Hello Michelle! Please can you tell us a little bit about you and your dogs?
Hi! Im 43, born in England but traveled around Europe until I finally settled in Ireland when I was 19. I work for a US Tech Company and spend all of my free time with my dogs! Scout is a 5 year old rescue, he is a cross between a Springer Spaniel and a Munsterlander and due to his bad start in life we've had many challenges to overcome together, he is my heart dog, my greatest teacher and has taught me so many lessons in not just dog training but also behaviour modification. Scout enjoys mantrailing and scent detection work, he once found a dog that had been missing for a whole day and was stuck in a ditch! Rebel is my 1 year old Springer Spaniel, she is training to compete in Field Trials and is an absolute joy, full of life and with a heart of gold and a heap of natural talent. So far she has competed in puppy & novice working tests and passed the WGC, she is my best friend and we spend many hours together in the fields honing her talents. We are also soon to be collecting a new member of the team who will also hopefully be training to trial.
When did you first realise you loved dogs? Have you always had them?
When I was 4 I asked my mum for a dog and she said no so I got a wheelie suitcase and I walked around with it and called it my dog, I even made 'food' for it out of shredded paper and it slept at the end of the bed. After a few months of this my mum realised I was serious, got me a puppy and the rest is history! I've always either had my own dog or had them in my life in some capacity (eg foster carer for rescues) but falling in love with Spaniels and the Gundog world really happened for me about 4 years ago and now I cant imagine having any other breed.
How often do you get our with the dogs for training?
I train most days, not always anything super complicated but I do always get them out to do something. I find that it not only helps keep them sane but also me! My job can be quite stressful so getting out up the fields and working with the dogs helps clear my mind and destress myself!
What is your favourite paws@brooklyn product?
Oh the Paws Brooklyn vests - every time! Whenever I'm out on a training day or at a test you can be guaranteed I'll be asked where the vest is from and how can they get one!
I particularly love how they come in women's real sizes rather than just small mens.
Any advice for anyone starting training or wanting to get a working dog?
Getting a working dog is a big commitment and one you should put a lot of research into before you do so! But if you have the time, energy and love for working breeds then they are - in my opinion - the absolute best dogs you can find. If you're new to the Gundog world then finding a good trainer to help guide you is a must, these dogs live to train & work and learning how to do that with them is incredibly fulfilling!
Do you go out overshoot season with your dogs?
This will be Rebel's first season and we are super excited!
Finally please tell our audience what it's like being a Paws@brooklyn ambassador!
Its such an honour! Paws Brooklyn have built such an amazing community and are one of very few Gundog supplies companies that will deliver to Republic of Ireland which makes it even more special for me.
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