This weekend saw the very first breed show for Ren and for me. In all the years of taking care of dogs, I had never taken part in a breed show. So lets just say I was feeling well out of my comfort on the lead up to Saturday. Ren and me had been attending ring craft classes to learn what was expected, and to also make sure Ren was ok walking in a ring and being touched by a stranger/judge. Because after all it is about me and Ren doing something nice and fun together and if R

On Sunday we had a lovely visit with Ren's mum (Bitz) and Nanna (Kea) and their owner Chanette. Ren as you can imagine went absolutely bonkers when she saw Chanette! Jumping all over her, giving her kisses, and weeing all over her shoes! The plan is to show Ren so Chanette came over to help with some training (well, that is what the excuse was she used). Ren loves learning new things and thankfully she understands quite quick what we ask her to do. Kooikers are a working dog

I couldn't resist using this photo first - I might even print it off for the wall! Today I took Ren out with her big sister Barney. I think Barney has been feeling a little confused about Ren and how she changes the dynamics of the house. She has been displaying some odd behaviours that are not like her, which is to be expected. It is a big change for the house. I realised last night I needed to do some direct work with her. I started on a walk with her and Ren this morning.

Yesterday me and Ren met up with Chester and Vicky again. We went for a walk along the canal and then onto a field for some off lead fun. Chester walks along the canal all the time like a pro! Though he wasn't too keen on walking (hey, those legs are only little!) unless Ren walked in front to give a little bit of encouragement. But it was all new to Ren and her ninja feels kicked in: her ears were twitching, her eyes were darting all over, she was showing her anxiety. It was

I am a little late talking about this one: going out for a walk for the first time! It’s been a few weeks but I’ve got cute photos, so I know you wont complain. Ren had been out and about and had visits, to people’s houses, met new dogs and people, but she had been on her first walk officially until after her last vaccinations. It was still quite cold so on went her little jacket and harness and off we went along the street. It must have been so strange for her because she ha

Happy New Year! Wishing you all a very happy new year that brings you joy, peace and rest. And what better to start the year of blogs, than with a toilet training blog! Yeah! So where do we start… We have had Ren a month now. She is well and truly part of the family. For a nearly 14-week-old puppy, you would really think she had been with us a very long time. We have been doing lots of training with her and the main thing so far has been toilet, or potty training as I like to

As I sit here, totally and utterly distracted by Ren. It's not difficult if I am honest. She fascinates me. Obviously having a new puppy is very distracting. You would think I would be used to it by now what with my own dogs and my clients’ puppies, but no, each one grabs me just as much as the last one. And Ren is no exception. I find myself just staring at her – if she could talk she would tell me to stop! I watch her learning all the new things, see her sniffing the air ta