Kind words from clients
Every dog and every family is different, but below are some of the experiences shared by people I've had the privilege of working with over the years.
From separation anxiety and behaviour challenges to puppy training, confidence building, reactivity support, and child-dog interactions, these stories reflect the trust, patience, and partnership at the heart of Being Dog.
Featured testimonials
Suzanne & Chispa - separation anxiety training
“Kind, knowledgeable and professional is how I would describe Zaira (Being Dog). She explained things clearly and guided us step by step through the training. At the end of our sessions we understood the subtle signs that our dog displays when she is unsure. Throughout the training there were never extreme moments of panic, unlike before we started, and we now feel able to set our own durations and continue training independently.
We are based in Southern Spain, but with online meetings and cameras in our home, we were able to do the training remotely with no problem.
I love good customer service and this lady exceeded our expectations on every count. I thoroughly recommend getting in touch with her. I only wish we'd done it sooner. Thank you, Zaira.”
— Sue Parmenter, Eva & Chispa
Ksenia & Bella - rescue dog behaviour support
“Zaira helped us with our rescue who was very anxious. Her approach was tailored, gentle and effective. Can't recommend her highly enough. With her help we managed to introduce our rescue to the family and help integrate. Zaira is truly a dog whisperer.”
— Ksenia
Francesca & Ripley - behaviour consultation
"Zaira is a wonderful, precious find. She truly, instinctively and academically understands dogs and their behaviour.
Our dog was taking against certain dogs and we could not work out the reasons behind it, but after a few sessions with Being Dog her behaviour showed a marked improvement. Zaira took time to come with us on walks and provided a full written summary.
She is a knowledgeable and professional addition to any dog owner's life and I would recommend her to anyone."
— Francesca
Elena & Toby - recall training
"My dog Toby absolutely loves Zaira. He is a lovely rescue who has been really hard to train for recall. We have at last cracked it working with Zaira. Her calm and patient way with Toby and her clear instructions to me mean that Toby now comes reliably when I use the whistle when he is off the lead. We are now doing training walks to make sure the recall sticks whatever the environment!"
— Elena
Supporting dogs and their people
Johnny & Marlow - confidence building
"Zaira is one of the kindest, most considerate and trustworthy people I've ever met. She walked and trained our miniature dachshund Marlow, who is quite a timid and shy dog, for years.
Zaira took time to understand his needs and dislikes and really helped to boost his confidence when outside and around bigger dogs.
Zaira had keys to our home to let herself in and, during the four years we worked with her, she never let us down once.
A relocation was the only reason we couldn't continue working with her. I can't recommend Zaira's services enough. She's a true star!"
— Johnny
Katharina & Waffle - puppy training
"Zaira is an incredible dog trainer. When we got our puppy, she came to our house to teach us how to train her. Her approach to dog training is gentle, patient and fun.
Zaira built a very special relationship with our dog, so we decided to continue working with her. For over three years she walked our dog at least once a week.
She is highly professional, knows everything about dogs, and is simply a joy to work with. Highly recommend!"
— Katharina
Olivia & Shadow - child/dog interactions
"Zaira was wonderful, so patient and knowledgeable, and helped our children interact much more happily and safely with family pets as well as dogs we meet out and about.
She helped each of them based on their individual needs, teaching my shyer youngest how to feel more confident, while helping my older child understand what kinds of interactions are enjoyable and safe for both children and dogs.
She also showed us practical techniques to help keep things calm and happy. We're really happy and have recommended her to friends!"
— Olivia
Lorraine & Ralph - training support
"Such a lovely lady and full of knowledge to help you with training. We met yesterday and I have to say it's not about the money — she really engages with you and your dog and offers genuine support.
After the session I received an email going over what we had learnt, along with many additional tips.
I would highly recommend Zaira!"
— Lorraine
Leonie & Louis - supporting an anxious dog
"We worked with Zaira for just over three years and she was brilliant. Our whippet absolutely adored her.
He is an anxious boy and, after a spike in his nervousness, Zaira worked alongside our behaviourist to help him regain confidence.
She took care to learn his cues, never pushed him and generally made him feel safe when he was with her. He is a much happier boy now.
I would highly recommend Zaira, particularly with anxious dogs."
— Leonie
Vassia & Kyra - training and support
"Both Kyra and I love Zaira. She is very gentle with dogs while also being appropriately firm when needed.
She takes time to explain everything to the humans, and it is clear that she loves both her work and the dogs she works with."
— Vassia
Johana & Cocoa - puppy training
"I highly recommend Zaira. She's wonderful and has been such a great help with our puppy, Cocoa.
Zaira is professional and always provides lots of information during and after our training sessions. She's very supportive and takes time to address all of our questions."
— Johana
Cathy & Spooky - reactivity training
Zaira is an amazing dog trainer. My dog loves her. She's so patient and always gives lots of advice.
I saw improvement in my dog from the very first sessions. I would definitely recommend her to anyone!"
— Cathy
A thank you
Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with many wonderful dogs and their families.
Every dog has taught me something different about trust, communication, patience, and the importance of seeing the world from their perspective. One of the greatest privileges of this work is witnessing the emotional changes that can happen when we listen to what dogs are telling us, respect their individual pace, and help them feel safe, understood, and more confident in their world.
I am grateful to every family who has invited me into their journey and trusted me to support them along the way.
To all the dogs and people featured on this page — and to many others who are not — thank you.
It has been a privilege to work with you, and I have learned as much from you as I hope you have learned from me.
If you'd like to learn more, you're very welcome to get in touch or explore the rest of the website.
For dogs who find being left alone difficult, you can visit my Separation Anxiety Training page for personalised support and guidance, or explore my eBook Stepping Stones to Calm for practical, science-based insights into separation anxiety and gradual exposure training.
If you're based in or around Montrose, you can learn more about my Dog & Puppy Training in Montrose services, including behaviour support, confidence building, and practical training for everyday life.
You can also read more about my background, qualifications, and approach on the About Me page.