Costa del sol dog training

I started dog training at a local school in London around 1966 with my family dog, Prince, who was a typical little mongrel, and a friends lassie collie, called Rocky. Although I was only 15, my Instructor Barrie Linford thought I had potential, so started to coach me, and letting me help with his classes. I then went to Bellmead Training college, (now part of Battersea Dogs Home) and did all aspects of kennel management , obedience, showing, breeding, grooming. I continued working with Barrie and he put me forward to do specific Instructor courses with well known trainers like Paddy Burns, John Simpson, and Silvia Bishop. I was also involved in a local theatre production Of Oliver with my own dog playing Bullseye

I married and moved, and joined several local clubs, where I helped as instructor, as well as working with my own first dog, a border collie cross called Jamie.

After 15 years, I divorced and remarried and had my first and second GSD and became a member of B.A.G.S.D. (British Association of German Shepherd Dogs) as a trainer and competed with both dogs, and was part of their demo team.

We came to Spain in 1997, and I became involved with ADANA in Estepona, and set up our school in 1998, as Estepona Dog Training.

I met Diana Smart around that time and we worked together behind Carrefour, and then behind the Palacio in Estepona where we now have permission from the Ayuntamiento to be there on wed nights. Diana has bred and shown Boxers and Rottweillers for many years, and has become an important member of our team. Now, semi retired, she is still an integral part of our school.

I started Tues classes in Duequesa in 2000, and moved to Sabinillas in January 2007, again having permission from the Ayuntamiento to be there. At this point, Karen Douglas came to join us, helping with our classes on Tuesday. We then decided to change the name to 4Paws Dog School as we were no longer just based in Estepona.

I joined “David the Dogman‘s‘” team over 10 years ago, where Diana had already been his ‘puppy’ lady for many years. Karen also came and joined David’s’ team 2 years ago, and has been a great asset to the school. Karen has now also set up her own classes under her own name “Karensway” and has her classes in Pizzarra. Just before Christmas 2008, David decided it was time to retire, and I was asked to take over his school, with his blessing.

Viv Eales