My fields

The recent good weather has meant that Spring has finally landed and everything is turning green, not least my garden and fields.
And these two fields are really coming into their own at the moment.

With sheep and lambs dotting the landscape in every direction, the dogs main walk is always on the lead. But following a rest, the afternoon activity is in the fields where the dogs can play with each other, chase after a ball or simply catch grass - just ask one year old Nellie !

Nellie on tip toes

But for HRH,  the thought of exercise is tiring in itself !

Adding insult to injury, she evens sleeps right next to where Paul is working !!

Poppy the Cocker Spaniel began boarding in a quiet and reserved
manner, though by the time she was going home, I was seeing
the real Poppy.

Dave, a 2yr old Labrador. He's a young lad who can be a little
boisterous but doesn't have a bad bone in his body ! We all
like Dave - until he crashes into us !

Breeze stayed for 24hrs on a "try out". I knew she could be timid
with other dogs but by the time she went home, I was pleased to
see that there were positive changes taking place. Breeze is due to
return for some more confidence building and I look forward to seeing her again.

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

Over the years I've worked with most breeds, from Akitas and Rottweilers through to Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers. Now I can mention another breed - a Czechslovakian Wolfdog.
Meet Kyra, who I'm just beginning to train. As these are early days, the long line is still required to prevent her running off but this is only for short term use until I know with complete confidence that she will respond to the recall.

Talking with Kyra's owner

Not a common sight in the English Countryside

On a different note, Paul was contacted at the start of the week by the Farmers Guardian, asking to use his very powerful photograph from one of my sheep chasing lessons. It features on the "Sheep" page on my website and previously featured in an article on me last year.
The dog featured is a Presa Canario x Rottweiler. And I can honestly say that no sheep was bitten or harmed.

An all too common sight caused by thoughtless owners

But to finish off, let me introduce you to the smallest member of the family - a one week old Cocker Spaniel belonging to Fran.
Her bitch Maddie gave birth to five, though only four have survived. But Mads is proving to be a fabulous mother and I'm also very proud of Fran. Her determination to do things right have meant sleepless nights on the settee and numerous nocturnal visits to check on Mum and the litter.
Well done Fran.

One day he'll be in and out of the bracken ........

...... but for now, it's just eat sleep and be quiet !

Lateral thinking at its' best !

I've finally found a dog walker who understands why dogs behave as they do and who thinks on the same wavelength as a dog.
Meet Charlie.
On first meeting my residential training guest Sandy, Charlie knew he had to demonstrate who was in charge - and it certainly wasn't the big Retriever, lovely though he is.
And so with a little persuasion here and the odd tug there, order was established.

"Like I said .......

.......you come with me because .....

....... I'M IN CHARGE !!!

What's better than one Retriever ? Two. The second comes in the shape of a regular guest of mine, Chester.
I think Paul went on a scouting mission to find out where all the mud pools were prior to this lovely lad arriving. And judging by Chester's appearance, it was time well spent !

Chester (L) - Sandy (R)

Charlie would do well to walk young George, a six month old Springer in for boarding, who has also started training with me. This lad may be young but he's strong and keen to explore smells.
Needless to say Paul is in his element with another Springer and neither seem bothered about the rain - although this photograph doesn't support that ! George seems to have taken to him which is not surprising, given that the two always walk together and Paul is also continuing with his training while he boards for the week.

"Hold on - I've got another expression which is REALLY sad"!

Snowballs for Sasha and Charlie

The dogs have been making the most of the recent heavy snow, either with me in my fields or with Paul on the local Fells.

"Thanks Sasha !"

But for two dogs, these conditions become somewhat disabling after a short time, due to their coats. Sasha, my Cockerpoo residential training dog and Charlie, my daughter’s Cocker Spaniel, are slowed down by the weight and discomfort of snowballs on their legs.
The photo of Sasha had to be enhanced as she is so very dark, and somewhere underneath all of that hair are two eyes.
Judging by her gesture I can only assume she doesn't like being photographed !
Meanwhile Charlie is oblivious to both Paul and the weather. Unlike Sasha, he never stops to pick off the snowballs, but just keeps running, albeit slower and slower and with all four legs further and further apart !

"Snowballs ? Where ?"

Meanwhile poor Tasha was somewhat confused about this tree. Does she go and investigate or does she hold back and see if Paul is daft enough to explore ! All I'll say is that this young German Shepherd is no fool !

"Umm ...... this isn't a real tree"

However before the snow arrived there was time for play. With a ball and rope to fetch, the game could still be going on if Paul had allowed it.

"Found It !"

Meanwhile Lewis has enjoyed a holiday with us while his owners are away. The photo really displays how alert this Border Collie is, and his natural ability for rounding up is always evident when out with other dogs.

Lewis on alert - as usual

Long line work with Pebbles

It's very unusual that nearly a month goes by without an update of what's been happening, but the truth is I've been rather busy !

I usually work 7 day weeks which, although tiring, are very enjoyable and obviously by choice. The days are full, what with "sheep chasing" lessons, day courses and training my residential guests.

In for a month is Pebbles, a Border Collie whose progress I'm very pleased with.

This young girl is very bright and eager to learn, which makes training her even more enjoyable. Having my own field and garth allows me the opportunity to train on a long line without the need to see who may be approaching across a field or along a footpath.

A rather proud looking teacher !

I thought I would include a second photo of Pebbles, which, although not in sharp focus, does in fact show that the Teacher is not averse to playing with the pupil !

Every lesson includes some fun !

I think Cedar has had enough ....... for now

Cedar, a Brittany Spaniel, has arrived for two weeks and judging by the photograph below, doesn't want to hear the word "walk" for an hour or two. What makes me smile is the positioning of her front paws !

Meanwhile Her Highness decided that she would like to try a little goodie I had in my pocket.
Honey's spring is quite remarkable when she wants something, judging by these pics.
Every dog entering the house is bigger than she is, but within a few moments she's introduced herself to them and they soon get to know who the boss is !

"Tell me in one word or less if you like it .....

..... I take it that's a "yes" then !"