Testimonies
Ruby and Merlin
Izzy has an amazing rapport with my dogs - they love her. She also understands their behaviour and has given me lots of very good advice about how to train my puppy. Her approach is to be consistent and kind and dogs respond to her very well as a result. She always shows compassion and patience towards dogs, especially when they are elderly. Izzy is also always cheerful and helpful. I recommend her completely and utterly and am delighted to have got to know her via her work with my dogs.
-Jane H.
Maisie, Bumble, Billie, Olive and Ruby
I have known Isabel for over 10 years and she has always been my first go-to person if I need someone to help with my dogs. She clearly loves dogs and is very good with them. She knows how to handle and train them but has an easy rapport which they readily respond to. Isabel is careful, responsible and reliable – I never have any concerns if any of my dogs are in her care.
When I first met her through agility classes I had 3 dogs, my beloved black Labrador Maisie, an adorable short-legged Labrador Bumble with achondroplasia and my Mum’s old Shih Tzu Billie – and Isabel was always happy to walk some or all of them with her own dogs.
After I developed an arthritic hip and ended up with a hip replacement, Isabel willingly and brilliantly took over running Maisie at Agility classes. Maisie adored her and they did so well together. Incidentally, Isabel later ran these Agility classes when trainers were unavailable. Obviously, there were times when Isabel was away or at college but the dogs never forgot her and were always overjoyed to see her again.
Sadly, a few years ago I had to say goodbye to Maisie but have now got another yellow Labrador called Ruby and my daughter has her litter sister called Olive. Despite being sisters they are totally different personalities but Isabel has bonded with both.
Olive is over-enthusiastic, very friendly and confident while Ruby is much more diffident and anxious about new experiences. Isabel instinctively responds to their different temperaments, she will use Olive’s energy while keeping her under control and boost Ruby’s confidence with lots of praise and encouragement.
I would happily recommend Isabel to anyone wanting help or advice with anything dog related (probably animal related!) as she not only loves them but understands them. In addition she is cheerful, friendly and good with people!
- Diana M.
Lewes and District Dog Training Society
I have known Isabel for several years as a member of Lewes and District Dog Training Society. She has always been an enthusiastic and helpful club member with her own dogs, as well as helping to run training classes and running dogs for older club members.
- Cathy S.
Hon Treasurer of Lewes and District Dog Training Society
Dizzy
This was the best service I ever received when it came to someone else caring for my assistance dog. She loved all the walks she was getting and would come back very satisfied and curl back up to sleep and wait for the next one. I would get regular updates via photos which made me feel included. In this period, I was immobile and gave Izzy all the instructions needed to care for her, and I knew she had followed them due to the standard of training my dog had kept whilst under Izzy’s care. I would recommend Izzy as a pet sitter for an assistance dog due to this fact and the fact she understands she is not just looking after a pet but a lifeline and has knowledge of how to upkeep the standard of training an assistance dog has to maintain.
- Julia S.
Lewes and District Dog Training Society
Izzy has helped me by running my border collie, Stan, at Agility classes while I was disabled with a hip replacement. She has always had a good and natural relationship with him and he has been very enthusiastic working with her.
She has shown understanding and foresight in anticipating his behaviour and interpreting his responses, with clear instructions and always positive feedback.
She has also shown perception of his needs and personality when discussing his performance with me.
She has always been a pleasure and great help to work with.
- Jancis H.
Lewes and District Dog Training Society (Committee Member)
Isla
I can highly recommend Isabel as a caring, patient and enthusiastic dog trainer. Isabel is a wonderful, kind and friendly woman who I have known since she was a babe in arms. As a family of dog lovers, we have owned 3 collies, our most recent being Isla, a 7-year-old cross Border collie and Huntaway. Her parents are both working sheep dogs in Wales, so she has endless energy! Thanks to Isabel's constant support, Isla is extremely well behaved and very sociable. I never have to worry when out with her as she walks to heel on the lead, always returns when called and greets other dogs and children with a wagging tail. Isabel regularly took Isla to Agility classes when she was younger and has taken great care of her when we have been away. Isla absolutely adores her and I am so grateful for the time and energy that Isabel has spent, helping us to train the perfect dog (not that I'm biased!)
- Erica C.
REX
Izzy Oborne Speaks Fluent Dog!
Our rescue dog, Rex, was terrified by everything. He had spent the first few years of his life in a kennel in Romania during the pandemic. He had probably had very little human contact during that time, and when he arrived with us, it was clear he did not understand, or trust, people at all.
He refused to go into our house and fled to a distant corner of the garden.
This was when I contacted Izzy of South Down Dogs to help us.
Izzy is really calm and patient, both with dog and owner.
She spent a lot of time learning what he liked, and how we might teach him to trust us.
In addition, she taught me a handful of good habits to keep my dogs happy and safe.
She worked with him to overcome his leash and collar anxiety, and gradually trained him to walk very nicely on the lead (better than our older dog!!!).
She also taught us some excellent trick to get the dog’s attention and train his recall.
We are experienced dog owners, but have never had a dog like Rex before. It was really hard to understand how we could form a bond with him as he was so frightened, and did not understand us. Luckily Izzy is speaks fluent Dog, and we are so grateful for the time and expertise of Southdown Dogs – we now have a lovely Rex in our family.
I can highly recommend contacting Southdowns Dogs for help and training advice with your four-legged family members.
- Maike B.
Jefferson
Jefferson and I have been doing agility with Izzy now for a couple of months and we are having so much fun. Izzy is really good at setting appropriate courses for the ability of dog and owner so you are always improving but having loads of fun. I can highly recommend her classes to give you and your dog lots of exercise, sense of achievement and to help build a really strong bond between you.
-Caroline L. and Jefferson
Sage
I cannot recommend Izzy highly enough as a dog walker and trainer! She has been an absolute godsend for our family and our beloved dog, Sage, over the past year. Izzy's expertise and dedication have transformed our experience as dog owners, helping us feel more confident and at ease in various environments.
Izzy's approach to training is both professional and compassionate. She has worked wonders with Sage, particularly in improving his behaviour around other dogs. Her training walks are diverse and well-planned, covering everything from bustling town centres to peaceful cafes and the beautiful South Downs. This variety has been crucial in developing Sage's adaptability and social skills.
What sets Izzy apart is her genuine care for both the dogs she works with and their owners. She's always ready with helpful advice and has been incredibly patient as we've learned alongside Sage. Her reliability and flexibility have made her an indispensable part of our routine.
Thanks to Izzy's guidance, we now enjoy much less stressful walks and outings with Sage. If you're looking for a trustworthy, skilled, and passionate dog walker and trainer in the Lewes area, look no further than Izzy!
Amy and Stuart .C.