You might have already seen I was the guest on the Canine Paradigm this week. You can catch the whole episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/episode-360-nick-bengers-coming-out-party/id1317578834?i=1000753830237 Have you already checked it out? I honestly didn't really feel like I did a great job but I'm glad to have just got it off my chest all the same.

You get 100k a year but you become naked for exactly one second at a random time each month - do you take it? By randomly I mean you cannot predict this in any way at all. After the second elapses you will be fully clothed again. Could be when you’re sleeping, giving a presentation at work, walking down the street, etc (Stolen from Reddit)

We’ve been busy with a new routine in the house (cycling between tethering, crating and freedom) and it’s a very peaceful existence. Cybi has done so well with learning switching off in his new routine and he’s much more well rested and so his training sessions are incredible. The dogs are becoming better at ignoring each other too, Cybi definitely finds Phoebe less exciting when she scurries around which is a big win, and he’s been a LOT quieter when visitors come over too, as well as his random barking outbursts being shorter and less frequent! We tried to get a nice stacked photo for conformation which was interesting but I’m really pleased with how he’s maturing now. We’ve been working really hard with engagement, activation and focussed heeling and went to IGP Thursday where I had some great tips from Alex about my mechanics and some amazing reps of focussed heel that made me so happy. Also did some protection which was great as usual. I’ve gone back to basics with conditioning a slip lead for street heeling so I can remove reliance on the prong for management and I feel like it’s going really well, he’s picking it up super quickly but I think that’s due to me having more experience and knowing what I’m doing this time 😂 but in general he’s been sooo much fun to train, really clear headed and switched on, very enthusiastic and it’s making me really enjoy it. Maybe it’s the sun 🌞

Our Q&A with Daniel Rose from the Dogs and Deadlifts podcast is going live in under an hour! Looking forward to you all joining us!

Cybi had a semi rest day on Saturday, just a wander y walk in the evening. He was tired from the last few days, and still is on Monday actually 😂 Sunday we took toddler on bike out for a 6.5km ride - I’m not sure who had more fun out of all of us, Cybi is getting so good with B on his bike. We did some focussed heeling which he was super at - I’m really pleased with how it’s coming along (glimpse into life training a dog with a toddler in the video 😂), and he got to splash in the river loads. He was really good with bikes and dogs passing, holding a down while we waited. A very innocent man approached him with his hands out saying “oh he’s lovely, don’t worry I’m good with dogs!” Before I could get between but our “go say hi” cue does pretty consistently turn him into puppy mode now when we do allow him to greet people so I was glad we have been consistent with it. He then had a full shampooey bath and blow dry in the diy doggy shower which he tolerated, then settled while we had a cup of tea and an ice cream after. He then was almost totally unconscious for 20 hours straight 😴 😂 we actually were a bit worried because he was so chill but turns out we’ve just finally gotten through to him that he needs to relax in the house! Then his new muzzle came and we picked up conditioning it with free shaping - he is so smart. He’s done this once and within 3 reps he remembered entirely what he needed to do and would just put his whole head in and wait for the terminal marker 😂 so I think we can build some duration in our next session which is great progress. I’m planning to do his DNA health test next month then to book him in for hip and elbow scoring the following month which is exciting but also terrifying as the idea of them not being perfect is awful 😅 but his litter have also begun these with everyone being clear so far, and his lines are great so I am hopeful for some good x rays!