Whether you have already met our Trainer, Tash, or have yet to join one of her classes, it's always nice to know a little more about the person behind the uniform. Potter Paws other staff members came up with ten questions for Tash to answer and here you'll find the answers!
What is your earliest memory of dogs?
My grandparents German Shepherd, Kim - or as she was affectionately known 'Kimmy Dog'. I grew up with her and she was the most beautiful sweet natured dog. I remember my Grandma would always tell her off as she used to cross the road to meet me outside school. She was the best dog and definitely where my love for dogs grew from.
Tell us about your ideal Sunday?
Oooh that's an easy one. It would start with a cup of tea and sausage sandwich - which of course I would probably end up sharing with the boys. Then the wellies go on, the walking rucsac is packed and we venture out for a 'stroll' in the countryside. My friends always joke that my 'strolls' turn into 10 mile hikes.
A long walk is definitely my favourite thing to do on a Sunday especially in the Autumn when the colours have started changing and the woods are covered with fallen leaves - and mud! One of my favourite areas to go on long walks with the boys is over towards Henley around Fingest/Turville/Hambleden - I love a mixture of open fields and woodland.
In my opinion a good walk always has a pub en route to stop and have a well deserved drink and bowl of chips - it's also nice for the dogs to have a little pit stop and check out the treats that have been packed in the rucsac for them.
Once we've finished our walk we would head home and cook a lovely Sunday dinner - I do enjoy cooking and one of my favourites for a Sunday is carbonara - with a large glass of red of course - before we all chill on the sofa with a cheesy film...PERFECT
Do you have a favourite dog breed?
I wouldn't say I have a favourite breed as all of the dogs that have captured my heart have been different breeds - from a Jack Russell to German Shepherd.
Currently I have a big soft spot for spaniels with my two boys being spaniel breeds.
Rufus is a cockapoo and my first dog so holds a very special place in my heart - we got him at one as a rescue from Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary. All of my 'firsts' as a dog owner have been with him and I've certainly learned a lot.
Murphy - my youngest - is a Springer Spaniel and my first puppy. He constantly keeps me on my toes and he has taught me a great deal. One minute he is a whirlwind at a million miles an hour, the next, he's cuddled up next to me on the sofa.
As much as I believe training is journey I also believe every dog - and breed - teaches us something different along the way.
Favourite film/tv series/show?
I would have to say....Sex and The City. I loved that show and had every season on DVD. I believe it is also due to make a come-back in 2021 which is pretty exciting!
If you could own any famous dog, which one would it be?
Ooooh that's a tough one as there are so many to choose from but I think I would go for Marley from 'Marley & Me' - Just because he is such a little cheeky pup with a loveable personality.
Favourite holiday location?
I would say I have two - Cornwall and Greece - Yes I know two very different places but both have beautiful scenery and beaches.
As a child I used to spend every school holiday down in Cornwall - Polperro to be precise - with my Nan. I have very fond memories of my holidays down there - walks on the beach, cream teas, cornish pasties - it is a very special place to me. It is also one of my favourite places to go with the dogs for walking holidays on the moors and strolls on the beach.
About 10 years ago I went on holiday to the greek islands and I fell in love with them. I love the weather, the beaches, the relaxed lifestyle and of course - the food. Souvlaki, gyros and kleftiko to name a few - If I'm in need of a warm, sun soaked holiday - it's definitely the place I would go.
What quote do you like to live by?
"Life's Too Short" - It may be a bit cheesy but I think it's true. Especially looking back at this last year it has definitely made me (and a lot of us I think) re-evaluate what is important to us and 'Life is too short' you have to do what makes you happy.
Who inspires you?
Again it might be a little bit cheesy but my partner John. He runs his own business and works extremely hard to do what he loves and he always pushes me to do the same - his view is you should always do the things that you love and that make you happy.
What's your favourite dog training exercise?
Recall! I love it. It is one of my favourite things to teach as you can have so much fun with it - plus it is such an important skill.
What song do you dance around the living room to?
Depends on the mood I'm in but right now I would say 'Shut Up and Dance' by Walk The Moon
Potter Paws is a Dog Training School in Buckinghamshire. If you have any other questions you'd like to ask you can
email Tash