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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

Poppy: A Farewell to My Furry Friend

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Poppy, my beloved Cocker Spaniel, crossed the rainbow bridge on September 9th, 2024 @ 3pm. Her passing has left a void in my life that can never be filled. She was more than just a dog; she was my best friend, my confidante, and my soulmate. I first met Poppy in 2010, when she was just a small, black puppy. Little did I know that this tiny creature would become such a significant part of my life. From the moment I laid eyes on her, I knew she was special. Her playful spirit and boundless energy were infectious, and she quickly became the centre of my world. We spent countless hours together, walking, playing, and exploring. Poppy was always up for an adventure, no matter how long or challenging. She loved to chase birds, swim in lakes, and roll in sheep poo. Her enthusiasm for life was truly inspiring. Ennerdale Water Circular: As Poppy grew older, so did our bond. She became my constant companion, always by my side, no matter what I was doing. We shared countless laughs, secrets, a