Testimonials

DogSmiths do not alter or change client testimonials in any way. The testimonials written here are exactly as they were received.

My dog Luna and I just finished our first course with Louise. Louise is fantastic, a real dog pro and a great instructor. Also, I really admire her patience as my dog often had a mind of her own and I often got the commands mixed up.

Luna´s behaviour walking on the leash has improved 100% and she now, normally, listens very well when I call her. We still have to keep practicing every day, but it is definitely worth it.
The training with Louise was so enjoyable for both of us and I definitely plan to do more sessions with her in the future. Thanks for everything, Louise. Will definitely recommend you to my other dog-loving friends.

Dunja RoyerMarbella, Málaga

Highly Recommend!

I found Louise to be friendly, professional, and extremely knowledgeable. Our session with my dog, Minnie, was fun and informative and I have learned so much. Louise checks in to see how we are doing, and I feel in control again, I would highly recommend Louise for all your canine behavioural/training issues.

Sherée TupperCtra. de Istán, Málaga

Thank you both!

We attended one of Louise’s group workshops with our recent 4 legged addition to the family. I wasn’t sure how it would work with multiple dogs in a group setting but Louise and Janina were calm and in control making it very comfortable and easy. They were both extremely patient with my daughter, taking the time to speak to her directly and make sure she understood as well.

We left with a lot of tools that we can continue to use at home to progress. Considering the amount of knowledge we received and one on one time, as well as expert answers to our questions I thought it was amazing value!! As new dog owners, I feel much better equipped to be a “good” dog owner. Thank you both for a fascinating morning!

Emma CrossSan Pedro de Alcántara

Fabulous Dog Trainer!
Louise is not only a fabulous Dog Trainer & Behavior Consultant but also a wonderful teacher of people. Trust that Louise can help you with any of your training or Behavior needs.

Niki TudgeFlorida, USA

Great professional, Louise made everything so easy with our new puppy. I highly recommend going to her- you won’t regret it!

I. CarelSan Pedro de Alcántara, Málaga (June 2022)

 

DogSmith of Estepona are Incredible

DogSmith of Estepona are incredible, you can see they truly care about what they do and it shows in the results they have achieved with me and my puppy, very professional, friendly and patient with both of us… Louise is an amazing trainer and really knows her stuff!!!! Would recommend definitely.

Samuel Vicars-HarrisBenahavís

We Will Definitely be Going Back!

We attended the 6-week puppy classes and absolutely loved it! Louise was so helpful and patient, both with our very large puppy and us! We felt totally supported with any questions or concerns we had, and we were always able to reach out for help if any problems arose. Even after the 6 weeks of classes, we still feel supported with check-up emails and tips to keep the training up. With so many options for classes, we will definitely be going back!

 

 

 

Kiri BriggsBenahavís, Málaga

Delighted to Have Found You!

Our first agility class was excellent. Louise is a very professional trainer which I appreciate so much. The other dogs and their owners are all extremely nice. I have been searching for many years to find dog classes in this area that are professional, safe and enjoyable and I am so delighted to have found you! Looking forward to our next class.

 

 

Clare BrannanGuadalmina

Remarkable Level of Expertise

I am delighted with my Mastin puppy’s training.
The level of expertise is remarkable and has clearly been acquired through dedication and years of intensive experience and study. I am very impressed. Thank you Louise and Janina.

 

 

 

Mary MonsonNueva Andalucía

I only wish I’d come to you sooner!

I recently attended a workshop with Louise and Janina, what an amazing and fun experience! My two dogs and I learned so much, and that we may need a little more training to eliminate all the bad habits we have formed over the years. With some further training, tailored to our needs, I am confident that my dogs and I will have a far more satisfying, rewarding and safe life together. Thank you Louise and Janina, I only wish I’d come to you sooner!

Jayne GarnettEstepona, Málaga

Highly recommend

Helping me to get the upper hand on some behavioural issues with two rascals. Patient, professional and very clear education sessions that can be practiced … be prepared for lots of homework. Louise’s experience shines through. Highly recommend.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Jane McLeodCancelada

Very professional and learned a lot.
Highly recommended.

 

 

 

Ramsay RobertsonBenahavís

Patient and Understanding
We took puppy classes with Louise for our first dog. He loved them and we learnt not only a few basics, but also the principle behind force free training and partnership with your dog. Now I’m back for help with a very nervous new rescue. Louise has been brilliant, very patient and understanding. After a private session I came away with a huge amount of follow up information, guidance and videos to help us on a journey to gentle socialisation. Highly recommended!

 

Jenny TurnerEstepona

100% recommend

Louise and Janina were wonderful helping us with our puppy. He adored them and worked really hard with them to learn all the basic manners a puppy needs to learn, as well as helping us learn the skills to continue training at home. Would 100% recommend the DogSmith to anybody who needs a helping hand to train their dogs.

Melanie EvansBenahavís

Highly Recommended.

Louise is a fantastic trainer, brilliant with the dogs & the owners! Very patient & makes every class a great fun learning environment. Highly recommended.

 

 

 

 

Hadleigh MaddoxSan Pedro de Alcántara

Knowledgeable and Fun Approach

We took two different sets of classes and Mati absolutely loved them! There could not be a more excited and eager dog every time the training started. Thank you, Louise, for your knowledgeable and fun approach – not only Mati is now well-mannered but he’s a star at agility!

 

 

Irina SquireEstepona

Highly Recommend

I can highly recommend Louise and Janina’s classes. I took my dog through the Pet Dog Ambassador training and really liked the calm, positive, reward-based approach. I also took a Fun Scent Games class and my dog loved it, it was a fun way to mentally stimulate Buddy.

Thank you Louise and Janina 

 

 

Louise KirkSan Pedro de Alcántara

Very Professional Trainer!

We had a private session and took part of some of the puppy group classes – Louise is a great and very professional trainer! She gave us all the necessary steps to have a well-trained dog and really went the extra mile. It was obvious that she loves what she does and therefore does it with a lot of passion. Every class was followed up with an email summarising all the information needed to practice at home. The classes were a lot of fun and Quila, our puppy, loved Louise! Very recommendable for everyone looking for professional training!!!

 

Charlotte ColletMarbella

I Highly Recommend The DogSmith!

Pablo & I just completed the Small Paws Etiquette Puppy Class and we both loved it! We love Louise’s kind and positive training methods and the two of us learned so much on the course. I highly recommend the Dogsmith and we were so impressed we are signing up for the next one. Thank you

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Heidi FulfordBenahavis, Málaga

An Amazing Trainer

Louise is an amazing trainer with a lot of knowledge that she shares. She works with positive rewards, love, treats and happiness. I recommend her courses to all type of dog owners.

 

 

 

Tilda HåhusNueva Andalucía, Málaga

An Excellent Grounding!

We have just completed our “Small Paw Etiquette Puppy Class” a 6 week course, which gave our 4 month old puppy “Joe” an excellent grounding. We too benefited from the course in development and training techniques, which we will continue with over the coming months. The course also provided good socialisation skills for a young pup. Louise clearly has a passion for dogs, she makes the classes fun, all the pups love her and her training skills can only lead to a happy, well behaved adult dog.

 

Sue LangtonEstepona

Very Happy Puppy

Just finished The Small Paw Etiquette Puppy Class. Thank you Louise for your patience and kind method of teaching. Delilah has settled well at home and is becoming a well behaved and very Happy puppy. I look forward to the next course.

 

 

Paula MenchenSan Pedro de Alcántara, Málaga

Highly Recommend

A very positive experience for our little Ness and us. Louise was always available to answer questions and provide personalized advice. Thank you for everything.

 

 

 

 

Susan and Chip Ponthus JacksonEstepona, Málaga

                                                        

Definitely Recommend

This has done wonders with our dog! I definitely recommend DogSmith of Estepona for anyone having a furry friend!

 

 

Veronica AfzeliusEstepona, Málaga

Well Done!
 
I couldn’t recommend enough the experience for both you and your dog. Patience, logical and easily explained, Louise makes you a better owner/trainer and more importantly Eddie came on leaps and bounds and our relationship and understanding has improved both our learning and training. Well done Louise and Eddie.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Stuart BlackEstepona, Málaga

A Wealth of Knowledge

Louise offers really great training through a reward based programme. Our dog responded well to the positive reinforcement. Her love and passion for dogs is obvious. Louise, has a wealth of knowledge about dog behaviour and is able to differentiate the behaviour of various dogs in the group and knows how to help each owner in carrying out the training tasks. Her knowledge is also demonstrated in providing useful tips to enhance good behaviour in dogs. The class summaries together with the suggested homework are invaluable. 

Mike and Mary GrechGibraltar

Positive and Driven!

Louise Stapleton is a very positive and driven dogtrainer and it’s nice to see she loves all dogs, little of big, young or older. The dogs really like her and within a few minutes dogs are naturally coming to her. We are very happy to visit Louise regularly with our little dog because he is learning but also having a great time!

Inge Van kemenadeOud-Turnhout, Antwerpen

Highly Recommend

Our dogs love to train with Louise. They are happier and more motivated to work with us than before the training sessions with Louise. We will absolutely continue with group classes and can highly recommend also private classes. We love how well Louise works with different kind of dogs and are happy that she always has time for questions.

 

Janina TainioNueva Andalucía, Málaga

Anne Masters

A Kind Method of Training

Lottie loved Louise and the private lessons. Lottie is 8 months old and has gotten off to a great start. Found her treat which was surprisingly balls. A very kind method of training and it works. Will be joining the group classes for tricks and then agility. Now it is practice practice and more practice.

Anne MastersManilva, Málaga

Phil Heathcote
Looking Forward to the Next Course
 

It was a pleasure not just for me but I know Caesar looks forward to his manners class every Saturday. It has helped me to learn to teach Caesar in the correct way.I look forward to the next course. Thank you, Louise.

 

 

 

Phil HeathcoteMarbella, Málaga

 

Kamar MezouriLouise is a fantastic trainer. We did loads of classes and my puppy absolutely loves going and so do I.  Very friendly environment.  I would recommend Louise 100%…

 

 

 

Kamar MezouriEstepona, Málaga

 

So much fun!Adrienne Clarke

For a good, fun way of learning to train your dog I can thoroughly recommend Louise, who has chosen to share her professionalism and knowledge with us! I have attended many dog training courses over the years but of course there is always a different approach from different people and also the approach to training has changed over the years.I can say that Skye has come on so well and of course the best part of it all is she had so much fun doing it, as did I. Every week when we set off she would become excited and so happy to be attending her ‘classes’, all the dogs just love Louise and let’s face it – they are the best judge of character!

Adrienne ClarkeCasares, Málaga

Sheelagh Williams1Happy Dogs

When attending classes at Happy dogs Estepona, I’ve found that happy dogs is exactly what you come away with, they are happy to arrive, happy to take part and so happy to learn and I couldn’t ask for more!  My dogs have never loved anything as much as they love these classes.

When I attended my first course, Louise had her worked cut out with me! But she was so kind and didn’t mind constantly having to repeat herself and not because of the dogs it was just for me! Having attended other training classes, that I had thought were ok, from my first day I thought I had gone from Primary school straight to university! I’ve been taught so much; I just can’t believe how it’s changed mine and my dogs’ lives.

Sheelagh WilliamsEstepona, Málaga

You Will Learn So Much! Debbie Durante

I booked a private class with Louise for me and my friend Sarah together with our dogs, Lollie & Diva.  It was great to meet Louise and feel at ease with her amazing knowledge and friendly attitude to us and the dogs. The class was a great success in teaching us basic cues and really being able to communicate with our dogs. From this class I knew I wanted to continue with one of the classes Louise was offering at this time! At present Diva & myself are nearly at the end of a six week “Tricks, Manners & Fun Scent Games” course (Sarah could not make it due to work commitments). It has been a great 6 weeks training, working with Louise.  She is very straight, honest, very professional and has amazing knowledge in dealing with dogs (and people – as we are normally the problem). I feel I have learnt so much, not only from Louise but also in handling Diva and I shall keep practicing this.  It’s great being in a class with other people and dogs but, because of the level of teaching & knowledge that Louise offers, you feel like you are having a private lesson.  Also, every time we have gone overtime, Louise does not seem to worry – that tells me that she loves her job and everything that she is doing! I would highly recommend Louise to anyone with a dog … As you will be in very good professional hands and learn so much about yourself and your dog. Thank you again Louise xx 

Debbie DuranteGibraltar

Yvette PotterAwesome classes

I’ve been taking my dogs Skye and Bella to Happy Dogs Estepona for a while now as they both thoroughly enjoy it. The classes are both fun and informative plus Louise takes a lot of time addressing any issues we might have individually which I think is fantastic. I have attended her scent and tricks classes and found my dogs to really enjoy them and be suitably tired at the end which is always a plus. The area is quite big which helps spacing out between dogs and owners too which makes it perfect.

Yvette PotterGibraltar

Katie MardlinCalm, Professional Training Technique

I took my eight-year-old dog to the Ambassador class with Louise and she absolutely loved it. She’s never had any kind of training before as we live in a rural area and she is always running free. Within one class she was walking nicely on a lead and generally having a fantastic time – especially with all the treats she ate. Louise has a calm, professional training technique and this is reflected in the progress the dogs make so quickly.

Katie MardlinSan Enrique de Guadiaro

Sarah GuestGreat Session!

Great session! I really enjoyed the private session I took with Louise at Happy Dogs Estepona, I have a very timid rescue dog called Lollie she’s been with me a year now and is very fearful of many, many things. She really enjoyed the ‘clicker’ and scent games in our session and I have found that her recall has improved since continuing her clicker training after the session. Louise really went above and beyond anything I expected, she was so informative and took the time out of her busy schedule to send me an extensive list of helpful information that can help Lollie overcome her fears. I can and do highly recommend her to others. I wish I lived nearer to her as I would definitely attend more sessions with her. Thank you, Louise.

Sarah GuestGibraltar

Stacey LloydA Fabulous Teacher
 
About 4 years ago, I undertook a dog instructor’s course and met Louise and, although we have both worked with and for dogs since, it’s been in different directions.  However, throughout this time, we have managed to help each other a lot and become good friends.
From our initially meeting, Louise went on in different ways and has gone on to successfully pass various courses and gained many more qualifications, as well as starting her own training courses. The first class I attended in Mijas, that Louise hosted, was a Trick class and more recently, I have attended a Manners class at Happy Dogs Estepona. I have witnessed the all-round investment in time, knowledge and skills that Louise has put in to become a fabulous teacher and that positive reinforcement really works!
I am the owner of a small dog charity, 4 Paws Adoptions, and I know that all the dogs I adopt have had Positive Reinforcement training and I am sure that has aided the successful adoption process for me.  Some of the dogs even have a couple of tricks to impress their new families and I am certain that the dogs having good manners solidifies an adoption. A dog with good manners, that’s been trained positively, enhances a smooth relationship!
Also, Louise and Jambo (her Staffy Bull Terrier Champion Trick dog) have continually helped to raise funds for 4 Paws Adoptions both online and at various events we have hosted.

Stacey Lloyd4 Paws AdoptionsFuengirola

Sally DaveyI Would Recommend Any of The Classes!

I have completed several classes with Louise of Happy Dogs Estepona, all have been great fun for me but more importantly the dogs love it.
Louise has a great ability to teach, she has depth of knowledge not only about dog behavior but how to make the learning fun for the dogs and the owners.
The sessions are well organized, friendly and enjoyable. I would recommend any of the classes as they help you to understand your dog and gain useful techniques to help when out and about.
The classes that I have attended are: Fun tricks and Manners, Fun Scent Games and Pet Dog Ambassador.

Sally DaveyManilva

My promise to you

As a DogSmith professional, I pledge to use my knowledge and skills for the benefit of pet owners and their pets.

I will practice my profession conscientiously with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of The DogSmith ethics, mission, vision and values.

I accept as a lifelong obligation, the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.

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