12/10/2026
Do you feel like you’re just about managing life with your dog, rather than enjoying the life together you’d always imagined?
I know how that feels. 💚
A year ago, Larry couldn’t have done this. Not here.
Walking beside me, off lead, in a field in rural Wales that he’d never been in before.
It might look like a simple moment, but knowing how far we’ve come, it means so much to me and I am literally bursting with pride!!!! 💖🙌
Historically, new environments and wide open spaces have been just too overwhelming for Larry—places where he struggles to cope and can’t make good decisions.
This trip to Wales felt like a turning point for us.
There are so many things I’m proud from this trip, but this quiet moment of connection captures our biggest win – Larry able to stay totally connected to me, despite everything going on around him - new highly scented environment, 6 other handlers and dogs that he’d never met before and lots of activity around him..
Gundog training has played an important part in helping us get here. The hunting games, retrieves and little bits of training we weave into our everyday walks have given us ways to work together, building our connection and my understanding of what he needs.
Even as a trainer, progress with my own dog takes time. There have been difficult days, adjustments and plenty of learning along the way—for both of us!
If you’re struggling to see light at the end of the tunnel, I hope our little moment gives you some hope.
Find something you both enjoy. Give yourselves time. Keep learning about the dog beside you—and give yourselves credit for the small steps along the way.
Oh and most importantly - enjoy the journey!!!! 💚
