How do I find a good dog trainer/behaviourist in Herts?

[follygirl]

My mum has a 3.5 year old cocker who is 99% perfect but has a few training issues which I think are important for my Mum to sort out. I think that my Mum needs training more than the dog to be honest.

She is a lovely dog around people but she pulls like a train on walks and has to have a harness as she has pulled so much when younger that she used to almost pass out. She can be very fearful around other dogs particularly if she is on a lead and can be very protective of my Mum if she is near other dogs. She also barks nonstop when out on walks and seems generally very hyper.

She is not an aggressive dog in that she doesn't bite and just snaps at the other dogs but obviously it's not the correct way to behave and one day the other dog could fight back.

My mum is a bit soft with her as she got her as a companion after my Dad died nearly 5 years ago. She is an experienced dog owner but I think she has to be stricter with the dog for the dog's sake.

Most of the time meeting other dogs isn't an issue as my Mum walks her in an isolated field so I think she doesn't think it's a big problem.

Today we went to a county show and it was horrendous as the dog kept trying to snap at other dogs if they came too close. My daughter wanted to show her in the pet dog class but the dog was too upset by the other dogs so we had to cancel that idea.

The dog is walked twice a day for an hour each walk so I think she has enough exercise. She is also with my Mum all day so is not left on her own.
I personally think that 1-1 training sessions would be good, or at least to have an assessment. I think she needs to hear someone else tell her rather than me that she needs to be more in control of the dog.
How do I find a good trainer? I've looked at the internet but it seems silly to choose someone from there.

Any advice or recommendations would be fantastic. :)

[LeBJOF]

Asking at your vets is a good way to find a recommendation- that's what I did.

[DogsBestFriend]

If you can get to Haddenham near Ely I'd recommend Growlie Pete.

He's a good trainer and a thoroughly nice man.

[clam]

If she's in West Herts, there's Rossway Dog Training. Pete Ross has decades of experience dealing with behavioural problems and does a lot of work with rescues.

[follygirl]

Thanks for the tips. I will ask my vet and I did come across Rossway Dog Training when I did a search on the internet.

[lisad123]

was coming on to askthe same question LOL, Im in herts too.

[DogsBestFriend]

Lisa, in your locality, certainly Growlie Pete. :)

There's also a Barking Mad training centre in Bassingbourn - bloody annoying I can't get there myself as I'd love to take GSD1 to agility. Apparently they are pretty good wrt the agility training though I have no idea about their ability as normal trainers but it may be worth a look.