Meet the man training dogs for deaf people

Lee Collie from Pinehurst was a freelance photographer in London and used to be on the front-line during riots and various other incidents.

However, after decades of selling photos to the national media, Mr Collie is now enjoying retirement training dogs and their owners.

As deaf dog owners cannot shout, the owner uses a clicker, which acts as a recall. Every time the dog follows the instruction, the owner gives the animal a treat as a reward.

The process continues until the treats are slowly withdrawn until the dog and owner are in sync.

Mr Collie explained how he decided to train dogs.

“I started out in London and I was a freelance photographer, so I had a lot of time on my hands.

“There was a guy that I came across who was a trainer and trained German Shepherds.

“He was my mentor because I’m dyslectic, so I shadowed him for two years.

“I came back to Swindon seven years ago and I started doing it again last year.”

Mr Collie has been training, Debbie Smith and her dogs Skie and Scrumpy.

Mrs Smith is completely deaf and has to use the clicker to recall her dogs.

Debbie says: “The training is hard for me because it is difficult for me to communicate.”

Being a proud dog owner and trainer, Mr Collins says he gets a lot out of the process.

He said: “The tremendous joy I get is seeing Debbie walking with Skie without a lead.

“Five weeks ago, Debbie’s dog would run off somewhere.

“The other day I had Debbie and her husband Steve dog training walking to heel on the lead and they were strolling in the shade and they didn’t have a care in the world.

“And they turned round and they to me said we are so happy, that’s the buzz I get out of it.”

Lee is a practising Christian and attends church every Sunday and it is a big part of his new career.

“I believe that God has given me this gift to help other people and he’s blessed me," he said.

Anyone wishing to have their dogs trained can contact Lee on 07976689974 or leecollie1@gmail.com.