It’s been quite a while since the website got any attention as I’ve had problems with my hosting and my templates.  But now all sorted and I’ll be updating this page on a regular basis, I promise.

As many of you may know, I’ve moved to County Durham and am loving the change of pace and environment.  It doesn’t seem possible that it’s a year since Rupert and I set off on our fact finding mission to the North East to find somewhere to live.  We’re now settled in a village just outside Ferryhill and have a wonderful new home.  Rupert loved the “me” time with me in the vans as we moved and especially all the motorway service stops where he discovered Greggs sausage rolls!  He even recognises the logo now!   We finally moved in December 2023 and Edie loved the little yard (garden I call it) which she has made her own.  Finally, in February, Kathy, Boudi and Freya moved up as well.  It was a very long week with five hour drives, vans, cars and Rupert but we managed with a lot of podcasts which helped the time go by.

I’ve met some amazing people and dogs.  And there are a lot of businesses up here too who are offering support and help.  I’m working at a wonderful dog exercise field called K9 Freedom Fields in Coxhoe.  The owner is a lovely lady called Sam and she has such enthusiasm she spurs me on.  I run a Sunday Social session at the field and we’re planning a few events after the success of our fun day in the summer.  I’ve run a workshop and will be starting The Puppy Club socials very soon.

Showing dogs up here is also a very big feature.  I launched the Rewards Ringcraft Club at Bishop Middleham Village Hall, who have been so welcoming and supportive.  Membership is growing and I wanted to use my training and experience to help new people start showing as well as encouraging a community to mentor and support each other.  To be honest, there’s not much difference between dog training and dog showing.  Both use the same disciplines it’s just getting the word out that there is a better way to show your dogs with kindness and care.

And I’m getting more private training and behaviour clients as well.  Of course, with new clients come new challenges.  I’ve always been interested in how behaviour and welfare affect our dogs so I took the decision to include the behavioural experience I have with the training I offer.  No distinction between the two.  It’s much more rewarding for me and I believe the dogs I’m working with are enjoying the new approach as well.

Finally, I’ll be launching The Puppy Club in January.  This will be a chance for me to put into practice all the things I’ve taught over the years.  From the day you first go to pick your puppy right up to that 12 month teenage change!  I might even get to write that book I’ve been talking about for ages!

Right now, with Halloween and Bonfire Night on top of us, I’m giving lots of advice on the Facebook page about how to cope with an anxious dog.  But I’ll add another article now so that you can work on keeping your dog happy and calm during this stressful time.

With lots of love

Sara, Edie and Rupert!