December 2022
Year End Report for Sara Bridgeman, aged 42 and a bit… quite a bit…
Apologies for the lack of newsletters but as I shall explain, it’s been a tough end to the year. In early November I was in hospital for a minor operation but am still recovering and healing from that so have had to cut down on what I have been doing work wise. The good news is that I am feeling much better and I though it would be a good time to do a review of 2022 and give you some heads up on events coming in 2023.
Firstly, as you may know, Edie, Rupert and I moved from Smithbrook Kilns and closed the shop in the spring. Right now, the shop is living in my cupboard at my new home and I am waiting to find a place to start up again - hopefully back at Smithbrook Kilns next year. It was only ever going to be a temporary closure and I can’t wait to set up the play area for the dogs again! I’ll still be stocking items for you to purchase but I’ll also be seeing clients at the shop on a regular basis and may be running a Saturday morning clinic for pop in problem dogs! In addition, I’m delighted to confirm that I’ll be holding the prices for 1-2-1 training and group classes at the same level as 2022. I realise that everyone is struggling right now and I want to give the same premium service but without increasing the charge to my customers.
My lovely personal assistant, Kathy, will also be stepping up and controlling my diary so appointments and any changes will be made by her going forward. I try to be as flexible with you as you are with me (thank you) as I do understand that things can change very quickly so I don’t charge a cancellation fee and, even if we rearrange the appointment up to an hour before I leave home, I’m happy to keep doing so. However, Kathy is much better at keeping me on track and reminding me where I need to be!!
The Kennel Club Good Citizens classes went well this year and the Bronze group took their exam on Tuesday 20th December. No pressure being on top of Christmas! But they did me proud by ALL passing! Congratulations to Minnie, Lily and Kallie who were such a lovely group to teach and were all so relaxed around each other. As always, thanks to our lovely judge, Sophie. These dogs have really improved with their social skills with people and other dogs since doing the classes and you’d like to get involved or go up a level from Bronze to Silver let me know. It really is fun to do and I love teaching the groups. And big thanks to my assistant, Ashley, who has helped out this year and is now planning to be a dog trainer!
I finally got the website sorted out and I posted regular articles for people to read. If you‘ve been following the site, you’ll know that the newsletter goes up a few days after you get the mailed copy so if you do want to book anything you get advanced notice from being on the mailing list. However, there are big plans afoot for 2023… so keep checking back.
Group Puppy classes will be back at Yew Tree Vets at their new home at Smithbrook Kilns. Again, the classes will be deliberately kept small but I’ll be running some extra sessions for puppy owners and teenagers over the weekends and in the spring.
I’m also running Group Puppy classes at Upper Hale Community Centre near Farnham on Friday evenings. The centre is lovely and ideally set up for training classes. It will be great to be seeing pups again on a regular basis.
If you have a teenager or a reactive dog then you’ll be glad to hear that the socials and workshops will be focusing on them this year. Once a month I’ll be doing a workshop to teach you how to work with your dog (whatever their issue) in a social setting. Edie’s loyalty group will get special preference for places so if you come along to one of the sessions ask for your loyalty card.
Last year I was lucky enough to be nominated for the “KCAI Accredited Instructor of the Year”. Details of how to nominate me this year are available on The KC website www.kennelclub.org.uk The award is very prestigious being presented at Crufts in March 2023. I don’t usually ask for plaudits but sometimes it’s nice to be recognised by your peers and your clients. If you have loved working with me and feel I have supported you and made a difference for you and your dog, please think about nominating me. The closing date is Tuesday 31st January 2023.
Talking of Crufts, Kathy and I will be taking our Bedlington Terriers, Rupert and Tate, up to show and we’ll be there on Terrier Day which is on the Saturday. Tate surprised us all by taking a first as a Veteran and at 15 years old it really is his last chance to score the big win. Rupert will be there strutting his stuff and making me proud as we walk the green carpet. I’m hoping to be there in an official capacity as a member of the KCAI trainers on The Kennel Club stand so if you are planning a trip up to Birmingham, come over and say hello!
Finally, as you may remember Kathy lost Poppy earlier this year and while you can never replace one dog for another, we are now the proud co-owners of Yarbach Cute Cookie, AKA Boudika. Or Boudi. Or the Silent Demon Ninja. It’s been a while since we both had puppies and it’s been lovely to start working with her. She’ll be joining the puppy class at Farnham in January if you want to meet her. Kathy has been amazing getting her house trained and crate trained completely by 13 weeks. And I’ve trained her to listen to me on video call! You can see her at the bottom of the email chewing her tennis ball.
So that’s it for another year. 2022 wasn’t the best but it wasn’t the worst either. However, 2023 is going to be fabulous! To all the owners, dogs, pups and everyone I’ve spoken to or seen this year everyone at Rewards Dog Training wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Sara, Kathy, Tate, Edie, Rupert and Boudi
