NEWSLETTER MAY 26 (BLOG NEXT WEEK)

helenshoundsdt
6 days ago
2 min read

I've come to realise I'm not great at keeping up with regular updates, and I'm really sorry about that.

There's been a lot happening and plenty of people to congratulate! But first, just a quick heads-up for my scentwork clients: there's a Bronze and Silver Trial happening over the weekend of May 30th/31st. I've got a few spots left—1 for Bronze and 5 for Silver—so if you're thinking about entering and haven't yet, now's your chance!

Coming up to my 5th Year of Helen's Hounds in July I am trying to get to 100 Google Reviews by then (I'm nearly there). If you have not yet done a review and would like to do one please find my Google Review Link

https://g.page/r/CQgKo_t0z93OEAI/review

Since my last newsletter, I've been up to a few things. Back in March, I headed to Crufts and got to represent my quirky breed, the Kooikerhondje, at Discover Dogs. This area showcases all sorts of dog breeds with their owners and breeders, so you can learn more about each one. It's super helpful if you're thinking about getting a dog but aren't sure which breed to choose.

I've also renewed my IMDT/APDT/ABTC accreditations. It's not just about paying an annual fee; I also need to show proof of the CPD (training) I've done during that time, and there's a minimum number of hours required. For your info, the courses I joined were the UK Sniffer Dogs Silver Instructors Course (18 hours), UK Sniffer Dogs Under Water Search Theory (1 hour), UK Sniffer Dogs Gold Instructors Course (18 hours), an IMDT Webinar on Preparing Dogs for Vets, and the PACT Course 'Starting your Loose Lead Walking Journey'. I also learn from podcasts, books, and even some educational TV programs. You might wonder why I'd take a course on loose lead walking when it's something I teach all the time... well, it's because things change, and there are always new ideas to explore.

Then I managed to squeeze in a holiday to Cornwall with my three dogs. Funny enough, it's the first time we've taken all three because we used to have four, and finding a place for that many was nearly impossible. So, we would leave two with a dog sitter and take the other two. As some of you may know, we lost Sid last year, so now we're down to three dogs, and we finally found a place that allows all of them.

Here we go, let's celebrate our IMDT and Scentwork successes, however I would also like to congratulate all of the puppy graduates and scentwork beginners graduates, I know some of you have jumped into the continuation groups:

IMDT Partnership Grades

Level 1 - Oakley, Lara, Chutney, Eddie

Level 2 - Bonnie, Bailey, Skye, Oakley, Chutney, Eddie

Level 3 - Bailey

Level 5 - Roxy

UK Sniffer Dogs

BRONZE

Level 1 - Coco

Level 2 - Fudge, Margot, Eddie, Coco

Level 3 - Fudge, Tess

Level 5 - Bailey, Teddy, Frank

Level 6 - Bailey, Beans, Teddy, Radish