Spaniels are full of personality, loyalty and have boundless energy and because of this they have long been chosen as companions for families. If you are new to spaniels being aware of their overriding hunting instinct that dates back centuries is important for your sanity and your relationship with them that you understand these instincts which underpin most of the activities, they enjoy.
For many years it was normal & accepted practice for humans at school and for dogs in a training class to be taught in a classroom/hall environment where a "teacher" instructed & sometimes demonstrated to the class what they were learning that day and pupil/dog owner were supposed listen, maybe have ago and to go away with some "homework" and remember it before the next class. While I have been learning to become a better trainer I have found there are different and new ways to do many things that my client and their dogs expect from a dog trainer. One of the most enlightening to me was that over the last few decades the way people learn has been researched. It has now been accepted that one method does not fit all, as humans learn and retain information in different ways due to their physical limitations, genetics, upbringing, emotions, personalities & many other factors.
Wildlife photography is my hobby outside working with families with spaniels & other gundogs. I love all animal & birds & the natural environments fascinate me. I have always taken lots of snaps but in recent years I have become an avid novice photographer. Initially it was a break as a dog trainer & doing sports & activities with my own two spaniels. Photography has taken me to places that I normally wouldn't see if I had my dogs with me due to their natural instincts & the fact they would disturb the wildlife even if they were allowed to go to these places with me.