I can’t believe we’re at the end of the first week in January already

We had a wonderful time in Perth over Christmas and then went camping with friends in Ocean Beach for NY.  We even took the pooch camping which was an interesting experience…we now have half a fly screen between the 2 rooms of our tent.

This week I was lucky enough to spend 2 full mornings at Complete Canine Care building up my observation hours.  I 'observed' from inside the big dog section, the medium dog section and the small and puppy groups.  On my first session I wanted to run away with a Ridgeback and on the second one I was torn between a young Vizsla and an Irish Wolfhound :).  It was a fantastic experience and I have learnt SO much being immersed and surrounded by so many dogs. CCC have a great facility and the handlers are super knowledgeable about canine behaviour.  I loved it!

Over the holiday period I was given some advice on the “right” way to discipline my dog.  The person subscribed to the method of feeding your dog once all family member have already eaten, to show it who’s boss.  Now I’m sure that there will be some evidence out there that could show me how this works but honestly it just doesn't make sense to me.  Each to their own so I am not telling people how to train their dogs, but for me, this is nonsense and I can find far more sensible ways for Asha to understand who the leader is.

On that note I’m reading a brilliant book by Suzanne Clothier called “If a dogs prayers were answered bones would rain from the sky”.  It’s fascinating, loads of interesting and useful information but written in a non-textbook way with humour, stories etc.  I definitely recommend it for anyone interested in learning more about how to build their relationship with their dog(s).

I also saw my newest case studies this week – a gorgeous GSD and a Moodle (MaltesePoodle).  I've finished case study sessions with the dynamic Tusk and I've continued with sessions on Aggie, Kingston and Mako.

For the rest of January I am focusing on finishing all my home study exercises so that I can get my Certificate showing I've completed 300 hours in Advanced Canine Massage – woo hoo, can’t wait!!