James has a German Shepherd called Arlo, who was three years old when he met Jamie Penrith from Take the Lead.

When Arlo was a puppy, James completed puppy training classes and has always kept on top of training.

Arlo started to pull more on the lead as he got older, and Jamie tried various techniques to help – but nothing worked. And so James found Jamie and did two, two hour training sessions.

READ MORE: Jamie Penrith on how to keep dogs to away from livestock

READ MORE: Take the Lead: Kate shares her livestock worrying story

“I discovered ARDO while researching professional dog trainers that provided the option of using an e-collar,” he said.

“I discovered Jamie and saw that he had set up ARDO. I signed up and completed a survey about my use and experience of e-collars. Since then I joined the effort in writing to my MP to challenge the proposed legislation to ban e-collars in the UK. 

“My training with Jamie was a huge eye opener. Jamie assessed the way I handled Arlo and pointed out several mistakes I was making. We brushed up on lead and heel work before starting on the recall. Jamie witnessed how Arlo’s recall was very good for most of the time. However, if Arlo spotted a dog before me, he would run up to meet them and completely ignore me. 

Arlo, the German Shepherd.Arlo, the German Shepherd. (Image: James Galbraith) “Jamie introduced the e-collar and explained in detail how it worked and I experienced how it felt. When I finished with Jamie, Arlo was still a work in progress. Jamie supplied me with a training guide of what I had to do on a regular basis to progress and cement Arlo’s understanding of the e-collar. 

“Using the e-collar has revolutionised my relationship with Arlo and has completely solved his recall issue.

“I fear the attempts to ban e-collars might be raised again. This would be a desperate shame, and I worry that if it went ahead, livestock and other animals will be harmed, all to save a dog from momentary startle. The idea that people buy them to hurt or torture dogs is ridiculous. My e-collar is one of the more affordable ones, and it was a little under £300. If anyone wants to hurt a dog they can do so far cheaper with a stick, or their boot!”