| We thought you’d like to get to know the members of our Down Dog team. First up is Patrycja, our newest member, originally from Poland. When Vena arrived into Patrycja’s life, it was turned upside down! If you’ve been following these emails you’ll know quite a bit about me. But there are four other people in the Down Dog team who I’ll be introducing to you over the next few weeks. Today you can find out more about Patrycja, our newest member, originally from Poland. Here’s Patrycja’s story “I’ve loved dogs all my life and always wanted to have one. Apparently as 5 years old I asked my mum if we can have a dog and if not, perhaps I could become one! My mum fortunately agreed so I didn’t have to grow a tail… Our first dog was a small JRT type dog called Kulka I chose from the local shelter. She was with us for 14 years. I managed to teach her some tricks. It took a big handful of doughnuts but it worked! After Kulka passed away I got my first puppy, a small mixed breed, German shepherd type, Nesa. I trained her myself and she was my ideal beloved dog. I lost her due to cancer at 7. It left me totally heart broken and put me off of having another dog for years. In the meantime, I started studying at University in Lublin, Poland. I wanted to be a vet, but unfortunately didn’t score high enough so I did a degree in animal management science instead, specialising in horse riding and instructing. Even without a dog, I was involved with the Canine Section and visited some competitions and dog shows. After graduation I started to look for a job and soon find out there were only a few, low paid choices – seasonal work with horses or cleaning out and feeding pigs. Most of these also required speaking fluent English, which I didn’t at that time. So, I decided go abroad to improve my language skills for a year or two – which has turned into 14! Moving to Northern Ireland and choosing a new dog A few years after I came here I decided I’d love to have a dog again. I’ve always loved northern breeds and, being an active person, I decided to have one. So Vena (Arvena Kakrayok zHowerli) arrived – and she turned whole my life upside down. I chose her because she was from a show line, so should have been less active and more obedient with good showing potential. Let’s say that was my plan – but it certainly was not hers! This stubborn, very active, needy, dog soon proved to me that I knew nothing about dogs, training, or anything at all. It forced me to get rid of my flatmate, change my working hours and reach for help from dog trainers, finally becoming one myself. Vena and I have done a lot together- from agility and obedience displays at agriculture shows, through showing her at dog shows, and now training in Rally. Now Vena is enjoying her retirement and I can more focus on helping others to train their dogs.” Wow! What a story. Working towards doggy separation anxiety One of the things that Patrycja had to work hard to surmount was Vena’s separation anxiety. Vena hated to be left alone. She chewed and howled the place down and Patrycja had to do a lot of training to teach Vena to be comfortable left on her own. Perhaps your dog is now used to you being around a lot more over this past year. But as we come out of lockdown over the next few months you’re going to be leaving your dog alone again. It’s common to see separation problems in dogs after owners have been home for a while – many dogs struggle to adjust to being left alone again.. Be fair to your dog. Prepare them for the change. Our three session, live taught online Serene Separation course and accompanying workbook will show you how. I’ll finish today with Five Fascinating Facts about Patrycja: 1. She has a Masters degree in Animal Management Science 2. Her second favourite pets, after dogs, are guinea pigs 3. Her granddad fought in World War I and World War II 4. She used to be a horse-riding instructor 5. Her form teacher in primary school said she would never amount anything I completely disagree with her teacher about that last one! We’re delighted to have Patrycja as part of the Down Dog team – and now you know her better, too! Keep training and stay safe, Carol |
