A WINSFORD dog trainer has been praised for his ongoing efforts to give back to owners through his free weekly walks.
Dan Child is the head trainer at Pardus K9, a canine training and behaviour modification company based in the town.
And since June last year, Dan has been running the free 'Wednesday Walkies' group in which he offers advice and help to those who need it.
Now the group has built a community of dog owners, training their much-loved pets to be better socially and to help those anxious dogs settle more.
Amy Cooper was one of the first attendees of the Walkies sessions with her excitable Labrador Rupert, who has progressed into the 'group therapy dog'.
She said: “I took my dog last year, and at the time he was over-excited and struggling with reactivity and walks.
“He wanted to jump and go towards everyone to go and play, but after spending time with Dan, he is now a completely changed dog.
"Being able to go to someone who’s free and is trustworthy is amazing.
Dan runs the group alongside the wide range of paid services Pardus K9 offers, including one-to-one sessions, obedience training, puppy classes, behavioural correction, residential training, and home visits.
He said: “When I became ill, we had a financial struggle, and it made me realise that not everyone can afford things such as dog training.
“Dog training is one of those things that people sometimes need but can’t justify spending money on.
“So, we decided we would give an option to people who can’t afford it or people who might be nervous about spending money on a trainer or knowing what they're like first.
"It’s nice to give people the opportunity to come and meet us with no pressure or commitment.
“We are happy for anyone to come."
The sessions run every Wednesday from 7pm until usually around 8.30pm.
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