Tag / Diary

Fred, my chocolate and tan english cocker spaniel pup / Perfect cocker spaniel blog & book / English cocker spaniel grooming, training, advice, health, puppy tips / Natalia Ashton (C)
by Natalia

The world according to Fred

Fred fascinates me… Watching him is like getting through a mind-boggling puzzle where every little step in the right direction feels like a huge victory. Fred isn’t the easiest pup, he is… complicated. And I love it about my boy. He teaches me “stuff” about myself and I learn to see the world “according to Fred” in return.

Oh, the world… I think, in Fred’s mind the world is a very, very smelly place indeed. And that’s what makes it so captivating for him. The boy’s sense of smell is nothing I’ve ever seen in any of my dogs before. It’s like his brain is wired to follow the scent in the most sophisticated manner.

Fred sees through his olfactory. At home the pup loves to sit in the middle of the garden, nose into the sky – soaking up the scents and watching, observing, learning…

Every time we are off for a walk he runs out of the house and knows that a bird is hiding in a nearby hedge, somebody he likes recently walked down the street, the dog he isn’t keen on – has been for a walk already, some cat will soon appear from around the corner, the bunnies are hopping through the field and a family of daft pheasants has just been out for their wonky promenade.

We often let him lead otherwise he gets a little bored with the rest of the “pack”. We are too ordinary, even Coop… Once done, Fred glances back at me waiting for a praise and a little treat, which he’s been aware of (obviously!) since it got hidden in my pocket.

And then we smile at each other and continue our journey through the world that, according to Fred, is filled with a rainbow of smells.

 

Photo source: taken by me

 

 

Cooper and Fred featured in Country Life October 23 issue / Britain's naughtiest dogs / Perfect cocker spaniel blog and book
by Natalia

My guys made it to Country Life mag

Long time ago, somewhere in the midst of summer, I shared a little story about Cooper and Fred on the Country Life’s Instagram. Shared and forgot for it was in the midst of summer and how can one remember a little message when surrounded by fragrant flowers, mesmerising butterflies, endless fields and the sun that fills the entire horizon.

Imagine my surprise when I opened the mag yesterday and saw our names in it! They published the story on-line, too. Coop didn’t win it, no. He was chosen as the Highly commended, which I think would please him immensely regardless.

I loved the article. It was such a beautiful humorous read accompanied by the most charming illustrations by John Holder.

And the boys look amazing on-line… The Country Life team featured two of my most favourite photos that I’ve taken this year.

Cooper & Fred, Perfect cocker spaniel cockers on Country Life magazine website / britain's naughtiest dogs 2019 by Victoria Marsden / Natalia Ashton / english cocker spaniel humour, advice, tips, history, puppy first year, grooming and more, book and blog
So many things to be grateful for. Feeling like a proud happy mummy right now.

Photo source: cover of the Country Life October 23 2019 issue via Country Life

Natalia, Cooper & Fred, two english cocker spaniels / lessons our dogs could teach us / all about English cocker spaniels / puppy tips (c) Perfect cocker spaniel / photo by Elizabeth Clark Pinkfeet photography
by Natalia

Cocker spaniel habits we should adopt

I am grateful to my dogs for many things in life. I feel like they taught me a lot, helped me find my true self and even inspired my book. My spaniels are my life and I adore watching the boys every day, sharing their discoveries, little joys and moments of happy madness. Dogs have their ways of being here, creating their own world and travelling through it next to their beloved companions – us. And I think we can pick up a few habits from our beautiful cocker spaniels because it can transform our life – and the future as the time goes by, too…

Wake up with a smile. Because good vibes start with a simple stretch of a few facial muscles.

Kiss often! Kissing boosts dopamine and endorphins (for happiness), oxytocin (for emotional attachment), reduces levels of cortisol (the stress hormones), cholesterol and blood pressure, and strengthens the immune system.

Be outdoorsy! Get out early, breathe in fresh air, dip your paws feet into the morning dew and run away from hustle and bustle of reality, mobile devices and city noise. “Walking is the man’s best medicine” – sharing it with the man’s best friend is as perfect as it can get.

Eat at set times and never skip meals. It’s good for your body and your mind. Your cocker eats “on the dot”? Join his schedule and you are likely to trim your waste line, reduce blood pressure and improve blood sugar levels.

Appreciate the power of quality sleep. You may be tempted to stay up till midnight and maintain your energy levels with so much caffeine it can easily replace your blood, but deep inside you know it’s not brilliant. Look at your cocker – he gets up early, goes to bed on time and never says ‘no’ to daily naps. This is what makes them more productive, ready to embrace every day, process information much better, and look beautiful.

Don’t judge people – love them unconditionally regardless of their status or appearance.

Don’t be afraid to love with passion – “there is always some madness in love, but there is always some reason in madness…”

Life is all about simple things. Happiness is not about having an expensive collar with a gold tag, a huge pile of toys or a palace to live in. Don’t overcomplicate – instead enjoy living the life you’ve got and make the most of it.

Photo source: me and the boys photographed by wonderful Elizabeth Clark / Pink feet photography