Reviews

When I got my youngest dog, I wanted to start his puppy training in a club that offered smaller groups within a safe environment. Isaac started his life skills work at about 12 weeks with Pippa Wright. The instant bond between the two of them meant that no training could ever start until he had greeted Pippa! He quickly progressed through the skills with the support of Pippa and her understanding of how all dogs are different. At about 6 months, I started his foundation training with Pippa as I knew this would suit Isaac. He flourished with Pippa’s patience and her ability to challenge and adapt any task to suit the dog in front of her.

His young age meant Isaac’s ground work was reinforced and Pippa guided us throughout, never pushing to do equipment or jumps until his age was suitable or he had mastered the foundation work.

The first lockdown stopped our group work with Pippa and on return I started back training doing 1-1’s with Sarah Trigwell, as she was training my other dog and it made sense to work the boys together.

Isaac continues to flourish due to Sarah’s understanding of exactly what he needs to do next to improve and from Pippa‘s foundation work. Both Sarah and Pippa make training fun and the club is an excellent place to train your dogs, meet other agility people and just enjoy playing with your dogs.

I have known both Sarah and Pip for over 18 years, I met both of them through Agility when I decided to take up Agility with my first cocker spaniel. Off we would go to shows together or go on an agility weekends camping trip together and so the friendships formed.

In February 2019 my 3rd cocker spaniel Kai was involved in a road traffic accident, resulting in a right broken pelvis and severe ligament damage to her left hind leg. Kai had to have an operation to plate her pelvis and required an intensive rehab programme to enable to use all 4 legs as she should. At this point we did not know if Kai would ever return to agility. Sarah and Pip arranged 2 fund raisers to help pay for the ongoing treatment Kai would require to enable her to have a normal doggie life. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the members at JJ Dogs, some of whom had never met me.

Kai had to be crated for the best part of 12 weeks, Sarah had previously had experience of having to crate rest one of her collies for a long period of time and passed on her experience to help me with keeping Kai from becoming bored and depressed.

Kai began an intensive programme of hydro therapy and physio to build back up muscle tone and gait and get her back legs working. Sarah helped me to build Kai’s confidence back up around people and other dogs after having had a sustained period of time where all she knew was her crate.

As we progressed Sarah then helped me to build Kai back up using the exercises the Physio had given and convert them into incorporating low level jump exercises and balance exercises. We spent the best part of 2019 building her confidence, muscle tone and stamina back up. In late October I entered Kai into a local show to do steeplechase at low height jumps, Kai not only went clear but won the class in a stunning time. The gang from JJ Dogs were there to support and cheer us on.

We then had to build in all the other pieces of agility equipment, and in January 2020, I again entered Kai in a local show, where she ran agility classes at her proper jump height. Kai stormed round the course winning her first Agility class since her accident, this was the best moment ever for me. Again the JJ Dogs crowd did not disappoint, supporting and cheering us on. 

Agility is not only good for us and our dogs, we also get to meet amazing dog minded people who in my case have become truly amazing friends.

I rescued an 18month old troubled dog and was recommended taking him to JJ Dogs to introduce him to agility. After meeting him, Sarah agreed to take us both onboard and we are going from strength to strength.

While learning agility we realised that there was more on offer by attending Pippa's life skill classes. Joining the group classes was difficult to start with as Oscar reacts strongly but everyone has helped us.

All the members I have met have always been supportive, encouraging and so very friendly.

If you are looking for a dog club to join look no further then JJ Dogs.

Sarah Trigwell - a very experienced instructor, from young dogs’ Foundation to more advanced dogs. Sarah is particularly good at teaching weaves - my young dog now has super weaves thanks to her expertise and knowledge. She fully understands the limitations of an older handler and is able to tailor her lessons appropriately.

Charlotte Baker - a very skilled young instructor who has competed several times at Crufts. Charlotte is very patient and her teaching and expertise has enabled my young dog to progress to KC Grade 4 in his first season of competition.

All the trainers are amazing and really approachable. It's great that you can have 1-2-1s with trainers and have group sessions. Really friendly, happy place to train and have fun. X 

During the past 4 years that I have been going to JJ Dogs I have learnt so much. Our trainer Pippa is really supportive and helpful, she acknowledges our skills and how the relationship with your dog is developing . Allan the trainers are encouraging and offer positive direction.

Socially it has allowed me to meet other dog owners, whose enthusiasm is so
So encouraging when you achieve something.

You all meet up at competitions both at JJ’s or other venues. Here the trainers (Sarah, Sue, Bex and Maxine) support you with advice and guidance of how to tackle a course before you compete.

Agility and steeplechase give you the opportunity to use you memory skills, cognitive ability and confidence. I love it !!