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The Cocker Academy

A safe place, free from judgment to support you and your cocker to have the best life together!

A community of Cocker owners offering a safe place, free from judgment to support you and your cocker have your best life together.

12/10/2025

Wow, that week flew by! 🐾

It’s always busy in our household, but we did manage to squeeze in Moose’s second gundog lesson. What I really loved this time was seeing a bit of cheekiness come out, more sniffing, a little play, and that spark that tells me he’s starting to feel truly comfortable. For a soft soul like him, that confidence means everything.

Ninja had another gym session this week too, working on new exercises to build strength and keep his body moving the right way. And I even managed to stick to my own promise, weave training with Pinga! We kept it short and light, but she was so focused and happy to work.

The highlight of my week, though, has been making the most of the lighter evenings while they last. The days are definitely drawing in, and I’ve been really intentional about spending that time outside, walking, sniffing, exploring together. It’s funny how the simplest moments end up feeling the most grounding, for both us and our dogs.

This week’s small tip:
Don’t underestimate the power of a short, pressure-free walk. Let your dog sniff, let yourself breathe, and just enjoy being together. Sometimes the best progress happens when we stop trying so hard and simply be.

P.S. If you’d love to understand your Cocker’s instincts more deeply and find more calm and connection on your walks, my free 3-day Calmer Cocker, Happier You Challenge starts Tuesday 21st October. It’s gentle, practical, and might just change how you see your dog.

💛 Comment CALMER below and I’ll send you the link to join.

10/10/2025

Today is World Mental Health Day 💚🐾

I don’t mind admitting that my Cockers play a huge role in looking after my own mental health. The routine of walks, the comfort of their company, the way they make me laugh at the smallest things, it all adds up.

Even on days when life feels heavy, getting outside with them, watching them explore, or simply sitting quietly together makes everything feel that bit lighter. They remind me to slow down, to be present, and to find joy in the simple things.

I know I’m not alone in this. So I’d love to hear from you today- how do your Cockers help your mental health?

Let’s share a little positivity and appreciation for the incredible support our dogs give us every single day. 🐶💛

09/10/2025

Over the summer, something really hit me.

I was spending time with my own dogs and working with clients, and I kept noticing the same theme: when things felt hard, it wasn’t usually about the training itself… it was about the relationship.

The times when we felt most stuck were the moments when connection had slipped. When the focus had shifted to “fixing” behaviours instead of understanding the dog in front of us.

And that’s why I knew I had to run the free Calmer Cocker, Happier You Challenge this month. Because so many of us love our Cockers with all our hearts, but still end up feeling like we’re in a battle.

This challenge isn’t about quick fixes- defo don't sign up if you're looking for that! It’s about slowing down, understanding the why behind your Cocker’s behaviour, and finding simple ways to rebuild clarity and connection so life together feels lighter.

We start 21st October, three days, completely free, and made for people who just want to enjoy their dogs again.

💛 If that’s you, comment CALMER and I’ll send you the link.

08/10/2025

Imagine a life where your Cocker chooses YOU over the world ✨

The pulling, the bouncing, the “never switches off” energy… it can feel exhausting. The truth is, your Cocker isn’t broken. They were bred for energy, focus, and connection.

When you understand their “why” and learn how to work with those instincts instead of against them, everything changes. Walks feel calmer. Training feels clearer. And life with your spaniel feels so much lighter.

That’s exactly what we’ll be exploring in my FREE 3-day Calmer Cocker, Happier You Challenge running 21st–23rd October.
Over 3 bite-sized days you’ll discover:
🐾 Why your Cocker does what they do (genetics + instincts)
🐾 How clarity builds their calm and confidence
🐾 Simple ways to strengthen connection so they still check in with you, even when the world is exciting

It’s not about quick fixes. It’s about tiny shifts that change everything for both of you.

Ready to feel more calm, confident, and connected? Sign up here: https://www.thecockeracademy.com/f/3-day-calmer-cocker-happier-you-challenge

05/10/2025

Sometimes with our Cockers, life can feel like a constant push and pull. One day things feel calm and connected, the next you’re second-guessing yourself, wondering if you’ll ever get there. I know how exhausting that can be, and how lonely it sometimes feels when it looks like everyone else has it figured out.

That’s exactly why I’ve been quietly working away behind the scenes on something new. Something designed to help you breathe a little easier, feel more in control, and start enjoying those small but powerful moments of progress with your Cocker again.

I’m not sharing all the details just yet (they’re coming very soon!), but if you’ve ever wished for less overwhelm and more connection, this is for you.

Keep an eye on this page over the next few days, I think you’ll love what’s coming!

03/10/2025

What a week it’s been!

I had the chance to step away for a couple of days and head off to train at AC Gundogs. Originally, this was booked for Ninja, but with him resting I took Teän, and wow, am I glad I did.

It’s been 18 months since we last did gundog work together, but she threw herself right in. She wasn’t too sure about the water, but the highlight was her tackling a retrieve with a goose dummy that was bigger than her! Not only did she manage it, she was the best of the bunch. Her little face lit up with pride, and mine did too. Those are the moments you never forget. 🐾

Back home, Ninja has been starting his physio fitness regime. He’s got a set of daily exercises now, and already he looks more comfortable. Looking back at old videos made me realise how subtle the changes in his body have been over the last couple of years. Sometimes we only see things clearly when we take a step back.

And to top it off, I also launched my new puppy programme this week. I’d forgotten how much I enjoy those early lightbulb moments with new owners. My big goal here is to help people avoid the common mistakes that make adolescence harder than it needs to be, because those first three months really do matter.

This week’s tip: Take a moment to look back at your dog’s old photos or videos. Often the biggest changes, good or bad, are the ones we don’t notice in the day-to-day. Spotting them can help you celebrate progress or catch things early.

01/10/2025

Happy National Black Dog Day! 🐾🖤

Today I'm shining a light on the beautiful black Cockers (and all black dogs) who so often get overlooked. Did you know black dogs are sometimes the last to be chosen in rescues, simply because of the colour of their coat?

To me, they’re anything but “ordinary.” Black Cockers are every bit as joyful, cheeky, loyal, and full of life as their golden, liver, or roan cousins. If anything, that glossy coat just makes their eyes shine brighter and their personality stand out even more. My 3 are all black!

So here’s to the black Cockers! If you share your life with a black Cocker, drop a photo below, let’s celebrate them today!

30/09/2025

Spooky season starts tomorrow… but it’s not always fun for our dogs.

October brings pumpkins, costumes, and cosy evenings… but for many Cockers, it also means more strange sights and sounds. From rustling decorations on walks to the early fireworks starting up, it can be a tough time for sensitive dogs.

If your Cocker is reactive or nervous, please know this: they’re not being “difficult.” They’re responding to a world that suddenly feels unpredictable and unsafe. And it’s our job to help them feel supported through it.

A few small things can make a big difference this month:

👻 Keep walks steady and familiar - new spooky decorations can throw them off.

🎇 Start introducing calm routines now before fireworks season kicks in.

🧡 Create a safe space at home where your dog can retreat if it all feels too much.

Most importantly, don’t feel guilty if you need to skip a walk, head out at quieter times, or adapt your plans. That’s not “giving in,” it’s setting your Cocker up for success.

👉 Tell me in the comments, what’s your biggest October worry with your Cocker?

28/09/2025

End of September thoughts…

I’ll be honest, this month has flown by. Between Collie Camp, Cocker Camp, and everything else going on, I’ve felt like I’ve been chasing my tail a bit. And while it’s been great fun, my own dogs haven’t had the training time I’d planned. Cue a little bit of guilt.

But here’s what I’ve reminded myself: training doesn’t always have to be formal to count.

This month we’ve played more, we’ve done little bits of parkour on our walks, and we’ve turned everyday moments into games. And that still matters. It’s connection. It’s fun. And it keeps the bond strong even when life gets busy.

Heading into October, I’ve set myself a new goal, to get Pinga’s weaves sorted so we can run full agility courses by the end of the year. Writing it down here is my way of finding accountability (so feel free to ask me in December how it went 🙈).

My reminder for you: if life’s been hectic and the training sessions haven’t happened, don’t punish yourself. Lean on play. Toss a toy. Practice a hand touch. Celebrate the tiny wins. Because it all adds up.

Tell me, what’s one thing you’d love to focus on with your dog in October?

25/09/2025

So many of the problems people face with their adolescent dogs, pulling, reactivity, anxiety, frustration, actually begin in puppyhood.

Not because they’ve done anything wrong, but because no one gave them the support to prevent those problems from the start.

That’s exactly why I created my new Puppy Support Training Programme. It’s not about a checklist of commands. It’s about prevention, confidence, and connection, so you don’t find yourself in crisis later on.

Together, over 3 months, you’ll learn how to:
✨ Build healthy habits and routines
✨ Create calmness and confidence that lasts
✨ Strengthen your bond so your pup chooses you, even in tough moments

With weekly live calls, WhatsApp support, tailored advice, and a full video library, you’ll never be left thinking “I don’t know what to do.”

We start the week beginning 29th September. Founding price: £97.

Because puppyhood is too important to leave to chance. 🐾

Comment PUPPY if you’d like the link.

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