develop confidence, whether that is at the puppy stage, teenager dog or older dog. I want to support you and your dog on your own journey- to be your champion! My aim is to make sure that relationships are at the heart of all we do.
So, if I sound like your kind of trainer, get in touch and let’s start our journey. If I am not for you, thank you for getting this far.
Take care!
Dilnaz
P.S. In case you are wondering why I use the term guardians, it’s because I am rooted in developing a relationship, I don’t see our work together as just a transaction.
Scroll down to 'Why I'm Special' to see more about why you should choose to work with me.
Welcome to A Different Dog- I hope you become part of the family. Let me tell you about myself.
My dog training journey started when I got my Husky x GSD girl, Tala, I had researched both breeds for a long time then a few years later I came across her on a website, one that I wouldn’t use any more or recommend. I met her whole family, and I was given the choice between her and her sister. I fell for her instantly- why? She came over and chewed my laces!
Fast forward to life with her, we got a trainer on Day 4 as I wanted to get things right from the start. I did 121s, classes and read widely because Tala was such a challenge, and mainly with me!! She would bite, growl and snap. I felt alone and heartbroken. But slowly, with my trainer’s support, I learnt to read her, how to provide for her needs rather than just my own. I focused on developing my relationship with her in a variety of ways that worked for both of us. Over time she has become an amazing dog, she was even handpicked by a behaviourist to support other dogs with challenging behaviours - it’s hard to believe how far we have come. I am so proud of her!
So why am I telling you this and what does it mean for you?
It means you are not alone, no matter the reason you are reaching out. I won’t leave you high and dry- if I am not the right person for you and your dog’s needs, I will steer you to those who may be able to support you.
My key aims are to support you to understand your dog and open the lines of communication, develop confidence, whether that is at the puppy stage, teenager dog or older dog. I want to support you and your dog on your own journey- to be your champion! My aim is to make sure that relationships are at the heart of all we do.
So, if I sound like your kind of trainer, get in touch and let’s start our journey. If I am not for you, thank you for getting this far.
Take care!
Dilnaz
P.S. In case you are wondering why I use the term guardians, it’s because I am rooted in developing a relationship, I don’t see our work together as just a transaction.
Scroll down to 'Why I'm Special' to see more about why you should choose to work with me.
Tala
Here's Tala! She is a Husky x German Shepherd - a gorgeous, lively and confident dog. She loves other dogs, knows loads of super clever tricks and enjoys racing around like a crazy thing.
Here's Tala! She is a Husky x German Shepherd - a gorgeous, lively and confident dog. She loves other dogs, knows loads of super clever tricks and enjoys racing around like a crazy thing.
Don't just take my 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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Gretta was fab! I loved her sense of humour, tolerance, patience and the fact that I didn't feel judged. I loved learning the small steps to get to a goal. The classes were fun but informative.
Michele / Lucky
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I chose these A Different Dog after doing some research and looking at the APDT website. Recommendations from the local vet and pet shop reinforced that I had made a good choice. The classes were informal, fun and friendly. We learnt lots and feel more confident as doggy parents. A Different Dog is a great team - we would recommend and look forward to continuing our training with them.
Nicola / Murphy
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We have taken both of our puppies to training classes led by Claire and Dilnaz and the pups have loved attending. Their tails wag the moment they enter the room and realise it is training time. Everything is explained so clearly, the methodology is kind and reward-based and the instructors are lovely and encouraging. Thanks a million, A Different Dog!
Helen / George and Winston
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From finding our puppy through initial training we couldn’t be more pleased with the packages offered by a Different Dog. I am looking forward to continuing Molly’s training journey with Gretta and Claire.
Jane / Molly
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Why I'm 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 me rather special (if I do say so myself!):
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I am recommended by vets + previous clients
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I am experienced in
training and behaviour |
I keep up-to-date with world-class CPD
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I am professional and customer-focused
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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?
Because of my commitment to ethical methods and the drive for professional standards within the industry, I will always be happy to recommend other suitably qualified and experienced trainers and behaviour professionals to you - just ask! I want you and your dog to get the help you need, whether this is with me 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?
Because of my commitment to ethical methods and the drive for professional standards within the industry, I will always be happy to recommend other suitably qualified and experienced trainers and behaviour professionals to you - just ask! I want you and your dog to get the help you need, whether this is with me or another highly-skilled, properly-qualified colleague.
ACCREDITATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
