Testimonials

RUBY (day care/dog walking/pet sitting/house sitting/training)

Since our very lively 3 year old Boxer, Ruby, has been attending training with Martin at Tails and Trails the difference in her behaviour is astounding.
Beforehand Ruby had issues around other dogs, but Martin has improved her greatly.

Family circumstances meant she was unable to have the full attention she needed and this is where Martin also filled the gap.
It is evident that Martin has a great affinity with the dogs in his care, which is borne out by the fact that Ruby waits patiently for at least an hour by the gate waiting for him to arrive to collect her on her day out with him!
Ruby is now a real pleasure rather than a stress factor!

Kind regards

Patricia Meldrum

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George (dog walking)

George is our 18 month old black Labrador and family pet. For such a young dog, George has already had a major operation for elbow dysplacia. George is a vibrant young dog who loves his walks and to play but unfortunately, his poorly leg sometimes makes it difficult for him to do everything he wants to. Martin has taken George under his wing and is his dog walker three times a week.

As Martin has worked with injured animals in the past, he understands George's condition and works carefully with him to make him stronger. Martin knows the exercises that should be encouraged and those that should be discouraged due to his condition. Martin gives me valuable feedback on George after a walk so I know how much exercise he should have for the rest of the day.
George is a social animal and Martin continues to socialise George with other dogs on their walks which I know George loves and is another important element to his development. I know that this partnership is the best thing for George and the best thing for me as it gives me great peace of mind that my George is being looked after extremely well.

Kind regards Caroline Horden

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Ben (pet sitting/dog walking)

Martin looked after my very old, a little bit blind, very deaf dog whilst I was away on holiday. He did a splendid job and Benny warmed to him immediately. I trusted Martin to be sympathetic and reliable.

He proved to be more than this; he is a fantastic pet sitter and I would definitely use him again.

Petrina Snelling

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Testimonial from the Gouldings (dog training/day care/pet sitting)

It has been great to work with Martin. He gave us lots of good advice and techniques for training our two boys. Most of all, we learnt to recognise what our boys are trying to tell us, and to act accordingly.
We found Martin very receptive and observant of our boys and he had a great rapport with them from Day 1.
We are looking forward to seeing Martin again in the future!

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Paddy (dog walking/dog training/behaviour work)

Paddy is just under three years old and is a very lively English Springer Spaniel.

He doesn’t have an off button though. So we needed someone who really understood dogs and who could properly manage a real livewire of a hound. We did have one person come round however their only stated qualification was that they once lived somewhere near The Dog Whisperer. That did not work at all as she clearly couldn’t handle dogs properly at all. (p.s. I once lived near Elton John, but that doesn’t mean I can play the piano. So you have to be careful that the person you chose has the right pedigree themselves).

So we were really nervous about getting anyone else in to look after Paddy. Paddy is just under three years old and is a very lively English Springer Then Martin came recommended so we invited him round to assess him. Given our first experience we were really nervous. However he set our minds straight immediately as it was absolutely clear that he knew how to manage dogs. Even ones that only understand full on 100% and won’t slow down.

Although Paddy is nervous around strangers, he and Martin soon became friends. Even to the point where our neighbours would comment on how good they were working together. On that basis we have no hesitation in recommending Martin to anyone. As long as that doesn’t mean that we lose our dog walker! That’s Paddy’s best friend.

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Jack & Chloe (pet sitting)

I just wanted to write to say thank you for looking after Jack and Chloe whilst we were away for a fortnight.
They both seemed really happy and it was lovely to receive your messages and photos to put our minds at ease.
I would happily recommend your services and feel that keeping our cats at home in their own environment is a much better solution to that of a cattery.

With many thanks

Alison

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Darcy & Sabre (dog walking)

Martin walks our dogs on Thursdays and Fridays while my husband and I are at work.
They are two bossy German Shepherds requiring firm handling and Martin took the reins very quickly, litterally and figuratively.
He gives them good, long walks at various locations, with some training and games thrown in for fun. They meet other dogs and socialize too.
I rate Martin's knowledge of dog behaviour, training, agility, tracking etc highly, which sets him apart in my mind as a professional dog walker rather than just doing it as a hobby or for pin money.

Martin seems genuinely fond of our dogs, they are always pleased to see him, look forward to their walks with him very much and I suppose dogs are the best judges!

For our part, we have found Martin to be reliable, flexible, honest and trust worthy.

Louise Hughes

Sabre and Darcy can be worried about strangers and new dogs. We at Tails and Trails believe in following guidelines set by owners, and being socially responsible of all dogs in our care. With this in mind, we will also work on any issues the dogs may have. Sabre and Darcy now have many friends.

We were delighted to find Martin via an advert at the Dutch Nursery .

Our Rottweiler Tom is a delightful boy but has an unusual amount of energy , too much for our regular walks alone to exhaust.

Not only does Martin exercise him but he also introduces him to other dog’s including his own for a mutual trot and play .

We have had 3 Rotty’s (one at a time ! ) from rescue centre’s and have found them to be big cuddly bears , you have to be on top of their training as with any dog, and we trained all from puppy classes onwards .

It is sad that the breed can be condemned by some without any actual knowledge. Martin however simply treated him as any other dog , in fact I have seen them (Martin and Tom ) having the occasional cuddle!

Martin is a delightful chap and we are more than pleased with his professional approach, and feel Tom is in safe hands when out with him and other dogs.

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Poppy and Nessie (dog walking)

Unfortunately no-one can be there for their dogs 24 hours a day and when we have to leave our girls, Martin and Anne from Tails and Trails pop in (sometimes at very short notice) to let them out for the toilet, a feed, play and of course, some good quality cuddles! Ness and Poppy are both rescue dogs and can be nervous with new people (especially men), but it didn’t take long for Martin and Anne to win them around, so that now they couldn’t be more excited when they see them. We can wholeheartedly recommend Tails and Trails to other pet owners for a really reasonably priced, fantastic, reliable service.

Vicki Horsley

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Harley and Teddy (dog walking/behaviour work)

I have been using Martin’s services since March of this year. Working from home I don’t have regular scheduled needs for walks for my 2 Greyhounds, Harley and Teddy, but I do have ad-hoc needs for my 2 boys to be cared for. This ranges from walks when I need to be out for a day to 24 hours pet sitting when I need to be away overnight and training. Martin has always managed to fit me in, often times with very little notice at all. Finding someone to care for my boys on such an ad-hoc basis was a godsend.

Harley and Teddy at ages 6 and 7, having spent their entire lives in kennels were institutionalised, nervous dogs very afraid of the big wide world and particularly afraid of men. Martin fully understood this and from day 1 has worked so patiently with them. He suggested T-Touch and basic training for each of them and they have really come on and they love it, Harley doesn't pull or spin on the lead anywhere near as much as he used to.

They trust him completely and now wag their tails and do little jumps when greeting him (just to put this into perspective it was weeks before they showed this kind of greeting even to me their owner, so the fact that Martin has established this level of confidence in them is really quite something).

Martin, thank you, it means so much knowing that Harley and Teddy are well cared for and fussed over when I need to be out/away.

Pauline Austin

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Christie Cat - "peace of mind with Christie" (pet sitting)

Martin looked after my cat while I was away- I have never used professional pet-sitters before, and I was very impressed by the way Martin approached the task- he is patient and caring, clearly very professional yet friendly and approachable.I would recommend Tails and Trails to everyone who is looking for that peace of mind while away- I won't ever consider cattery as long as Martin is available. Thank you!

Sofia Kalganova, 28th July 2011

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Tani and Kahu (pet sitting/house sitting/dog walking)

I found Martin and Anne online via their website eight months ago.  
The first thing I noticed was how promptly my inquiry was responded too and that they were willing to come 
and have a meet and greet with my two huskies and see if their services would fit what was needed.
I’ve always been very cautious with my huskies, whilst well behaved they are extremely strong-willed 
and have a tendency to take off.  
They fell in love with Martin and Anne immediately; and after seeing them walk my two I felt all concerns melt away!  
They both have a very good sense of dog ‘behaviors’ and solid training methods.  
Tani and Kahu are always very happy to see them and as a vet student on rotations it’s wonderful that Martin and Anne 
are so flexible in working with my schedule.  
Thank you two so much!!
 
Jennifer Lenarz

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Nazzy (dog walking)

It was a hard transition having to change jobs and no longer be home based. But with the help of Martin, everything went smoothly and I felt my little man was in safe hands whilst I was out at work. The texts and picture messages I received helped put my mind at rest.
I know without doubt that Nazzy enjoys spending time with Martin, and its a delight to see him happy and his tail wagging as they set out for their walks. It's also a great help, that outside of my normal schedule Martin is always on hand for extra walking sessions if needed.

Thank you Martin for all the effort that you put in to help make a stressful situation a lot easier to deal with

Regards,

Melanie Hughes

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Charlie (pet sitting)

We have used Martin and Anne to look after our cocker spaniel Charlie, for the past 3 years. Both he and Anne provide a great service. They absolutely love dogs and totally understand them.

We know that we can go away on holiday, with total confidence that he will be not only walked (every day), fed and watered, but totally spoilt with lots of hugs and love.

If you are looking for the personal touch, where your dog will be looked after as an individual, not just another dog in the kennel, then Martin’s service is the one for you!

I cannot recommend them highly enough.

Joanna Lawson

Daisy (pet sitting)

I knew Daisy would be well looked after from the first contact with Martin and Anne. Their attention to detail was excellent. I was very reassured to see where Daisy would be staying. Daisy was indeed happy to stay at Tails and Trails.
I was so happy she was in a family home, rather than kennels.

Katie P.

Milo (pet sitting)

We write to say how delighted we both were with Milo's treatment following his stay with Martin and Anne. Being a four month year old Tibetian terrier running on a duracell he needs much care and attention! He clearly received this. Thank you so much for the updates via e-mail including the film of his play in the river! It left us both reassured.

As you know we had visited other sitters and kennels but were particularly impressed by your experience and handling of Milo. His interaction with Sally and Charlie was brilliant and has taught him how to behave with bigger dogs. His introduction to the cats has also taught him another valuable lesson and the story of him sleeping with Memphis on the sofa shows that we may consider taking in a rescue cat ourselves.

It was clear upon our return that he had thoroughly enjoyed his stay with you. So much so we were concerned he may not want to return home! We have had no hesitation in recommending your services to our friends.

As you know we have booked him in for a further stay and we know he will once again enjoy himself!

Tim and Carol Norris

My dog Bryn is large, vocal and overprotective. He views most strangers as a threat to his relationship with me,

and Martin worked something of a miracle to overcome these issues and get him on side.

It is due to Martin’s knowledge and understanding of dogs that he was able to build a relationship with my boy.

I was impressed with how, after only a couple of meetings, Martin was able to enter the house and take Bryn for a walk.

It is a credit to his patience, perseverance and sausages that Bryn not only accepts Martin but is now very pleased to see him. Martin has managed his introduction to new dogs exceptionally well and he now has acquired a lot of new friends.

Martin has proved very reliable, he has never let me down and most importantly I can go to work confident that my boy is out having fun with the gang.

Best wishes

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Gus & Bertie (dog walking)

I would heartily recommend Martin to anyone looking for a dog walker or sitter. 
He really understands and cares about the dogs and has the experience to spot and handle any little niggles, 
if a dog is feeling off colour or needs to take things easy. 
Gus and Bertie love their walks with him and always arrive home happy and contented, ready for a well-earned nap!
 
Janice Clark

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Alvy (dog training)

I worked with Martin over 4 sessions with my Labradoodle, Alvy. Alvy was big, bouncy and out of control, particularly when he saw other dogs. His main issue was getting over excited, and not being able to play without frightening the others. Walking on the lead was no fun at all as he pulled, but I was also unable to let him off the lead. This problem was really getting me down and I dreaded taking him out. Martin really helped me turn Alvy around - he was non-judgemental, calm and kind, and obviously loves any dog! Walking together, and showing me what I was doing to exacerbate the situation really helped, as did just having someone there to support me and help me with my dog. I learnt that the trick with Alvy is keeping him calm, and avoiding the mad labradoodle state I was working him into, which I thought was helping him to let off steam.

Alvy now walks beautifully on his lead, and pays much more attention to me. We still have some work to do, but I know the danger spots and we avoid them. I would definitely recommend some time with Martin if you are struggling with your dog.

Juliet

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Tails and Trails

Providing professional care for pets