I own a five year old Labrador bitch (Trudy). I acquired Trudy at the age of two and a half. Up…read moreuntil that point she had lived in a barn with two of her siblings and was totally untrained. Trudy is an intelligent dog and responded to training by me very well. However, it quickly became apparent that Trudy suffers from separation anxiety if left alone in the car or house for more than 10 mins. Over a period of eighteen months I tried various things to try to correct this distressing behaviour including changing her diet, introducing filled Kongs, toys, pheromone sprays, incremental absences and consulting an animal behaviourist at great expense. Some, but not all these methods were marginally successful to the point that Trudy could be left for about thirty minutes at home without becoming distressed and barking. About two months ago I contacted Penelope Locke. Penelope is a trainer who has recently moved to the area (Dartmoor). Penelope visited and spoke with my wife and I at length making several suggestions/recommendations to alter our habits and the way in which interact with Trudy. My wife and I had adhered to Penelope's recommendations and have noticed a quick and distinct improvement in Trudy's behaviour in so much as she no longer urinates on the floor as she occasionally did, she is much more 'settled' within the house particularly when left alone. The most recent example being that Trudy was left alone for two and a half hours and barked only twice during that time. I recorded this behaviour this on my i-pad while I was out. I don't think that we are quite 'out of the woods' but we are certainly well on the way with Trudy's behaviour. I am delighted with the help that Penelope has given my wife, Trudy and I and I would unreservedly recommend her expert services to any dog owners who have issues with their dogs. Written on 6 November 2018