When Sue Sears rescued five-month-old whippet Ratty from a gypsy horse box, he was cowering, frightened and unable to go for walks because he was aggressive towards other dogs.

Five years later, Ratty has come on leaps and bounds and Mrs Sears, who lives in Hunters Way, Gillingham, has been nominated for an award for her work with him.

Mrs Sears, 66, said: “It was the freezing cold winter of 2010 and he was frightened and shivering. We just couldn’t leave him in those circumstances.”

After a number of failed training attempts, Mrs Sears met a dog trainer through an art class and started taking Ratty to a Aylesford Dog Training Club.

She said: “He’s a lot better than he was, at one stage he was absolutely dreadful but he’s come on really well. He’s still a bit funny sometimes with other dogs but he’s much better than I thought he ever could be.”

The training classes have helped Ratty’s behaviour and he’s become more accepting of other dogs and people. Together they have won the club’s award for the most improved dog and handler several times.

Mrs Sears has been nominated for the Royal Canin Outstanding Achievement Award, as part of the Kennel Club’s Good Citizen Dog Scheme Awards 2015.

She said: “It’s amazing, I can’t believe it. Ratty is still work in progress but he has come such a long way compared to what he was initially.”

The award recognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution and commitment to responsible dog ownership through the Good Citizen Dog Scheme, the largest dog training programme in the country.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “Sue has shown a remarkable commitment to Ratty and responsible dog ownership and would be truly deserving of the award.”

The winner is decided by the public who can vote online at www.royalcanin.co.uk/gcdsaward. Voting closes tomorrow.

Mrs Sears will be attending the Good Citizen Dog Scheme Awards ceremony on Friday at the Kennel Club’s head office in London where the winner will be announced.