“February is normally a quiet month for us, but this year, there’s no chance. We are really busy with clay shooters and dog training. I really don’t want to sound negative about being busy as of course it is essential for any business that we are just that. Whilst on the subject of business, I would like to announce that I am soon to experience yet another milestone in my business career. A couple of months ago, Katie and Sharon from H&C took me out for a business lunch and next week I am to be involved in a conference call, with some of the very important people at H&C.

For some of you, this will be something you do on a daily basis, for this Southern plough boy, this will be a major event in 2010. Being a dog trainer has taken me in some of the most unlikely directions!

Not all of our work is with gundogs, and this week I have been working with a lady who has two young German Shepherds. Monica works in the equestrian industry so has already got a tremendous ‘feel’ for animals. Herbie and Totty are two superbly balanced young dogs but recently whilst on walks, the pair were starting to show signs of aggression towards some of the people that they encounter. Encounters with people, dogs and livestock are all part of daily dog walks but for many owners these can be a source of difficulty.

With Herbie and Totty, Monica is doing a wonderful job of teaching them all of the elements of basic obedience whilst involving them in searching, tracking and retrieving games. We get asked a lot about the pros and cons of having two young puppies at the same time. Two puppies will often keep each other company, amused, busy, exercised and generally entertained - sounds near to perfect. But for many owners the downside is all of the above. So, what’s the answer then? Balance. As with most things in life, getting the right balance will be the key to success. Two young puppies will naturally spend time together but you will need to work with them as individuals; if this time spent with you is positive, the puppies will look to you for leadership, guidance and companionship.

Individuals are generally less independent and therefore easier to train and guide. As soon as the individual has a ‘wing man’ more often than not they are not just doubly brave, mischievous and adventurous - much more likely to be x10.

On balance, unless you are an experienced dog owner and trainer, it will probably be wise to have just one newcomer to the family at once.”