Rachael’s canine retreats

29/01/2022

It's a Norman and Flo weekend! How cute are these two? They're the BEST snugglers and I just love having them to stay. 😍🥰😍

28/12/2021

Merry Christmas from me and Mr. Flash! It’s been so busy that I haven’t posted in FOREVER! These pics were taken a little while ago, but when searching for a Christmas post- it could only be Flash. ❤️

Earlier this year I had a phone call from Flash’s mum. She told me all about Flash’s history; living in Cyprus, relinquished to care and without ever experiencing human kindness.

Flash was a nervous boy when his amazing humans brought him home and Louise, his mum explained he’d need lots of time to get used to me in the lead up to a stay over in their home.

I think I fell a little bit in love with Flash even before I met him, just based on his story. 💚 But then when I met him- it really was just inevitable! He’s a real character. A total dreamboat!

We spent five days together when Mr Flashy Pants’ mum and Dad went to Spain- something they’d never done in five years since Flash came to live in his forever home.

We sent lots of pics of our adventures and I’m very happy to report that Flash came to love me, too! A few months on and I’m delighted to say that he’s my best buddy and I call to see him when I work in the area, just to hang out and have snuggles.

Merry Christmas, dear Flash. And merry Christmas to all from me. I hope you’re having a wonderful holiday. Here’s to a beautiful 2022.

❤️❤️❤️

15/09/2021

I had the BEST weekend with this little teddy bear. What a cutie! Archie is the most confident, sociable and all round happiest little man. 🥰 We enjoyed baking peanut butter dog treats together, spent some time exploring the village in the sunshine and then snuggled up watching animal programmes on TV. (But not those pesky frogs on the totally money advert. Archie does not approve!) 🤣Such a lovable guy. Come back soon Archie! ❤️🐶❤️🐶

22/08/2021

Today has been a month in the making. Dino and Betty have been re-homed recently and rely on their routine and each other. They can both be a little apprehensive about the big wide world, so it’s been important to go about things slowly and carefully. They’re having their first sleepover at Rachael’s Canine Retreats tonight! ❤️ In preparation for this we did a scent swap of an old pyjama top at their house to get them used to my scent. A scent swap featuring an item that’s associated with relaxing provides soothing pheromones for dogs. That was step one. A really important step. Next up, I dropped some lickimats and a snufflemat off a few weeks ago at their house, and Dino and Betty’s mum has been working with them on doing some scent games to get their little noses in action! Scent games are so beneficial for dogs. Pop it in google. Prepare to be astounded! 🐶

Meanwhile I’ve set up two safe spaces for Dino and Betty in case they want their own space. One under my bed upstairs abd one in the living room. Dino has gone under the bed at home during a thunderstorm, so I made a safe space under my bed here with comfy blankets, a lickimat, one of their toys and a long lasting chew just in case. The other little den I’ve set up is in the living room. The door will never be closed on this crate! It’s there as an option, and both Dino and Betty have both chosen to go and have a little sleep in it! I’ve put the duvet that’s usually in my car in there. They’ve been in my car a few times so it’s already familiar to them.

We have their own toys, their own blanket and window film up to prevent anxiety from passers by as they don’t see outside people whe they’re at home. We’ve used a playlist the yorkies’ humans have played at their house. This provides some lovely positive associations to happy times.

We have been setting the little rescue yorkies up for success and had visits at their house, we’ve hired private a field at dogwood, they’ve visited my house and we’ve been out on ‘ugly walks.’ (Walks where they don’t meet other dogs as this is one of their triggers and we’re conscious we don’t want these beautiful dogs to experience trigger stacking.)

We are very happy to report all of these tools have helped to make Dino and Betty so relaxed tonight. They’re currently fast asleep, all snuggled up. Trust the process. Trust the planning. Trust Rachael’s Canine Retreats. ❤️🐶

29/07/2021

Today I’ve been looking after Luna the beautiful lurcher whilst her beloved humans are getting married! At Luna’s consultation visits it was decided she’d feel happier and calmer in her own environment, so I’ve eloped to sunny Sunderland for the day! We’ve had some games of search, tug and puzzles. We’ve enjoyed a sunbathe in the garden, had some lovely, relaxed walks and we’re currently having a snuggle on her sofa. Today has been a total pleasure. I almost don’t want to go home!❤️

Congratulations to the happy couple on their long awaited big day. 💐🍾❤️

10/07/2021

Saturday is my absolute favourite day of the week as I get to spend it at Dogwood Adventure Play, shadowing the INCREDIBLE Katie Guastapaglia
carry out her signature Scentventure® training system. It’s amazing to be a part of her team and I just love it! I’ve seen the results it brings and they are phenomenal. ❤️😍

Scentventure® combines elements of scentwork and adventure to create an exciting way to keep dogs fit, healthy and happy. Katie’s unique system is teaching me how to create some activities for dogs that are as tiring as a walk to enable reactive, excitable or stressed dogs feel calmer, happier and more focused. ❤️ Scentventure builds confidence in nervous and anxious dogs and slows down 100mph dogs who race through life!

I’m hoping to offer training days, stays and ‘vacays’ soon. Watch this space!

08/07/2021

Let me introduce my newest best buddy to you all- Daphne! 😍 She is the sweetest little lady EVER! We are having the best time together for a few days whilst her family are away. So far we’ve enjoyed some playtime with her boomerang and tug toys, taken some lovely quiet, shaded walks, spent time completing some enrichment activities together and of course we have participated in my most favourite way to spend any day….. DOG SNUGGLES!

Daphne, you are nothing short of a wonderful treat. 🐶 🐾 💕

27/06/2021

Today I visited these adorable little dachshunds in their own home for a meet and greet visit. Let me introduce these AMAZING little brothers Link and Otis! 😍 I’m in love! 🥰

Linky and Otis can be anxious around new people, so their wonderful humans asked me to bring something over to leave with the boys so they have my scent in their house in preparation for future visits. How awesome is that? ❤️ They also ensured they had lots of treats, chews and familiar comfort things around to keep them both happy. What a fantastic morning. Looking forward to seeing you again soon little sausages! 🐶🐶

18/06/2021

This weekend finds me spending time with little Miss Coco and Mr Hugo up in Newcastle. These two little sweethearts are an absolute pleasure to be around. I love my job! ❤️😍❤️😍

09/06/2021

Phew, it’s been a scorcher! ☀️ I’m sure we’ve all noticed there have been so many dogs out walking during peak sunshine hours over the last few days when temperatures have reached over 26 degrees. Although all dogs are at risk of heat stroke in summer weather, did you know that flat faced breeds such as frenchies, bulldogs and pugs are up to SEVENTEEN times more susceptible to life threatening heat stroke? Early morning or later evening walks are always advisable to keep our canine companions safe. ❤️❤️❤️

05/06/2021

A day of studying in store for Rachael’s Canine Retreats. All to make sure my knowledge is up to date to offer your dogs the very best quality care. ✌️❤️

28/05/2021

24/05/2021

I’m publishing this as a work in progress! Please message with any enquiries! See the ‘services’ tab for my current offerings. This will be continually updated with professional development in partnership training, life enrichment and my boarding license.

24/05/2021

As a trainee Scentventure Guide, I work on four compass points to give dogs the tools to make their own choices. This brings confidence, less anxiety, reduced reactivity, happiness and joy. I am continually learning about dog communication and allow your dogs to tell me when they’re enjoying an activity. I would never put a dog in a situation they weren’t happy in.

24/05/2021

My Background

Having worked in Health and Social Care throughout my career and being a true advocate for person centred care, it seemed only natural to care for my dogs in the same way.

When my passion for dogs became more than just a pleasure and I sought to gain recognised qualifications in canine care, I naturally looked in to courses that fit with my values in partnership based dog training and providing ethical and gentle care. Those which puts the needs of the dog at the forefront of my work.

Life enrichment for dogs brings confidence, happiness and joy to the lives of both dogs and their humans. Having adventures with our beloved dogs is one of life’s greatest gifts, and I’d be honoured to take adventures with your dogs, too!

I offer weekend day care, overnight stays or holiday care and will mirror the care you give your animals, ensuring their comfort and safety at all times.

I will send lots of pics and videos if you’d like, allowing you to relax and see what we’re all up to. I can spend some time enjoying games, walks, runs and snuggles with your dogs and I will treat them with such love and care, just as you do.

I can’t wait to meet and fall in love with all your wonderful canine companions!