NEWS LETTER/BLOG APRIL '25 - Dog Training for all!

Hello hello, I thought I would start doing a regular newsletter/blog as so much is going on and so much to say and sometimes I don't get around to everyone!

I am going to see what works and what doesn't and would like feedback or suggestions of what you would like to see or subjects you want to talk about. Whether dog training is for puppies, older dogs, IMDT Grades, Recall, Scentwork, one to ones or just general advice needed.

But firstly I would like to welcome for April, 12 new puppy class attendees (not all in one group.... that would be chaos), Tess, Skye and Mabel who have joined the IMDT groups coming up through one to ones, recall workshops and puppy groups. Talking of which congratulations to the 10 dogs that came to the recall workshops, so much fun was had and thank you to all their owners for the enthuisatic participation..... including cartwheels (take a look at Facebook or Insta)

We have had some rosettes awarded in the IMDT Groups, Luna and Roxy Level 2, Tango Level 3 (just on Monday so they haven't got the rosette yet), Toby Level 3 and Coco Level 4 - Well done guys.

UK Sniffer Dogs groups were also having success with many completing their Silver Course, as well as Bronze Level 4. We have had another Bronze Group graduate and 4 of these dogs have now joined the continuation courses. I will be doing a new beginners group shortly and if you are on the list look out for the email!

There will also be a recall workshop at the beginning of May so if you are on the waiting list again keep a look out on emails.

If you do want to join any of my groups or workshop, whatsapp on 07969048663 or email helenshoundsdt@outlook.com

Upcoming is the Grand Easter Bronze Level Trial on 27 April, 17 of the 24 spaces have already gone so if you want to join and have done the Bronze Course (or your dog can succesful indiciate on red kong down to 5mm), let me know

EASTER BRONZE LEVEL TRIAL

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BLOG PART 1 - IT'S ALL ABOUT ME

Ok so that sounds presumptuous but actually although a lot of you have met me, many don't know my background. As a child I was 'not allowed' a dog, well that's how I took it but in hindsight my parents both worked and did the right thing, they love dogs and actually as I got older they used to look after my children (of which I have 2 grown up ones plus now 3 grandchildren) and any dog that I had at the time. I was the child with their nose in the dog book and knew pretty much every breed by the age of 10.

I first owned dogs in my early 20's, Bertie the Jack Russel cross spaniel, my (now ex) husband came with Holly the Working Springer Spaniel and the Murphy arrived, Labrador/Rotti/Collie cross..... a tenner from the local pub. Not an advised way of getting a puppy but 30 years ago times were different. Since then my beloved Eric who was a terrier of unknown type, who came from Blue Cross, handed in as aggresive and untrainable (he wasn't, he just wasn't being listened too). I lost him a couple of years ago to cancer but he is with me every day as he is the little dog on my logo.

ERIC - THE COMPANY LOGO

My current pack Sid a terrier picked up by the dog warden (meant to be foster but 9 years later .....) , Nelly the lurcher, stray from Last Chance Rescue, Megan the Romanian Street dog, then Sparky..... the Kooikerhonje, the only pedigree, KC registered dog I have owned, who is a quirky little sole, genetically they are not the easiest of breeds, but he is great fun.

MY CURRENT PACK

Between my first and second pack is where a lot of my learning happened, I did have Eric but was also fostering dogs..... when the dog warden didn't have room, when RSPCA needed dogs collected and kennels were full (this even lead to standing up in court in a cruelty case), I would be a temporary foster for Kent Greyhound where a permanent foster needed a weekend off. I often have people say wasn't it tempting to keep them all, the honest answer is no, not all dogs are suited to all people or to a particular household, including us trainers. The shortest I have fostered for is 4 hours as a safe house, the longest

9 years.... ok so I guess Sid is techinally a failed foster.

During all this time I was a civil servant part time. Then a career desicion was made and although I had years of experience with many different breeds with many different issues I decided to go for accredition. You don't have to be accredited as there is no legal requirement, but to me it was important. MY NEXT BLOG WILL EXPLAIN WHY. After accrediation I worked part time as a dog trainer and part time as a civil servant until I took the leap of faith to do it full time!