Let's talk about everyone's favourite topic - potty training! Here's what you need to know: Ditch the Puppy Pads: Controversial, I know!...

This week I am dedicating it as Puppy Week! So to kick things off, I want to share with you my insights into owning and caring for puppies, of all shapes and sizes. The two on the above photos are Willow and Barney. They are two of our current dogs. Willow is a cross poodle/bichon/cavalier and Barney is a collie. By time either of these dogs came into our lives, I thought I knew a lot about dogs. I'd cared for puppies, I had trained them and I had lived with them. We made a p

Last week we took a little trip to Glossop on the train. Its only a few stops so we thought we would go there first - we hope to build up to a trip on the train to Southport with them both in the summer. Ren climbed straight on but Chester, whilst initially eager, realised that gap was huge! So he had a little help. There was absolutely no need to worry, the pair of them had train legs immediately! Ren having a little look out of the window - she likes to see out where we are

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.