Oldham business praised by Jason Manford for taming pet

NB Dog Training, which was set up three years ago by Niall Barnes, helps owners with their unruly pets across the borough by offering behavioural training services.

Niall said the team of trainers often deal with aggressive and reactive dogs who have destructive behaviours, separation anxiety or cause a nuisance in other ways, such as excessive barking.

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to The Oldham Times’ morning and evening newsletters as well as our breaking news alerts 

The business also offers puppy training services, lead walking and recall assistance, and dog walking services.

The business started when Niall said he found it "too difficult" to make the positive impact he wanted to when working for large organisations.

Prior to dog training, he worked at Early Help in Oldham, helping families in the cost-of-living crisis, and as a care worker for people with learning disabilities.

"I got my own dog and wanted to make sure I did the best job possible to raise him right, so I did various courses including a level 4 in advanced canine behaviour and psychology with the British College of Canine Studies.

"I then realised I could combine the desire to change people's lives for the better with my love for training dogs", he added.

Since then, he said his business has gone from "strength to strength" and he regularly attends courses to improve.

Niall and Rachel Bean (Image: NB Dog Training)

One recent course he's completed is the canine first aid workshop, run by the Saddleworth qualified veterinary nurse, Rachel Bean, whose furry assistant shot to fame as Linda Biscuits on Channel 5's Late Night Lycett show.

Now, Niall's dog training business has a shot in the limelight too after the famous Manchester comedian, Jason Manford, gave NB Dog Training a shout-out on social media for coming to the aid of a particularly pesky pet.

In a post on social media, Jason said the team "worked wonders" with his mum's dog, Buddy, a Husky-Boxer cross.

NB Dog Training helps dog owners with common issues such as lead pulling (Image: NB Dog Training)

Niall said Buddy was biting the family, usually when they came close to him when he was on the furniture, and even nipped the trainer himself when he went to pick up his lead.

"He also had a few incidents with members of the public which could've ended in real harm", Niall added.

Jason Manford added: "He was a little wild (n**head basically) and we tried all sorts and it didn't work."

The team at NB Dog Training then got to work with Buddy, putting in some structure and boundaries in the home before tackling his outdoor behaviour, which included being a "severe puller" on the lead and "very reactive" towards other people and dogs.

Niall continued: "Once he was safe to be walked regularly, he started to get better by the day as he was no longer pent up and frustrated.

Buddy is much calmer now (Image: NB Dog Training)

"As far as I'm aware, there have been no bites since my first session with them and he's happily walked every day without incident."

The comedian confirmed the miraculous turn-around for Buddy, writing on his Facebook page: "After a few sessions with Niall, we have a totally different and well-behaved dog.

"Would highly recommend, so giving him a shout out."

Reacting to the celebrity testimonial, Niall said he was "absolutely thrilled".

"It was a pleasure helping the family and turning Buddy's life around.

"Any other celebs have a n**head dog they need help with?"

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.