Tag / Diary

Oscar, golden cocker spaniel puppy sleeping in bed / benefits of humans sleeping with dogs studies / published on Perfect cocker spaniel blog (c) Natalia Ashton
by Natalia

Many good reasons to sleep with your dog

The boys and I have a little tradition. Every night we switch off the boring tv, visit the garden and then jump into bed together. They pile up on top of me, Coop – spooning, Fred – creating an impression of a Russian “ushanka” hat. Coop likes to be stroked, Fred – kissed on the nose, so the positions are chosen strategically and perfected over time to achieve their goals.

They sleep. I get onto Netflix. I do wish I could be all so intellectual and say that I read a book savouring it page by page. Unfortunately, a book requires two hands to stay upright. And a bit more light than I’ve got. So I am afraid I have to ruin the ambience and my reputation and come clear about being into old series or the latest episode of the Bake Off.  My life belongs to the pups and so are my hands.

Honestly, I would not have it any other way. I love to bask in the warmth of oxytocin. I love their company, the weight, the sweet scent, the little scrumptious noises pups make in their dreams. It’s my reverie, my happy place.

Even if 100 people told me 100 times that sleeping with my dogs is a very, very, very bad idea indeed, I would not listen. I can’t sleep without them. Fortunately, the science seems to tell me exactly what I am pleased to hear, the good news.

Take the Mayo Clinic that have been studying the benefits of sleeping with dogs for years. According to them having a dog (over 6 months old – because puppies are a different story entirely) in your bedroom does not disturb your sleep. In fact, the company of your pooch will help you sleep better providing a sense of security and comfort, easing anxiety and even reducing the incidence of nightmares. In addition stroking dogs quietly without talking to them can reduce your blood pressure and levels of stress hormones (cortisol being the main one), which will lead to numerous benefits (think better mood, better digestion, better heart health – better life, really!)

To top it all up… Our puppies are like a hot water bottle on a chilly night. The most perfect hot water bottle that loves you, kisses you and looks into your eyes with so much affection.

If you worry about the hygiene, remember that men’s beards contain a lot more bacteria than your dog’s fur. True story. There is even a study conducted by the Switzerland’s Hirslanden Clinic that proves it.

So enjoy your naps, pups and peeps! It’s so good for you!

Oscar, golden cocker spaniel puppy napping in bed / benefits of sleeping with dogs studies / first published on Perfect cocker spaniel blog / puppy book about English cooker spaniel (C) Natalia Ashton

Photo source: Oscar, photographed by me

 

Cooper, cooper.spaniel, sable cocker spaniel for perfectcockerspaniel.com dog photography, cocker spaniel advice
by Natalia

My perfect cocker spaniel

Last week Coop and I went out to take photos. It was a step out of the comfort zone for both of us and admittedly, I felt a little nervous.

I was worried that Coop would be anxious. I was concerned about leaving Fred home alone. I was not sure how comfortable I’d be prancing around with a camera in a manner of David Bailey…

Well, it went splendidly well.

I took them both out for a walk first. Upon return Fred received a few treats while Coop and I got ready to pop out. At first Coop could not even believe the fact that it was just two of us. For a moment there he looked lost and confused and then, suddenly, a huge grin appeared on my baby’s face! I almost wept. I missed “just us” so much!

And off we went. Coop – strolling next to me, no pulling, no stress – just pure joy. Me – looking for pretty spots to take photos.

Eventually we stopped, got the camera out, I asked Coop to wait and got clicking.

Coop was a perfect model. He stayed, got back to pose this and that way, completely ignored people who stopped by to watch him. I was so proud!

After about 20 minuted we headed back home because I was still worried that Fred would be stressed out.

To my relief (and slight disappointment!) the little one walked out to greet us in the calmest manner imaginable! Sort of  “Ah, that’s you two! Alright then…” Coop went off for a drink and I took my time to give Fred lots of cuddles. In return, Fred looked up, walked straight into the garden and waited there for me to go and photograph him, too! It was hilarious!

As soon as the photos we taken he walked back and headed off to the kitchen for a treat. Coop joined him, of course.

Somehow everything felt into place in such a harmonious way that all my silly and not so silly worries simply varnished. I am now looking forward to more trips like this. Me and my boy, my perfect cocker spaniel.

I know Fred will join us eventually. And I am looking forward to those extra special moments, too.

Cooper, 3 months old red gold sable english cocker spaniel puppy, good reasons to have a puppy / first published on perfect cocker spaniel blog / story and photo (c) Natalia Ashton
by Natalia

5 good reasons to have a puppy

Why did you decide to have a puppy?

Last night I was lying in bed – Netflix on, boys piled up next to me, dreaming of something… possibly their favourite walk and biscuits… who knows… It was a moment of pure bliss. A kind of moment that makes every effort that goes into raising a pup totally worthwhile.

It got me thinking… Why do we decide to have a puppy in the first place? What are the best things about having a dog – and cocker, in particular?

Here are my personal top 5:

1. Puppies make us happy. Cuddling them triggers release of oxytocin – the “love hormone”. Newborn babies have the same effect on their mums to create a bond between them.

2. Puppies make us active and fit. Running after a little cocker is way harder than having a workout in the gym. Plus, you use your entire body (and feel like a corpse by 9pm…)

3. Puppies are the best weight watchers! Remember that cup of coffee you made in the morning? You were hoping to drink it before the pup is awake… Well, it’s lunch time now – and that coffee is still there waiting for you. Food? Don’t even think about it! Pointless!

4. Puppies make us feel young again. You cannot build a real bond with a pup unless you let yourself be YOURSELF! Run, play, roll in a grass together, laugh, cuddle, act like a kid!

5. Puppies improve our social life & skills. Just think how many people you suddenly get to chat with during your walks! The only problem is most of them will never recognise you without your dog or remember your name (you are destined to be known as “[insert your dog’s name here] mum/dad”

WHAT DO YOU THINK? WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO HAVE A PUP?

Photo source: Cooper photographed by me