The Spaniel Guru

13/11/2024

Juggling!

On my recent posts quite a couple of people commented that they only do this, and only do that.

That they think their Spaniel doesn’t get enough, that they wish they could give more.

That they feel they are always juggling to give their Spaniel everything they need.

Well sometimes I think regardless of all the juggling in the world sometimes you can still feel you’re not doing enough.

Today I had to move clients as this little monkey isn’t feeling 100 % thank you so much for all my clients for their understanding, and for their patience with me, it’s so appreciated ❤️

Albie is now 7 months old, he’s a cheeky happy, busy busy boy, he’s started to crawl and he wants to walk everywhere. Maybe part Spaniel energy 😅

Bailey is absolutely amazing with him and they have a lovely friendship, but Bailey definately gets less from me than he did before, regardless of my intentions. I can definately see areas we need to focus on a little more, but at the moment we are just enjoying lots of cuddles and toast crusts 😅

I’m not sure I’ve ever felt I’m juggling more quite than at the moment, I’ve been attempting to reply to the same email about 5763 times today 😅

The point of this post is sometimes we can’t juggle it all, we don’t have it all balanced out with our dogs or with ourselves at times . I know I certainly do not currently and that’s ok. We can only try our best, and our best is good enough ❤️

12/11/2024

I apologise but..

I know they should not do this..

I’m afraid he sleeps in my bed...

Sometimes I even give her some of my food...

I know you may tell me off for this...

It’s probably the completely wrong thing...

All of the above are commonly said to me. And here is the thing, if you want your Spaniel to sleep on or in your bed that’s cool with me, if not that is also cool, if you want to give your Spaniel some “human” food that’s fine, if not also fine. If your Spaniel does not behave 100% all the time that is also absolutely fine, unless they are a Spaniel robot I would not expect them to. So please don’t worry 🙂

I’m here to help and support not to judge you, or tell you you’re doing it all wrong. I’m not going to shout at you and tell you your dog must be perfect. What is perfect anyways?! Perfect is whatever is perfect to you. I’m also not going to promise you super quick fixes, change often takes time.

Never feel worried about speaking to a professional because of what you “think” you’re doing wrong, because I bet you you’re doing so much right 🙂

And yes Bailey loves sharing some toast, Kobie used to love eating all the toast 💔 Albie now tries to eat toast 😅How life changes

So share the toast, cuddle on the bed if you want to and focus on absolutely everything you’re doing right ❤️

11/11/2024

Today when out for a walk I watched a guy walk his young Vizsla.

The vizsla was absolutely loving the pigeons, she was just standing still pointing at them. Not moving frozen with her paw slightly off the ground. For this dog she was getting absolutely everything she needed on that walk, it wasn’t to race around, walk miles, chase a ball etc I’m sure she would have loved that as well, but it was simply to be given a chance to do what her genetics were telling her to do.

And what was lovely is her owner was allowing her to do so, she wasn’t causing any stress to the pigeons. I don’t think they cared about her in the slightest! And yes it wasn’t exactly a quick walk but for that dog it was absolutely what intrinsically was most rewarding to her at that moment.

Our dogs need outlets for their natural behaviours.

Spaniels need to sniff.
They often need to learn to hunt with you unless you want a self employed Spaniel which people usually don’t 🙂
They often want to and need to carry and parade items in their mouth, socks often being a favourite! some times it takes a little bit of work to teach them to give the item back 😅
They a lot of the time do want to flush out the birds, we have to teach them the steadiness.
They often want to be with us, we have bred them and dogs to want human companionship.

So next time you are wondering what can you train your Spaniel? How can you interact with them, are feeling frustrated with them. look at how you can provide outlets for their natural needs.

🐾 Scatter a trail of treats in the hedge and send them to search

🐾 teach them to fetch your socks and post

🐾 Hide dummies and scented items for them to find on their walk

🐾 Spend some time giving them a cuddle

🐾 go on a walk where they can just have their nose on the floor. We often call this a sniffari and it can be even more tiring than them running around a field.

🐾 Learn some basic fun gundog training

I know with Bailey I certainly need to do more of this, with the best will in the world he’s had less time from me since having Albie.

But it’s not always hours of times they need, it’s time doing the right stuff.

What do you do with your Spaniel? I’d love to know 🙂

07/11/2024

Meet Neville ❤️

He reminds me of Dug from up ❤️

He isn’t local to me so we are working via zoom. Neville is a happy gorgeous young boy who wants to be best friends with every dog, and can struggle listening on a walk as he’s just so excited by life, which is pretty typical with Spaniels and Spaniel Crosses.

We absolutely still want him to love life and his friends but we are just helping him learn that his lovely humans are also lots of fun.

I’m loving working with him and his wonderful owners, and it’s lovely to already see and hear the progress with him.

If you’re not local to me but need some support via zoom I would love to help you.

I am aware I have been a bit quiet on here, and maybe not quite as visible, I’ve very much been learning to juggle human mum responsibilities , running a successful buisness and getting my sleep deprived brain to function again 😅

But if you need help and support with your Spaniel or Spaniel cross do just reach out x

06/11/2024

Trigger stacking!

When it all gets a bit too much!

After the last few nights of fireworks you may find your dog is still wound up.

🐶 They may have reacted at a dog which seems out of character for them.

🐶 They may be barking like crazy at a car door shutting or any little noise when normally they wouldn’t care.

🐶 They may just be really tired.

🐶 Or a bit manic!

It’s a bit like you not waking up on your alarm, your computer not starting, being late for work, having no coffee and then realising your low on petrol! It all happening at once is going to wind you up pretty quickly! And you may be more likely to snap.

Or someone taking that last piece of cake you want in the queue! When you’re really hungry and craving all the cake!

So if your dog does seem a bit stressy still, don’t panic they may just need some time to chill and decompress.

For some dogs that can be having a quiet chilled day, like we may book a spa break to unwind. For some it can be a charge around with their friends, like we may go for a good run.

Stress/adrenaline levels can take a little while to come back down after events, those events can both be scary for your dog and also exciting.

So if your dog seems a little wound up , take some time out, enjoy some quieter walks, a good play session if they want to play book a secure field and let them be a crazy Spaniel or just simply enjoy cuddles on the sofa and don’t ask too much from them 🙂

How have your dogs been with the fireworks? 🙂

21/09/2024

Today would have been Kobies 11th birthday.

We lost him suddenly this year in the space of a few hours to aggressive undiagnosed cancer, the day before he had been running around a field with me.

Life and walks are a lot different since, and they are less complex. Kobie was a complex boy. But I often miss those moments when he was driving me insane, shouting at absolutely nothing and challenging anything I’ve ever been taught.

It’s quite amazing how many Spaniels he’s allowed me to help and support across the world. No magic promises, no gurantee to be able to fix the behaviours, just helping their owners to understand and speak Kobie’s version of Spaniel which regularly made 0 sense 😅

So please say happy birthday to the original Spaniel Guru, the one who helped normalise it’s ok to not be a “normal dog”
and actually there is something pretty special about that ❤️🐾💔

19/09/2024

It was very lovely to recieve this ❤️ I am always honoured to receive awards, it’s very humbling and I hugely appreciate it, and those of you who recommend me thank you ❤️

It’s even more lovely to get this while I have been away from the business on maternity. After a very rough few months with losing Kobie suddenly who is the whole reason this page even exists, Baileys emergency surgery, a complex recovery after Albie. It’s great to get some positive news 🥂

I did find it quite funny when it arrived I was in the middle of sterilising bottles and sorting nappies out hence the pic. And at the same time as that I was replying to an email.

I’m learning to juggle at the moment, some days that goes well others are interesting! I’m slowly stepping back into the business, and equally I’m learning to be a human as well as a Spaniel mum 🙂 Sleep is also at times interesting! So it’s really nice to still be recognised when some days I wonder if I make any sense anymore or if my brain still works 😅. Thanks as always for the support guys ❤️🐾🥂

18/09/2024

These two are developing a lovely relationship. Albie finds Bailey hilarious and spends most his time giggling at him.

Bailey loves being involved in what Albie is doing, and likes him even more now he’s starting to eat food that then Bailey gets the left over of, apparently broccoli purée is a super high reward treat!

Reminder your Spaniel chooses what they love and it doesn’t always make any sense! Spaniels!

As Albie is getting more mobile I’m starting to notice he is trying to grab towards Bailey more and I’m not letting him do this. Because I don’t want him learning he can do this.

When they are together I’m obviously supervising at all times, im not taking any cute photos with Albie on top of Bailey, because those photos are not cute and he is not a toy. I’m making sure I reward Bailey for calmness around Albie. And focus Albie on other things other than Bailey. As a result Bailey chooses to go lie down by him, but can move away at any point.

As a result their bond is naturally developing and is not forced 🐾

14/09/2024

Very accurate 😅❤️

But we wouldn’t have them any other way 🐾

Ermmm? 🤔😂🙈

02/09/2024

1-1 availability for new clients 🐾

I’m really looking forward to slowly coming back into work and being surrounded by gorgeous Spaniels again!

I have very limited availability for new 1-1 clients, I work with people all over the world so if your not local do not worry. If you are interested in some help and support with your Spaniel please get in touch.

Please note all my training is bespoke to you, and what you want your life to be with your dog. I provide a high level of support outside of sessions to and I never leave you on your own. If you’re looking for a one session fix and are not interested in investing. I’m likely not the person for you.

If you’re ready to put some work in, to commit to what I teach you, and understand it’s an investment in terms of cost and time. Then I’d love to chat and help you learn how to live your best Spaniel life.

Hannah x

30/08/2024

Do you need help with your Spaniel?

Are you trying to work out how to stop them running after all those bloody birds on a walk?

Help them learn not to drag you down the street?

Not be a million miles away across a field?

Learn how to work their Spaniel brain?

For a short time only you can join my award winning Spaniel inner circle membership for just £10 for your first two months.

Like any training what you put into the membership is what you will get out of it, but if your ready to learn my spaniel secrets come and join. I’ll pop the link below in the comments and any questions just message me 🐾

08/08/2024

1-1 availability and Albie me Bailey general update!

It’s been a little while since I posted, so I thought I’d give an update.

Albie is now 4 months old and a cheeky confident happy little boy.

Bailey is just over 3 months since he had major emergency spinal surgery when he suddenly lost his ability to walk due to unknown IVDD.

He is now back on off lead walks starting to race around and has rejoined his wonderful walker on group walks, he’s still a bit wobbly at times and rebuilding his strength, but considering we didn’t know if he would even stand he’s doing absolutely amazing ❤️

Him and Albie are the best of buds. Obviously we always supervise but their relationship is lovely to see and Bailey chooses to be by his side.

I’m adapting to everything the last few months has thrown at me including suddenly losing our Kobie in January. I still miss him every day ❤️

And I’m looking at starting to build the buisness back up after some time away, I’m in the process of speaking to my existing 1-1 clients, but it looks likely I will have some very limited availability for new clients which is often not the case.

So if you would like my help training your Spaniel or Spaniel Cross please do drop me a message . I’d love to support you. Maybe you are even expecting a human addition and need some support with that to.

I’m aware I’ve had a fair few enquiries come in over the last few months to which will be being responded to.

Thank you ❤️

10/06/2024

I cannot believe it has been 5 months today since we suddenly and unexpectantly lost Kobie. Bailey is now nearly 2 months since his emergency spinal surgery after not being able to walk, and Albie is now 10 weeks old. Very recently as well we sadly had to have my childhood pony put to sleep (some of you will have met her on training sessions) The last few months have just been an absolute emotional rollercoaster, and such a huge change in every way of my life. I do hugely miss my boy still ❤️ but I’m so proud of the legacy he created and all the Spaniels he enabled me to help. I’m so proud of Baileys progress and how amazing he has been with all the changes, and I’m learning and adapting to being a human mum with my little boy. I am still very much on maternity leave, I’ve had a few messages asking if I am, and I am, and also how I am. I’m adapting to this huge new chapter, and the absolute blur of everything, and I’m still processing all, but we are all doing ok, thank you all so much for checking in, and when I am back I can’t wait to help you all, until then I have some wonderful people looking after things for me ❤️🌈

20/05/2024

Bailey update with the wonderful Leaps & Hounds veterinary physiotherapy who I couldn’t recommend enough ❤️

02/05/2024

My poor boy is currently in the great care of expert vets and neuro team after emergency spinal surgery last night.

I took him to the vets on Tuesday evening as he was showing signs of discomfort but neurologically his signs were all ok. I then took him for a short walk later that evening where I started to notice more possible neuro signs (scuffing feet when he walked. I got some video footage for the vet, emailed it over and monitored him over night frequently.

As soon as the vets opened that morning we were back in, at this point Bailey was collapsing and was losing the use of his back legs and ability to wee. I have videos of this but they are quite distressing to see so I will not post.

We were then transferred to willows, who immediately saw us, assessed him, did an mri and moved them straight to the top of the list for emergency spinal surgery. He had a ruptured disc and major spinal compression. He will be in with them for a while then will began his recovery with us at home, which will take time. Initially he will need an extended period of strict crate rest.

As he recovers we will know more about the paralysis in his back legs and if it improves early signs are positive but he has a journey ahead of him to get him walking again. For now he is stable which is all we can want.

The last few months with losing Kobie early and incredibly suddenly, Albie arriving in a difficult way and with a tricky recovery for me, and now this have been an absolute emotional rollercoaster 🥲❤️

Please keep my beautiful boy in your thoughts, come on Bailey all the birds are waiting for you to chase them again one day ❤️

06/04/2024

Introducing the mini Spaniel guru Albie Jude ❤️

Safe to say the last few days are a complete blur, he’s a little sleep thief and loves a 3am rave.

Bailey is being wonderful with him, and they already have a lovely bond though he does appreciate him more when he is quiet!

I’m sure I’ll be sharing more of our journey together, and I have a wonderful team of people looking after things for me, including some wonderful trainers in the inner circle so you can still get expert Spaniel help if you join while I’m away ❤️

For now I’ve been focusing with Albie on a lot of what I would with a puppy, gentle exposure to the inside and outside world, getting him used to sleeping with noises/general life etc going on, and just providing lots of love and allowing him to feel safe with us ❤️

With Bailey we make sure he always can go and chill away from him, we include him on things, but equally we make sure he has some time on his own just with us, even if that’s just a 5 minute play and cuddle session for now 🐾

20/03/2024

So at over 39 weeks pregnant the time has probably come to stop chasing Spaniels around fields 😅 I’m quite impressed I’ve managed up to this point though!

I’m so grateful to my wonderful clients, pictured below is a couple of recent reviews which I’m so grateful for. I am so lucky to have so many lovely reviews. Working with me I don’t promise quick fixes, it’s an investment, we work at your dogs pace. I work alongside your vet, I value ethics, if I need to I’ll bring in other behaviourists and trainers, and I’m
very lucky to know some of the best in the industry. I absolutely don’t know everything and collaboration and working together is key.
Regardless of what you see on TV sometimes it doesn’t happen overnight with Spaniels! but put in the time, commitment and love in and you will get progress. And let’s aim for progress not perfection. That’s honestly perfectly boring!

I’m also so grateful for everyone who follows the page, and my wonderful inner circle and recall course members thank you all so much, It’s a privilege to have your trust in my teaching with your gorgeous dogs.

So now the time has come for me to take a step back. If you want to work with me 1-1 in the future, you can complete my enquiry form online, you can join my inner circle membership which has so much to help you in. Over the next few months, there are live sessions in there on heelwork, tracking, gundog key foundations with amazing trainers who also can offer any help you need, plus pre recorded stuff from me and so much more. You can also still buy the pre recorded recall course at its normal price to.

There are a few scheduled posts that will pop up so you don’t all forget me 😅 and I’ll be sure to let you know when the mini Spaniel Guru makes their arrival. I’m not sure on exactly my plan on when I’m back, for now we are just going to enjoy this next chapter in our life and not think too much beyond that. I’m sure Bailey will be a wonderful big sibling, and we will tell little one all about Kobes to who is of course still missed every day ❤️

Thank you ❤️❤️❤️

19/03/2024

This is Mabel she’s a loved member of my inner circle membership as is her lovely owner. Mabel has had intense reactivity to other dogs and life in general. We had a mini consult in the inner circle and I strongly suspected hormones were a huge factor. And she needed a break from life.

And below is a beautiful update from her wonderful understanding owner

It’s been a while since I’ve posted about Mabel and her reactivity.
There is always a reason for reactivity, be it fear, frustration, lack of socialisation, pain and discomfort I could go on. In Mabel’s case we always strongly suspected it was hormone driven.

Mabel ( some of you may know) didn’t have a full season until she was 21 months old. This was proceeded by a silent season at nine months old and the vet believes three monthly micro seasons with no bleeds.

During her season at 21 months, Mables season split this happens because the body doesn’t think the dog is mature enough to ovulate. This caused major issues for Mabel because her season went on for 32 days of bleeding and this exacerbated her anxiety and unfortunately she then had a phantom pregnancy. Usually 4 to 5 days on the drug Galastop the bitch can usually comes out of Phantom and she starts to feel better.

In Mabel‘s case she needed two, 7 day courses to help her which intern made her really depressed and miserable and she stopped eating. it’s taken some time to build her appetite back up and for her to start feeling like her own self. We had forgotten what Mabel‘s normal behaviour was like

Following the final course of Galastop, we waited 10 days and she was spayed.

We are now two weeks on from the spay and I can’t believe the difference in her, she is by no means fixed yet but her appetite has regained, she started to behave like a puppy again I’ve lost count of how many toilet rolls she shredded this week.

We’re still working on her reactivity but this week there has been a noticeable change in her behaviour when she sees a trigger, The tense, rigid, anxious lunging and Whoo Whoo barking has gone. We now have an inquisitive, Rah rah bark, with a swooshy sweeping tail and a bounce. Mabel is listening to me too and is able to take treats.

Obviously we are keeping our distance, turning her away and I’m wearing a sash which tells others to give us space. We’re only just starting to visit retail parks and staying near to the car so that she can comfortably play “find it” around the car and watch the world go by.

We are by no means fixed yet but this week I can see light at the end of the tunnel.

I never wanted to give up on her, but i just couldn’t see an end to the reactivity. Fingers crossed one day I’ll be able to take her for a coffee without being asked to leave the venue because of Mabel’s barking.

Also I’d like to share that daily dog walking is something that we Instil as humans. Mabel hadn’t been on a proper offlead/lead walk since November. We’ve decompressed her, kept her world small and she’s been wonderful. I used to take her on a daily 2 hour off lead walk thinking that it was helping her. In hindsight she hated it and it just made her behaviour worse. There is no text book that says you need to walk your dog daily.
Brain training, scent work, free work and just letting them be is enough for a reactive dog. Xx

Seasons and phantom pregnancies, and persistent phantom pregnancies (still can happen after dog is spayed) have huge impact on behaviour and it’s always something to be very aware of. I also want to give a huge shout out to Alyssa at Holistic Pet Services for then working with Kerri and Mabel on a 1-1 basis which I knew they also needed. So lucky to know so many wonderful professionals to work alongside. Team work makes the dream work ❤️