This is a picture of Paul's Working Cocker Spaniel named Sumo, holding a training aid - in this case a rabbit ball. It was interesting to see how Sumo's behaviour - as a full male - changed once Paul took on another full male dog. Having been a very calm character, he slowly started to guard his owner, with the inevitable "handbag fight". Finally (!), Paul made the decision to have him neutered. And as he proudly tells me, he has his "old Sumo back". Sumo Meanwhile the pups have all gone to new homes. It's a quieter place without them but I miss that little something only a puppy can provide. I'm not quite sure what it is - maybe the softness of the coat, their inquisitive attitude and a desire to investigate places they should go to ! Nevertheless, these three photographs are some of the last I took.
I'm Janet Ardley, a professional dog trainer and behaviourist living in the beautiful Lake District National Park here in Cumbria.
I offer residential home boarding, training and help for dogs with behavioural problems.
I'm also very busy training dogs not to chase sheep and livestock.
The purpose of my blog is to give an insight into my working life and hopefully reflect the great fun and happiness I get from working with mans' best friend.
Janet