Cartmel Racecourse

Took my son and the dogs to Cartmel.   We took a very pleasant walk through the woods.  Whilst I showed my son the old cross-country jumps (that are unfortunately either overgrown or rotting into the ground, they have been there a very long time!),  the dogs went exploring.  They were probably taking great pleasure in the scents of rabbits, squirrels and deer, not to mention other dogs. and maybe the odd fox.

We then trudged in the pouring rain around Cartmel Racecourse and through the paddock area, to the great delight of my son, an aspiring jockey to be.

The earliest written account of racing at Cartmel dates back to 1856. It's almost certain that racing has taken place here since at least the middle of the fifteenth century when monks of the nearby priory entertained themselves by organising racing on mules, no bookmakers naturally but little doubt some form of illegal gambling took place.

Early meetings were on the flat but by the start of the twentieth century the course had switched codes and had become a jump only venue. This was far more in keeping with the interests of the local population who were steeped in farming and hunting.

http://www.cartmel-racecourse.co.uk/metadot/index.pl?id=2179;isa=Category;op=show

Cartmel has become increasingly popular with tourists over the years boasting the very fine 12th century Priory, some excellent eating places and fine local craft shops. 

Livestock

Such a beautiful day.  I wish it was like this every day.  Took the opportunity to spend a few hours with my son's pony Thunder.  A very grand name for a very small pony.  We took Elsa, it was a good opportunity to get her accustomed to livestock.  She did not think much of the cockerals or the hens, most of whom dwarfed her and will for another few weeks.  They were just a little scary : ). 

The ponies she did not mind, which is good.  She only saw the sheep at a distance but this is a good start.  Introducing dogs to livestock when they are young is so much easier.  They are not big enough to do any damage and if you set the boundaries now and get them used to other animals they will soon lose their curiosity for them.   Other animals will  just become a routine part of their everyday life and many become friends.   If an adult dog who has not been taught these boundaries gets loose amongst livestock, it can have devastating results.  An adult dog that has not been de-sensitized to livestock must be kept under such strict control, walks in the countryside can lose some of their enjoyment ( your dog must always be kept on a leash when in the presence of livestock) .

Train your dog to be obedient around other animals and you will reap years of enjoyment from your walks and always be welcomed wherever you go.

Mother and Daughter

We were not going to keep one of the pups.  Not planned, the inevitable happened while I was out at work.  My son let our sheepdog in to the same room as our lovely old labrador bitch whilst his father's back was turned!  It only took a minute and well the pups tell the rest of the story! They are so adorable, I just had to keep one.  Elsa is her name.  The other three, Bexley, Troy and Suki have gone to loving homes with people we know, so we can have regular updates and keep in touch.

Welcome : )

We want to hear from every one of you and receive regular updates, photos, videos of your pet dog. Can your dog perform an amazing party trick? Has he/she done something extraordinary? Maybe you can offer tips or advice to others. If you love dogs join us here at Happy Hound : ) x

Man's Best Friend

Dogs are incredibly obliging, infinitely patient and put up with intolerable situations for very little reward. They do their best to adapt to our individual lifestyles. For an animal with boundless energy and an active, enquiring mind this cannot be easy.

So we must remember a friendship has to work both ways. In return for his loyalty we must keep our side of the bargain and provide him with shelter, clean drinking water, adequate food to keep him healthy and plenty of exercise. Do this for your dog and he really will be your best friend. And you will carry this with you for a lifetime.

                                                                       The Joys of Spring!!

Have a relaxed and more rewarding friendship with your dog.

Why train your Dog?

A trained dog is a Happy Dog. A dog who knows his boundaries feels safe, secure and more relaxed. Owning a dog should be fun and rewarding for all the family. When your dog respects the house rules it creates a happier, more harmonious home life for everyone.

Unfortunately, well trained dogs don't just happen. It takes an owner that wants a relationship with his or her dog based on mutual respect, caring and appreciation.

At Happy Hound we train dogs with repetition, patience and plenty of praise. Training your pet requires a calm consistency. It does take time but you get back what you put in. You will be surprised at what your dog is capable of and how quickly he picks up new commands.

You have to live together for at least a decade, so you need to get on! : ) With a little effort you will both reap the benefits.