Testimonials
Lesley came to visit us at home to help with a behavioural problem I was having with Roscoe. During the visit she made suggestions which really helped me to resolve the problem and we also got a bit of clicker training that helped with Roscoe’s recall.
As we were chatting I mentioned how, as he’s a sociable pup, I was looking for some way that he could socialise with other dogs. Lesley told me about the Walking Train and we went along, I even felt confident enough to let him off lead for the first time. We both enjoy meeting up and it’s lovely to see him running freely with the other dogs, he can’t wait to get out of the car when we arrive! After a tester visit Roscoe has now spent his first day with Lesley and further visits are booked.
With her knowledge, experience and friendliness, I can’t think of anyone that I’d be happier to leave him with.
Two years ago we moved into our new home in Seasalter with our two dogs, Golly and Rosie . Moving from countryside to seaside was a big change for us as was moving away from old friends and family.
We had booked a special holiday which was going to mean that we had to find suitable care for our girls and find somewhere we where we would be sure they would be happy. After phoning round several local kennels someone recommended that I should try phoning Lesley. That phone call was the call that put our minds at rest.
Lesley is a very caring and professional animal lover, and after meeting her and Phil I had no doubts that our girls would be happy to stay with them. After boarding with them for some 4 weeks (including Xmas and New year ) we picked up Golly and Rosie, complete with Xmas presents, and with no problems settling back home.
I would certainly have no hesitation in recommending Lesley and Phil, a caring, professional and a thoroughly lovely couple.
We were so lucky to receive a recommendation to contact Red Lion Canine – one of those chance conversations that positively impact on your life.
In the run up to some major surgery we decided to get our first ever puppy. Being the person that I am I went full tilt and went for a bumptious, energetic breed, with an enormous heart. Our Maisy, an Old English Sheepdog has stolen our hearts and has been great emotional and physical therapy for me. Three months after the long awaited surgery I was so looking forward to two nights away but worried about where we could leave our girl. Enter Lesley at Red Lion Canines.
Lesley is one of a kind. Not only an animal lover; she has pigs, horses and dogs, but a dog trainer with huge amounts of knowledge and skill. Combined with her natural talent and skilled approach we felt totally confident leaving Maisy with Lesley and Phil. Lesley has a very thoughtful and considered approach to new dogs in her care. As part of Maisy’s work up, we met for an informal chat and doggo play as a first step, then tested out a
sleepover for Maisy before we made any commitment. This made perfect sense to me – for this to work, the owner, the dog specialist, and the dog, have to be happy. Needless to say owner and doggo were very happy.
I was extremely confident that Maisy would have a lovely time with Lesley and her family, but I was thrilled when we picked her up after her holiday. I knew that Maisy had not only been superbly cared for but had huge fun. Maisy loves fun and I am so very happy that we have found such a tremendous place in Red Lion Canines.
Maisy is already booked in for some play dates over the summer while we do some non-dog-friendly days out. Without a doubt we will be making use of Red Lion Canines in the future.
A massive thank you to Lesley and Phil… Red Lion Canines already feels like a home from home.
In March 2017 I joined Lesley’s Walking Train with my then one year old cockerpoo Max.
Max has thrived amongst the other dogs and learned a lot of good behaviours from them. Lesley’s advice is always at hand right when you need it.
I had difficulties teaching Max recall and during the Walking Train Max learned the recall in next to no time. The dogs enjoy running through the woods and playing together.
The Walking Train is a great learning time for dogs and owners alike whilst having the freedom of the countryside and the help from a very knowledgeable trainer.
Max loves the Walking Train and so do I.
I first met Lesley when Bertie my cockapoo puppy had just finished socialisation classes at Animed Veterinary Centre in Whitstable.
Lesley was going to take on the Puppy Foundation classes at the centre but unfortunately I had already booked Bertie on another puppy training course. However I was so impressed not only with what she said but her whole compassionate and caring manner and so when Bertie’s first puppy training classes finished I got in touch with her to carry on training.
I am so glad that I did as she has been extremely helpful with many little problems I have experienced with Bertie and has always been ready to listen and give knowledgeable advice. Bertie and I have recently joined the Walking Train a really unique experience, which we both thoroughly enjoy.
Although Bertie has not yet boarded at Lesley’s I would have no hesitation in leaving him with her as I am confident he would get the best care and love.
When I moved from Somerset to Herne Bay some 18 months ago, following the premature death of my wife, finding a reliable and trustworthy dog boarder was at the top of my priority list, in order for me to move on in life.
My dog, Captain Woodrow Cal (it’s a long story!!), had only known one dog boarder since he was a pup (now 6) where he had become part of the ‘family’ of Andrew and John, with the delightful business name of ‘Giddy up Woof, Woof’. The bond between Cal and the guys was so strong, that all three of them cried (with me inevitably joining in), when I eventually picked him up to start my new life. The guys made me promise to go back and see them with Cal, which I will keep.
Following a recommendation, my first local dog minder experience in Kent was not a good one, I started to despair and then I found Lesley and Red Lion Canines. Other testimonials have articulated the many qualities Lesley and Phil have demonstrated in running their business and I heartily agree with all of them!
For me it was a little different, as not only was ‘Auntie’ Andrew (as I affectionately refer to him), a hard act to follow, suddenly finding myself alone was an awesome realisation of my responsibility to Cal. Red Lion Canines has actually enabled me to move forward with total confidence my dear wife’s adorable Springer Spaniel was not only going to be well cared for but secure, safe and happy, when I went away on business or pleasure.
There are no words I can find to thank Lesley and Phil and quite how special they are to Cal and I. If you have been fortunate enough to find this web site or have been recommended, then look no further. Keith & Cal
Lesley at Red Lion Canines came very highly recommended.
We were having some issues with Teddy resource guarding and had tried everything we could think of. After a session with Lesley on a home visit Teddy is a different dog and we know exactly how to deal with his behaviour which has made all of us a lot happier.
Teddy has also had a wonderful holiday stay with Lesley and we regularly join in the Walking Train so he gets plenty of opportunity to socialise with a wide range of dogs – he just loves it!
We can’t thank Lesley enough for her care and advice and giving us back the happiest puppy.
Lesley has walked my dog, Rosey, for 8 years and now she also stays with Lesley & her family when I’m away.
Lesley is totally reliable and trustworthy and always puts the needs of the dog first. A few months ago we joined the “walking train”.
Rosey loves it, despite her normally not liking other dogs. It’s a little miracle!
Lesley and her family have been caring for my old rescued border collie Alfie (now about 14).
He was vicious with other dogs when they first met him, but with care, love and attention he accepted a newly rescued Millie, a 3 year old working cocker.
They both love going to Red Lion Canines, and we don’t have a care as we absolutely know they’ll be as happy and cared for as if they were home with us.
It’s a pleasure to recommend such wonderful care (I just hope she doesn’t get too busy!)
Before I met Lesley, I thought walks with my new puppy were destined to be on the lead at all times as I was terrified she would run off and not come back. With Lesley’s patience, and her calm guidance, I have found my confidence and we have cracked the recall! Seeing my dog running free, happy and grinning like a fool with her tongue hanging out makes my day! Lesley has also armed me with the tools to deal with new situations Idgie and I find ourselves in. I can’t thank Lesley enough.
The best thing I did was join the walking train – it’s like a dog training class while you are out walking. Idgie and I both love our walks with our Walking Train friends. To anyone else thinking of joining the walking train – do it! You won’t regret it!
Lesley and her family have also welcomed Idgie into their home for home boarding. Idgie just loves it. I only have to ask Idgie if she is ready to go and see Lesley and she is ready by the door. When we get there she couldn’t care less that I am leaving, she is just desperate to catch up with her friends and runs up the stairs as quickly as she can. She comes home absolutely shattered, and doesn’t move all evening.
I know we have found the perfect place for Idgie to stay for play dates, day care or holidays. She is so happy to be there, and if she is happy, I am happy.
Thank you Lesley, Red Lion Canines is THE BEST xx
