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Vaccinations: A Puppy's First Vet Visit

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Today marked a significant milestone in Bella's young life: her second set of vaccinations. As a new puppy owner, I was both excited and nervous about this appointment. After all, this was Bella's first visit to our local veterinary clinic, and I wasn't sure how she would react. Before we left for the vet, I made sure Bella was wearing her collar. This had been a training requirement for the past week, and I was hoping it would help her adjust to wearing a restraint in the car. The Highway Code mandates that all dogs must be properly restrained while in a moving vehicle.  To my relief, Bella handled the car ride remarkably well. Despite the hour-long journey from Scotland when we first brought her home, she seemed to have acclimatised to travelling. Today's trip was no different. While she may have been a little annoyed by the restraint, she didn't fuss or whine.  When we arrived at the clinic, Bella was shaking with nerves due to the unfamiliar environment. But, s

Bella's Bell: Using Alexa to Potty Train Your Pup

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It's taken a week of hard work and perseverance, but Bella is now, more or less, toilet trained. There will undoubtedly be the odd mistake here and there, but I do believe that we're over the goal line, so to speak. She's a very clever girl. I'm ever so pleased with her.  Now, I'm a big fan of Smart Speakers; and to help with Bellas potty training, I've been utilising my Echo Studio to help remind me when to take Bella outdoors - it's not that I'm forgetful, I'm just easily distracted 😁 I set up a routine where, on the hour, every hour, until 8pm in the evening, Alexa will play a church bell via the speaker as a reminder for me. The routine is pretty awesome, and imitates a grandfather clock, so I might just keep the routine when I'm confident Bella will remain dry indoors.  If you have a Echo device, or similar, I do recommend setting up a routine to help with potty training a dog. Potty training a puppy can be a daunting task. It requires pat

Bella: Settling In Perfectly!

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I'm so happy to report that Bella's training is going incredibly well. After a little initial adjustment, she's quickly picked up the toilet routine. The first night at home, she did have an accident in her crate, but that was to be expected. Since then, she's been absolutely dry!  We've been using training pads to help her understand where to pee, and we've been gradually moving them closer to the outside door. For a number two, she's been really good about letting us know when she needs to go, and she always does her business outside. Sleepwise, Bella has been doing really well. There have been a few whimpers when she's first put to bed, which is totally understandable as she's missing her siblings. But overall, she's been sleeping through the night. Bella is such a keen learner, and she loves to play. It's the perfect combination! She can already sit on command, and she's definitely not afraid of a little bribery. As you can see in the

New Beginning: Welcoming Bella Into My Home

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It’s been a month since I lost my beloved Cocker Spaniel, Poppy . The pain of her loss still lingers, but I’m slowly beginning to find a new sense of joy. Poppy was more than just a dog; she was my best friend, my confidante, and my constant companion. Losing her left a void in my life that I didn’t think could be filled.  Introducing Bella But then, along came Bella, a 12-week-old Cocker Spaniel puppy. From the moment I laid eyes on her, I knew she was the perfect addition to our family. Bella is a bundle of energy, with an ever-wagging tail and a love for adventure. She’s brought a sense of life and laughter back into our home. Both of Bellas parents are Red Cocker Spaniels.  Interesting Facts About Cocker Spaniels Cocker Spaniels are a popular breed known for their affectionate and playful personalities. They have a long history, dating back to the 14th century. Originally bred for hunting game birds, they are now primarily kept as companions. Here are some interesting facts about C