Rachs Rambles

22/09/2025

When you fall into Monday already! 😂

11/09/2025

When you get a dog and you want them to be well behaved and listen to you, you need to understand it's an ongoing thing.

You can't train a puppy for one 6 week course and then expect it to know everything for the rest of its life.

I have been training my dogs the whole time I have had them, and this post reminded me we only tackled loose lead walking in lockdown! That's 3 years after I rescued Izzy!

Some things take longer than others. Some they find easy, some not.
Take your time, help them, teach them and grow together 💛

01/09/2025

It may have rained just before classes but there was a rainbow! 🌈🌈

28/08/2025

Free Muzzle Fittings

Thinking about muzzle training but not sure where to start? We offer free fittings for Muzzle Movement muzzle, because comfort, safety, and confidence matter.

✨ Why it’s worth it? Get the right fit for your dog’s needs. Learn how to introduce the muzzle positively. Support ethical training and accessibility.

📍 Harlow | 🗓️ Book via link in bio Let’s make muzzle training stress-free and stigma-free.

27/08/2025

Life Skills Class: Real world training for real life dogs.

✨ What we cover: Loose lead walking without the drama. Settling in busy environments. Handling distractions like a pro. Building reliable recall and polite greetings.

📍 Harlow | 🗓️ Book via link https://rachsrambles.as.me/?appointmentType=48405695
Let’s help your dog thrive, not just behave.

26/08/2025

The Best day ever.

25/08/2025

We had friends over Saturday evening so Sunday this was the dogs all day!

Their usual lazy evenings of a nice walk naps and dinner were changed to kids running around, being played with, and the sofa taken over.
Not that they minded any of this they love kids!

But it meant that they were extra tired Sunday. So a day off minimal activities and a chance to catch up on some Z's was on the agenda.

Giving your dogs time to recover is just as important as training. Let them nap 😴 😴

23/08/2025

This post says it all 💛

Anticipatory grief is something I didn't truly understand until I started to notice my feelings around seeing Nero begin to age. It’s the grief that shows up before the inevitable goodbye. An ache that creeps in when you see your dog’s body start to slow, when the jumps they once made so easily now take effort, when you catch yourself holding your breath when they stumble.

It’s such a complicated mix of sadness, quiet regret, overwhelming love, and so much gratitude. I find myself replaying all the moments I could have done better, even though I was always doing the best I could with what I knew at the time. That’s the thing about guardianship you walk beside your dog through every stage of their life without a roadmap. You learn as you go, you make mistakes, you adjust, and through it all, you keep showing up for them. Holding it together the best you can.

What strikes me most is how this kind of grief makes every moment feel full of meaning.

His playful smile as he comes running in from the yard after barking at the neighbor dogs.

His frustrated double foot stomps in the morning when I haven't gotten up to give him food quick enough.

The way he looks so peaceful when he sleeps sprawled out on the couch. Taking up far too much space for his medium size body.

His breathy nose boops as he shoves my hand expecting it to only touch him, instead of typing this post.

Each little moment becomes something I am so desperate to hold onto.

I tried to rationalize with myself telling my brain to just enjoy the moments, but it also flashes to a time when I will no longer have them.

Everything that seemed important... feels less significant. The only thing I wish for now is just more time.

I don't care how many tricks he can do.
I don't care if he pulls on the leash.
I don't care if he doesn't immediately respond to my recall.

All that matters is that we're together.

"Dogs lives are too short. Their only fault really." ~ Agnes Sligh Turnbull is one of my favorite quotes because of its accuracy.

If you’re walking this path with your own dog, please know you’re not alone.

Anticipatory grief is the price of love but it’s also proof of it.

❤️