A Post Retreat Update From Amy & Ziggy

We love seeing updates from our Retreat members, and this one-month reflection from Amy about her journey with Ziggy is a perfect example of why we do what we do. One of the best parts of the Honest Hounds community is knowing that the support doesn’t stop when the event ends. There’s always space to keep growing, checking in, and celebrating the small (and big) wins along the way.

“1 month post retreat and a few things I’ve noticed… in myself and Ziggy.

1. Jess P was right - Ziggy does not need a bed in every room. He goes to bed in his crate at 8.30pm, and he is so much more chilled during the day because of it.

2. He’s become a real hunter - and is straying much further away from us on walks - breed specific needs being met nicely. He’s no longer pestering us for food or toys as soon as we get into the field.

3. I can do a whole walk with him without saying ANYTHING. My incessant talking was BAD - Emma can testify to this 😂

4. I can see him make an appropriate correction with another dog and not completely freak out about it. We went on a walk with my mum and her dog stood on Zig’s tail as he was sat down. He turned, did a single growl at her and they both shook it off and we carried on. 6 months ago, my whole world would have imploded from this one event.

5. Hand feeding is a game changer. He’s willing to work for his food so much more. This morning, we had a good 15 minutes of box shredding whilst he worked for his breakfast. A few months ago, this would have been 30 seconds before he began being destructive, demand barking or gave up completely.”