Amy Hatcher

It's Snow Fun!

2009-02-02T11:14:00.000-08:00

A double title here. I had a wonderful day today clambering up the downs with my dogs and sledging down. I think we were were out about 4 hours in the end! Star my smallest collie had big balls of snow formed round her legs which had to be washed off with warm water and she yelped when I tried to pull them off! The down side of today was that I couldn't work as my van was literally snowed in. Poised on the top of a steep lane I decided it best not to attempt to skid down it! Anyway this made me a bit sad as I couldn't help anyone with their dogs today and I have people relying on me to make life happy again. It has also caused chaos to my diary as I have had to fit todays clients in somewhere else .

For the last couple of months I have been holding free clinics at pets at home and am looking forward to this coming sunday when we will be in a new store- Woking. I wont bring my dogs on this occasion as I am unsure what kind of area we will have. Buzz came to Farnham yesterday and really enjoyed all the attention.

Busy Week!

2009-01-07T11:39:00.000-08:00

I'm back and I haven't left it too long this time! I've got another potential TV show coming up and I am delighted to say my latest article has been published in Dogs Today and it's all going very well with the cases dogs. For those who don't read Dog's Today magazine it was a case with 2 sweet Staff Bull Terriers that basically trashed their poor owners house every time they were left. We are working through this and all is going well so far. I do tend to spend a lot of time on email with cases like this as I always encourage my clients to use email like a diary so I can understand what is happening every step of the way.

This week I have trained A boxer with an aggression issue, 2 Border Collies with various issue, a Boston Terrier who is extremely wired when he is outside and wants to have a fight with anything with a pulse, a labrador, a Sprollie, 2 mini poodles with a nipping problem, a dalmation crossed with a labrador with a recall problem, A beautiful Great Dane with just general puppy problems. He is 6 months old and already weighs 48 kg or there about, a Goldendoodle who is (was) petrified of the car, a Boxer with a recall issue, a pretty little cavalier with a barking problem, a household with 2 Border Collies and a rough collie and a golden retriever with a few inter-dog issues, a Belgian Shepherd dog, a Westie with a major recall issue, a Doberman and a border Terrier and it's only wednesday! Phew!!!!

Some of them are at the end of their training and I am so pleased of how well they are doing and others I've just met. I have a socialisation walk this Sunday too. I love watching all the dogs interact together, aggression issues fade away in a pack. The walks are hard work though and take a lot of planning.

Update at last!

2008-12-29T08:40:00.000-08:00

I'm back! As usual been madly busy up until Christmas when I managed to give myself 4 days off! After the 1st day I was keen to get back to work and continue sorting all the doggy disaster areas on my books! Today is Buzz's 4th Birthday and I had hoped to of made him up to an Obedience Champion by now but time has not been nice to Buzz and I's training schedule. He is still doing outstandingly well and I am very proud of the achievement to date. I have been working with Pets at Home in Farnham and Rustington and holding free clinics every month to offer free help and advice to anyone who needs it.

The most exciting thing is that my DVD comes out end of January and will be available to buy on Amazon and hopefully in pets at home and other book stores etc. Also I am writing again for Dogs Today Magazine and am so happy to be back as I have lots of interesting and difficult cases to write about.

Today I have trained a Labrador with dog to dog aggression, although I would say he is more assertive than aggressive and would not cause injury, a Dalmation and a Sprollie who were both the same as the labrador and a very sweet Norfolk Terrier x Westie who also isn't too keen on other dogs getting too close. First day back- 4 aggression cases! All of which I know and have been working with and all are progressing nicely. I am a little alarmed by the Dalmation as he has been very well socialised and has just changed his attitude toward other dogs. Anyway will sort this out pretty quickly for his lovely owners.

Delay Again

2008-09-06T10:34:00.002-07:00

Gosh! Busy Busy Busy! I went to watch The Essex Dog Display Team a few nights ago. I was invited to their centre to watch how they run their classes. It's great, very relaxed but formal way of teaching ( the relaxed bit is that no one has to do a course, it's a just come along once registered and assessed method) The down side is it has high lighted that I really need someone to help me with my classes in order to expand. Most of what I do is one to one and as I don't have an indoor facility (but do have an outstanding outdoor place) there is no point increasing the classes I do. It would be handy for when I do demos and things.

I have been fortunate enough to be invited to hold clinics at Pets at Home over the next few weeks so am looking forward to that.

I am very tired today and right now as I've trained a lot of dogs this week. Had lots of delighted owners comments this week which is truly wonderful. I am very proud of that.

Ducks are now free-range in my garden as they kept escaping out of the temporary fence.

Delay Again

2008-09-06T10:34:00.001-07:00

Been a While!

2008-08-25T03:29:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I last blogged because I have been looking after my friends beautiful farm in Lampeter, Wales. I looked after 13 Dogs and about 700 sheep. It was such an honour and all went well. One of the dogs (my collies half brother) was nervous of us and so bolted on two occasions. But he came back and so we kept him on a lead for the following day as it wasn't worth the risk. All the others were wonderful and obedient even though they didnt know us at all.

I really had a fantastic time. I enjoyed spending the time with one of my dogs on the sheep so much that I am seriously considering getting some Zwartble sheep which are black and white sheep so I can practice and also take them along to demonstrations. All worth thinking about anyway.

Blogger has changed!

2008-08-16T12:50:00.000-07:00

It's just taking me some time to sign in tonight!

The reason it's been so long since I last 'blogged' is because I have been incredibly busy moving bookings around due to people canceling for many reasons, mostly to do with the weather. In many cases very wet and windy weather means a re-schedule because I cant hear the client, they cant hear me and we cant see the dog! I have been made extra busy by the fact that I am away for 4 days next week and will not have much phone signal and even less opportunity to email people. Therefore I am trying to stay up to date with it all before I go away. I can still contact people but would rather be sorted before I leave.

I am off to Wales to look after a 500acre sheep farm. I cant wait. I am going to do so much raining with my dogs and the shepherd's dogs. The farm is in the middle of nowhere in Lampeter. 5 hour drive from here!

I am holding some big clinics for pets at home soon and I have just had the details accepted which is fantastic- cant wait for that. I also have some judging coming up and have just written article for a magazine. Busy busy busy!

Brambles, agility and more than a few scratches!

2008-08-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

Right... an update... This is quiet period this motnh as many people are on holiday. I dont like being quiet. I still have 3 dogs a day at least to train but it feels quieter as I'm not chasing my tail so much.

Agility is going well. I am proud of the progress with all my agility clients. In the intermediate class at the moment I have a lovely range of breeds:
2 x Border Collies. 2 x Springers, 1 x Lab, 1 x Vizsla, and a few others. In the starters I have an even wider range of dogs. I love it. I am so lucky to have this job I really am.

Tomorrow I have already had a cancellation which is the 3rd time from this client so on this occasion I have asked for them to pay for the lesson anyway as it's 8pm on a Sunday night and their lesson is first thing tomorrow so I cant put anyone else in. I also have 2 labradors and then my obedience group tomorrow.

I have accumulated lots of scratches today as I have done some work in the field in preparation for Debbie's sheep and chickens and my Ducks. I've also had my hair done. I feel great!

Ducks and celebrities.

2008-08-03T13:03:00.000-07:00

Blog update. I have moved the Ducks as they were creating havoc round the side of my house. They were on concrete and some how made it incredibly muddy. They have now been moved to a smaller area but it's all grassy and I have put in a paddling pool for them. They seem happy.

I did some more sheepdog training today- Buzz is doing very well with his work at the moment I just wish I could find the time to do more obedience competitions with him as we are very far behind now and that makes me sad as he always gets placed.

Yesterday I did some training and some socialisation with my 3 dogs, all went well. I need to try to do this regularly if I can. Perhaps I can add in to my diary a morning walk every few days.

I've got a few celebrities on my books at the moment and a new one to see next week. They always seem to have Bull breeds. I think I've trained at least 5 celebrity Rottweilers and they are all lovely.

TV TV TV

2008-08-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

Just an update. Today I had a production meeting with a TV company. We have thrown some ideas about for my next bit of TV work and have come up with a fantastic show. I am particularly excited as I am part of the production process along with my twin sister Jane. Keepng everything crossed that the four big TV channels like it, if not we can obtain a sponsor. We took Buzz and Skye along and they were very well behaved. Journey wasn't too bad into London either- I opted to drive as it was south London so outside of the main busy bit and the congestion charging zone. I then walked the pack for a few hours along the downs to unwind- a lovely day all round today.

Also a duck update. Last night I was putting them to bed with the help of Buzz and Star decided to take it upon herself to speed things up and so the ducks scattered and found their way into my house where Tex was sleeping- fortunately nothing wakes him up these days! anyway I managed to get 7 of them into their night time shed and the final one- a blue lady found her wings and flew over the fence and behind the shed! Eventually she came out shouting to the others and protesting about being on her own. All was ok in the end! Even if it was several hours later!

Quackered!!

2008-07-27T10:24:00.000-07:00

I am exhausted and possibly Quackers! I have just arrived home with my new set of Runner Ducks. I am very pleased with them so far- except the smell I had to put up with on the 3 hour journey home! I particularly like the blue colour and I had really liked the black but unfortunately they are no longer with us.

Anyway I am worn out after all the driving and settling them in. I hope to move them to my friends field next week as it's quite tricky to keep them here as they make a lot of mess. I think I may have a chinese meal tonight and get 1/4 duck to celebrate their arrival!!

Baa! Woof!

2008-07-26T13:05:00.000-07:00

I've just come back from a FANTASTIC session on my friends sheep. Buzz gathered a small flock of 35 from a long way away and took about 5 minutes to pen them- I am so very proud of him. He calmly but assertively worked today. I also tried Star with a few sheep in a training pen but she just charged round and grabbed at them as she flew past! I am pleased that she is interested but she is just so immature on them at the moment.

I also did agility this morning and it went well but I really struggled in the baking sun, I hate complaining about the sun but it is sometimes hard to stand in it for several hours without shade. I also worked with a German Shepherd today and a westie with a shitzu pup. All in all a busy but good day.

Off to get replacement ducks tomorrow- very excited!

2008-07-25T10:08:00.000-07:00

Right Oh. Report on today, Started with a group class. quite succesful, a good number anyway and we went up the lane as its MUCH more realistic than being in a hall. Then an aggression case whcih I have managed to fix. It has taken a long time but gosh we have come aong way with her. Her owner was utterley determined that we kept trying and so we did and we now have the perfect dog. Im ecstatic with the case I really am. Talking of aggression, not such a happy ending for a new client whom I saw a few saturdays ago. This was a new rescue and it really was excepetionally aggresive. The worst bit and the bit that meant only one option was the fact that this little Jack Russel attacked all humans for no reason at all. It makes me sad that we had to have her put to sleep but she was dangerous and has caused injury even though she is small. Not a normal case luckily so not a decision I have to make too often. Anyway then I had a delightful working cocker spaniel which needs some general training with recall and leadwork then on to my client with the labrador. He is doing well but I need to build his owners confidence as she doesnt enjoy him at the moment.

Chilli

2008-07-23T12:46:00.000-07:00

I am having Chili for dinner with Sarah, Sarah is my wonderful assistant who helps at classes and generally assists me through life!! She has brought her dog Toby with her who seems nervous of being in my house even though. I have been very busy today and yet not earned much money! I literally spent the entire day chasing around with clients not being in. Very frustrating day but I now have a lovely tan. I think british summer time has arrived.

I am pleased that I did a little training with Buzz and Star today, it was hot but it went well.

Busy day tomorrow.

Walks and Chicks

2008-07-20T13:22:00.000-07:00

I did 2 socialisation walks today. I was worried about only having a few people as i lost all my emails thanks to the Mc incident. Anyway they both went well. The Sussex walk I had 10 paying people with a total of about 16 dogs, there were a few scuffles but nothing major and all went well. The Surrey walk I had 4 people with a total of 7 dogs. No problems at all except it was Farnborough Airshow and this caused a nightmare for parking and meant a lot of members of public walking the same route. This was good for socialisation so it worked out well. I am glad we only had 7 dogs to think about on this walk as it was very busy with people and very difficult to park.

I then when I returned home looked at some chicks for someone to buy from a close friend and then took my other dog who doesnt come on the walks for a nice run and some rabbit chasing! All good fun.

I have had quite a few enquiries today so lots of calls to make tomorrow, may be even a lie in until 0730am. Plan at the mo is to run with the dogs for a couple of hours then set to calling everyone back.

Busy Day.

2008-07-19T13:55:00.000-07:00

Just time for a quick blog! I've had a great time today. Ive trained a lot of dogs. I had my agility club near Horsham in Sussex and ran my usual 2 classes and had a total of 15 people which was great and everyone ALWAYS enjoys themselves at agility. It's such a fun time. Then I trained a lovely Carin terrier cross which has dog to dog issues. He is making fantastic progress, his owners are so pleased. Then on to a staffie cross greyhound- what a combination, has the tenacity of a staffordshire bull terrier and the speed of a greyhound. Lovely dog, has issues with a few things such as dogs and cats but iis amazing looking. The last client of the day was a little Jack Russel which was much more aggressive than I was hoping. It's going to be a tricky case and I am looking forward to the challenge. At this stage I am still confident I can fix her. They have only had her 8 weeks but 8 weeks is the crucial time period where you start to see any problems the rescue dog has come with. Until then NEVER assume you have a lovely well mannered pet- it's too early to assume that. Anyway this one is lovely but gets very angry very quickly.

Socialisation walk tomorrow at 10am in sussex and 3pm in surrey. A pack is an amazing thing and I just love the walks as everyone gets so much from it. Cant wait!

Bath Time!

2008-07-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

Today I had a very busy day which was a good thing as I enjoy training dogs so much and everytime I begin training a dog it's always a real moment of pride that someone trusts me to make the right decisions for their beloved family member- what an honour.

Today I began the day with a Working Cocker Spaniel pup which needed general training then on to a Labradoodle- he was a biggy then I got stuck in traffic heading to the next client whom owns two lovely little dogs- a Yorkie and a cavalier, then I trained a labrador then finished the day with an english springer spanel. All nice dogs today, or at least they were nice to me. It is now gone 8.30pm and I have not started the emails yet today. Ive also got two people to call back which I will leave until tomorrow as im quite tired now and most people will be out or busy socialising at this time on a Friday.

Also just given star a bath as she was getting very smelly. She has a soft coat and with all the beach visits she must have been carrying a kilo of sand and salt in that coat!

2008-07-17T13:27:00.001-07:00

Today started off as a challenging one! I was on my way to a group class client that I had arranged to visit privately. They live up a narrow country lane, typical of the area. I slowly rounded the bend and as I did a car came stemaing round the corner. I moved over to avoid them and ended up with the left hand side of my van in a ditch! Ouch! I paniced momentarily and then revved hard and my van flew out the ditch. On my return journey I obtained a lovely chip right in the centre of my screen caused by a passing lorry.

On a good note Ive had a few new clients today and a few of which are insurance claims which is lovely, I enjoy those.

Today I trained a German Shepherd for mouthing, then a westie with a major recall problem, a labrador with dog to dog aggression and a border collie whom was very nervous. Not too bad at all today.

The best news is my nails are beginning to grow.

2008-07-16T08:20:00.000-07:00

Im stressed!

Spoke Too soon!

2008-07-16T07:50:00.000-07:00

Disaster! My Mac wiped everything off itself. This includes all my accounts, my book and all my client emails. This has caused me a lot of stress as it has meant missed appointments etc as many of my clients details were stored on my Mac. Absolutely gutted!

I also have a socialisation walk this Sunday and am unable to tell anyone about it! Its a nightmare! It's only a few months old and I hadnt back anything up. Gutted,

2008-07-09T03:04:00.000-07:00

Yuuk! The weather today is awful and my Mac is being very naughty this morning and causing a big delay to my work. I planned to get my book ready for posting but my Mac is taking ages to do everything. Buzz is still very lame on that sore pad but I have taken all 3 out for an hour this morning- not much but I am wet throguh and Buzz is limping so that will be all for them today. I have already had 1 cancellation and 1 change of day this morning. The next lesson is indoors so that one will be fine and then I have a leadwork session and an indoor group class.

2008-07-08T08:22:00.000-07:00

Gosh, lots to catch up on. Since the last blog I have been so busy I've literally had no time at all to write up my daily adventures! ANyway on to the details. I've held several demonstrations, the latest being last weekend at The Cotswold Show. I helped over 3000 people who brought their dogs to me during the show. I also held several demonstrations through the weekend which attracted a large, friendly crowd. I got a bit stressed out on the way home as I had 13 enquiries to call back and then opened up my email to at least 20 peple needing my help. I love it and am totally passionate about helping people with their dogs- for anyone considering a career in dog behaviour- dont do it unless you re more than 100% dedicated because its a LOT of hard work. I've lost my agent since the last blog- I think they are sorting the wheat from the Chaf and I'm the latter! Anyway that's ok as I still have contact with my set person at the agency and my sister enjoys making contact with magazines etc for me.

This weekend I am looking forward to judging at The Cold Wet Nose Show in Guildford. I am judging Best Condtion and Prettiest Bitch which will be great as I love seeing interesting looking dogs and I love watching dogs that are fit and healthy and not fat! I hate seeing Fat dogs! It's not their choice to be fat.

Buzz has split his pad his pad during a lesosn so I am a dog down! He has had a very boring day today not doing much.

Thats it for now.

Rain Rain Rain and Ducks!

2008-06-03T02:58:00.001-07:00

Yesterday went well. I visited the chap in London that had bid at a charity auction for some time with me. Parking was easy and I dont remember getting too lost driving about in London either.

I've just got back from a lesson on the beach. I am so pleased with this client. They have put so much work in and the dog is doing so well. He is a reformed charactor and the client is wonderful to work with as they take everything on board and everything is going very well as a result. My dogs are now soaked with sea water and Texas is whining at me, he wants my attention therefore I'm going to ignore him in order that I dont allow him the control of the situation.

I have a busy day today. It's nearly 11.00 Ive already done 2 clients and have 4 more to go. Next stop is a client with 4 Husky type dogs- we are teaching the recall and I will bring mine along to help.

Must go check my ducks now as they are free-range somewhere in the garden!! I can hear quacking which means one of them has probably found something naughty and the others are chasing after him!

Todays Obedience Competition

2008-06-01T12:40:00.000-07:00

The day started VERY well. Buzz and I won!!! 1st out of 35! Cant believe it. To add to this the judge in the class we won said she had never seen such a good dog in her class! I think it must be a case of good dog- rubbish handler. I need to work on my confidence in Buzz. He made me very proud today.

The afternoon today was not so good. I called to confirm a clients booking for tomorrow. I sometimes do this as it was a few weeks since I saw them. She had forgotten and then mentioned that she was not happy with the fact I hadn't called her regularly to see how she was getting on! I always make it clear from the start that I am delighted to offer support and advice the entire way through but the client must call or email me, not the other way round. I cant possibly call everyone to see how they are doing as I wouldn't have any time to train any dogs! I am always happy to offer support inbetween lessons but I cant be expected to call the clients as I have thousands! or at least hundreds! I knew she was going to be a tricky client as she was horrified at what I charge even though it is next to nothing and barely covers travel and insurance etc AND I'm £20,00 cheaper than the nearest rate of other behaviourists!

Anyway looking forward to going to London tomorrow. I have a booking with a guy who sounds lovely and had bid for a session with me at a Cancer Research Charity auction.

What a day of mixed emotions!!

Tomorow

2008-05-31T14:01:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I have an obedience competition with Buzz. I haven't competed for over a year but I'm hopeful that we will have a good day and perhaps come home with a place. The funny thing about the dog training world and particularly dog sports is that they tend to be dominanted by older women and men, usually retired. Many competitiors are honest and hard working with their dogs but many dont like young hopefuls like me. i work full time training dogs and fixing dog related problems and get very little time for my own dogs. I think the good side is that at least they are using their dogs brain. Dogs have an incredible ability to think and communicate and adapt to the human way of life. We could not cope with living as a canine so surely that makes canine the superior species?

First Post!

2008-05-31T13:53:00.000-07:00

Hi Readers! I have set up this blog so that people can read and understand the work of a dog trainer and behaviourist and hopefully better understand their dog. To make it more exciting I train celebrity dogs too. Obviously I'm not going to mention names but I can certainly talk about the various dogs I train and how everyday is totally different from the next. My job is immensly rewarding but equally as stressful. There must be an easier way to make money!