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 out 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 Bishop Auckland and have a wonderful new home.  Rupert loved the “me” time with 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 (I call it a garden) which she has made her own.  Then 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.

Since I’ve been here 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 venue called K9 Freedom Fields in Coxhoe.  Sam, the owner, has such enthusiasm and she spurs me on.  I run a Sunday Social session at the field and we’re planning a few more events after the success of our fun day in the summer.  I’ve run a workshop and will be starting more socials 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 an encouraging community to mentor and support each other.  To be honest, there’s not much difference between dog training and show training.  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.  I’ve always been passionate about 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.

I’m hoping to meet lots of new dogs and owners soon!

 Lots of love,

Sara, Edie and Rupert.