Studying hard… hardly studying. Now that many of us are spending a lot more time at home, it’s the perfect time to spend some extra time training your dog! Even if we can’t go to face-to-face training courses, there is plenty on offer online so I’ve put together a little list of places to startContinueContinue reading “Turning into a couch potato? Online dog training to the rescue!”
Author Archives: Elina Halonen
Toy review: Snack Snake
Treat snake is the BEST This simple Treat Snake is one of the best toys we have – it’s usually 8 euros so pretty cheap, super durable, and entertains in many ways. Crunchable treats encourage chewing, odd shaped ones take a lot of manipulating the toy, dried meat strips (really good because they are lessContinueContinue reading “Toy review: Snack Snake”
Reflections on the microcosm of Polish Hunting Spaniels
Last weekend we attended our first ever dog show with Grace – and not just any dog show but a national exhibition of Polish Hunting Spaniels… in Poland. Before Grace we never considered showing a dog, and to be honest, it still isn’t something I’m particularly keen on but we had promised her breeder thatContinueContinue reading “Reflections on the microcosm of Polish Hunting Spaniels”
Mental enrichment: DIY snufflemat from IKEA Fejka
I saw this idea on a group some months ago but haven’t been to an IKEA since – when I finally did visit last weekend, I grabbed 4 of these fake plant squares that are meant for creating a “living wall”. They were 3.99e each, so a snuffle mat of 4 costs around 16e. AContinueContinue reading “Mental enrichment: DIY snufflemat from IKEA Fejka”
Do dogs have mental depth?
Some non-dog people I’ve met have this idea that dogs are all the same, and basically just respond to the stimulus in front of them. Although this is obvious most people reading this, I find it fascinating and amusing to observe the strong pre-existing preferences both of my dogs have for certain things. Grace lovedContinueContinue reading “Do dogs have mental depth?”
All about the eyes
One reason I love (working) spaniels and can’t imagine having any other kind of dog is how expressive their eyes and face are. Based on what I’ve read recently, I think it’s due to more finely developed facial muscles (e.g. eyebrows) – which in itself could be because they are bred to be a closeContinueContinue reading “All about the eyes”
Every little helps
Finally sitting down for more than a second! I have to admit I’ve been lazy and let my dogs become a little wild when it comes to balls, so today we practiced some patience. Grace’s views about this INSANE request to sit quietly before I throw a ball are pretty clear from her face 😂ContinueContinue reading “Every little helps”
Not all ball throwing is bad
Some people are really against balls for dogs and I can totally see why. Some dogs, including mine, get obsessed, a little possessive, and running after a ball can also cause injuries – something we’ve also experienced. So why do I not ban them entirely? Because they are incredibly useful for me to keep myContinueContinue reading “Not all ball throwing is bad”
Strengthening the core muscles with Fitpaws Donut
Since getting this Fitpaws Donut ball, we’ve been doing at least one meal a day on the ball. They absolutely love it, because it seems like free treats 😂 Yet at the same time they’re working out and strengthening their core. I wish I had done this earlier with Nell because she’s having some minor,ContinueContinue reading “Strengthening the core muscles with Fitpaws Donut”
PSMs in the Gundog Journal!
The latest issue of Gundog Journal has a small piece on Polish Hunting Spaniels – the second to appear in an English speaking publication! Both dogs pictured are from the same kennel, z Krainy Bocianich Gniazd, where Grace is also from (and on the left is her sister, Libra).
BusyDoggie 