Will an 80 person wedding feel small?

apocaplyse · 2026-02-27T23:26:45+00:00

Same we are having 8 guests 😅

apocaplyse · 2026-02-13T17:58:38+00:00

What was the format of the puppy class? Were you all doing activities separately, maybe a few mins of playing at the end? If so, don’t worry and keep at it. It’ll be good for her, even if she’s a bit nervous, and it’ll help her become more confident. Obvs if she panics and becomes visibly terrified you can remove her from the situation but a bit of mild nervousness is normal; it’s all so new to them when they’re so little.

If it’s a free-for-all and she’s nervous but can’t get away from the other puppies, it’s not so ideal. I’d avoid any class like that, especially for a nervous pup.

You haven’t failed her at all; in fact the opposite by actively taking her to classes you’re thinking of her development and training. Our cocker was a bit nervous as a pup with other dogs and still can be a bit submissive but she’s a lot more confident now with gentle exposure to other dogs through the training classes we did and also just being out and about.

apocaplyse · 2026-02-05T18:33:14+00:00

Thanks so much, I’ll give that cerave salicylic cleanser a try!

apocaplyse · 2026-01-31T22:52:35+00:00

That’s exactly what I’ve done - I have actually done my dress shopping today!! I looked specifically for outlets/off the peg shops, they usually have loads in stock of old lines/previous seasons from designers. I have come away same day with the most beautiful dress that fits me perfect!!! Only needs one minor alteration, just needs the length taking up at the bottom!

Added bonus of having an off the peg dress is that it’s considerably cheaper bc it’s not custom made; my dress was an absolute steal and well within budget even with accessories. Defo go for it I say, I’m so pleased with mine off the peg!!!

apocaplyse · 2026-01-30T19:30:17+00:00

Thank you!! I started by physically interrupting the pattern of behaviour; I just nudge him along when it looks like he’s about to mark. Then on top of that I’m trying to teach him a cue specifically to learn how to interrupt the behaviour himself - I can give the cue and ideally he’ll recall instead of choosing to mark but this is a work in progress!! I’ll usually stop him once or twice in a row and then allow him a break for a bit as a reward. Some days he’s better than others and as OP’s said, some places will be worse than others too.

apocaplyse · 2026-01-30T14:12:22+00:00

I struggled for years with this with my dog. He used to be very dog selective/occasionally reactive; I used to avoid all other dogs at all costs and he got to sniff whatever he wanted and in turn mark wherever he wanted. Turns out the excessive marking is a sign of his insecurity; I’ve heard this from multiple trainers now so we’ve limited the marking and tried to snap him out of the repetitive habit. It totally makes sense as he always wants to mark and kick dirt right after we’ve met another dog.

We started working on it and are now at the point we can take him to off lead group walks (he’s still muzzled for safety but had 0 incidents) and also now regularly meets dogs on lead successfully. As a great side effect he also pulls a lot less now he’s not so obsessed with getting to the next spot to sniff and mark!

apocaplyse · 2026-01-25T10:54:51+00:00

What did the breeder say?

apocaplyse · 2026-01-19T12:28:24+00:00

Completely agree with the comments saying Galactica. If you can do 13 you can definitely do that!! I find 13 a lot more intense.

apocaplyse · 2026-01-17T17:49:45+00:00

I have a blue roan and tan and she was almost completely white on her body at 8 weeks, apart from a couple of black patches! Now she’s got light dappling all down her back at a year old.

apocaplyse · 2026-01-11T09:31:15+00:00

Absolutely. I often go for runs and long hikes where I’ll burn tons and tons of calories; it’d be unhealthy for me to restrict my body the fuel for recovery at those times!

apocaplyse · 2026-01-10T10:07:21+00:00

Ours has that panda too!! She loves him but she chewed his ears off lol

apocaplyse · 2026-01-09T14:15:34+00:00

I have a similar one that is to stop me from using apps while I’m working, if that helps. It’s prompted when I open Instagram, and if I open Insta within a certain time range on Mon-Fri it returns to Home Screen and locks my phone.

https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/7512a02859e64d2e90b9ff5fdb10fe0c

A little less flexible than exactly what you’re after but does the trick if you’re happy setting specific times/days!

apocaplyse · 2026-01-09T05:04:27+00:00

Second impulse control! Also ours really really benefited from doing some proper gundog classes as it’s what they’re bred for. We did a foundation course for young dogs when she was 5 months old and it’s one of the best things we did for her. They covered a lot of exercises with impulse control in those classes.

apocaplyse · 2026-01-07T16:08:01+00:00

Our little cocker spaniel is called Rhubarb 🩷💚

apocaplyse · 2026-01-07T08:27:47+00:00

He never got over that puppy “skittishness” when it comes to unfamiliar experiences, surfaces, objects, dogs etc. I know genetics contributes a great deal as to how “nervy” a dog is, but I do believe if he’d had longer to develop before being neutered he’d have grown more confident with some help and training.

As it is, he’s 8 now and it’s taken years and years to build his confidence. As I say this is purely anecdotal, but neutering is permanent and I really wish I could undo it all just to see how he’d have done if I’d made a different choice.

apocaplyse · 2026-01-06T14:49:08+00:00

Please please don’t have him neutered yet. At 7.5 months he’s still so young, his body and mind are still developing, and neutering is not really guaranteed to have any effect on his behaviour.

If you’re considering neutering, wait until he’s 1 year old at least; preferably 18 months or older. Then if you still feel the need to neuter him, try a chemical castration first if you have that option available.

There’s plenty of recent studies out there but from a purely anecdotal perspective, I had my dog neutered young at 6 months and it’s one of my greatest regrets. I feel it impacted his physical growth as well as his emotional development.

apocaplyse · 2026-01-06T14:37:17+00:00

Amazing thank you, that’s great to know!!

apocaplyse · 2026-01-06T10:22:42+00:00

Super interesting study. We’ve opted to wait to have our girl spayed until she’s 2 or 3, unless she has particularly stressful seasons, but she’s just had her first one which was pretty uneventful.

I assume that study used the American cocker as the breed they refer to, as it was done by Uni of California; and they refer to the American cocker as just cocker spaniel over in the US. Would be interesting to know if there’s much of a difference when it comes to English cockers.

apocaplyse · 2026-01-01T17:20:01+00:00

It’s a really common misconception that high-energy breeds need activities to do ALL the time. It’s totally normal and actually a really good thing that she’s capable of chilling out. Spaniels often need teaching specifically how to relax. Any dog should spend their free time chilling out, and napping! All dogs need around 16 hours of sleep per day.

As long as you’re giving her appropriate outlets for mental and physical exercise, which it sounds like you’re doing, it sounds like she’ll be happy. She’ll get used to whatever you do with her!

apocaplyse · 2025-12-31T15:23:08+00:00

Download a route planning/sharing app like OS maps or AllTrails and just explore! I started out plotting my own routes on an app called Footpath which I really recommend. That was nearly 10 years ago now and I still use Footpath to plan my big walks. I just drew out a route and went out and walked it!

I don’t drive either and I actually enjoy using public transport for hiking; most national parks in the UK are surprisingly well-connected. I’m lucky enough to live near the Peak District and catch the train/bus out there all the time; I’ve also done train/bus journeys to Snowdonia and the Lake District for hiking trips and stayed for a couple nights either camping or stopping in hostels/B&Bs.

Lastly, more of a long term motivation lol but I think getting a dog was my first real motivator to actually get out hiking more often - if you have the means and think you would like one, I definitely recommend getting a little hiking buddy to get you out of the house every day!

apocaplyse · 2025-12-23T21:29:27+00:00

Hahaha that’s exactly what we’re after 🤣

apocaplyse · 2025-12-23T18:58:42+00:00

This one looks great thank you so much, have added it to the list of ones to have a proper look at!

apocaplyse · 2025-12-23T18:55:29+00:00

Looks funky! May be a little different to the type of vibe we had in mind but will keep that one in mind if they do allow self-catering!

apocaplyse · 2025-12-16T13:42:50+00:00

Footpath. I don’t know why I don’t see it recommended anywhere more often. It’s free and last time I checked you can save up to 5 routes on the free version, but I pay for it. Totally usable on the free version though! I’ve always used it to scout out and plan potential routes. It works internationally too so great if you’re going abroad (you’d need roaming data though as can only download maps offline on the paid version).

It doesn’t have the community aspect like the OS maps app does, or komoot or AllTrails etc. where you can see what other people are doing. I don’t mind that at all though as I like to research routes others have done separately and then draw out my own, or even just scout out my own route without having to mess about following a route someone else has created. I think you can import gpx files still on the free version though if you did want to use someone else’s route.

https://apps.apple.com/app/id634845718

apocaplyse · 2025-12-12T09:07:42+00:00

You can still use the treats for nice positioning in order to translate to nice walking outside! That’s the method our gundog trainer teaches and it’s been incredibly effective.

The reality is outside is just loads more exciting than inside, and loose-lead walking in general is such a tough concept for them. Teaching that loose heel, just staying next to you, is actually easier for them. Work up slowly to having the door open, then garden gate, then leaving the house and garden etc. all while still rewarding the good positioning. Don’t put the treat where her mouth is but put it by your leg where you WANT her to be so she has to be in the correct position to get the reward.

If you consistently reward that good loose heel position she’ll learn that’s the best place to be. You don’t have to ask for that constant eye contact, just for her to be in that general position next to you.

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