SIMON TIERNEYfinds ways to live well with less cash
“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”. This proverb was proven to be correct when I attempted recently to train my rather elderly Jack Russell, Dermot. Dermot is a rotund octogenarian (in dog years, obviously), who has become accustomed to a halcyon life of regular naps by the stove and even more regular snacks from my mother.
Clever Canines (Ryehill, Lavally, Tuam, Co Galway) offer training classes for you and your dog. Positive reinforcement methods are used to improve your relationship. There is a free private lesson (worth €40) up for grabs to the first three people to email ami@clevercanines.ie. I need professional help like this as Dermot refuses to sit on command. Perhaps this kind of juvenile task is below his considerable intellect. I will try more complex endeavours in future, such as making me a coffee or changing the channel.
There are a number of free places available on the Eclipse Pony and Activity Camps (Dromore Old, Blackwater Bridge, Kenmare, Co Kerry, tel: 064- 668 2965), which are running every week until August 17th. The places are subject to a minimum age of eight, five places per day and with only one free visit per family (normally €48). Email info@eclipseireland.com to avail. Riding lessons, dressage and orienteering are just some of the activities on offer.
In Turoe Pet Farm (Bullaun, Loughrea, Co Galway, tel: 091-841 580) each child gets a bag of food on arrival with which they are taught how to feed the donkeys, goats, llamas, rabbits and many others on site. There are also two indoor and two outdoor playgrounds if you get fed up of the animals. There are five free family passes (normally €35) available to the first people to email info@turoepetfarm.com.
Bringfido.comhas an accommodation section where you can find dog-friendly hotels and other places to stay worldwide. Download the Dog Trainer Pro app (free) on your smartphone. There are lots of great tips on teaching your dog how to sit, stay, lie down and how to control barking. Topdog.ieis a useful website with lots of free articles on dog health, nutrition and training. There is also a lost and found section.
Last but not least . . .
The National Sea Life Centre (Strand Rd, Bray, Co Wicklow, tel: 01-286 6939) houses everything from a Giant Pacific octopus to stingrays. There are eight free family passes (worth €38) available to the first people to email slcbray@merlinentertainments.biz, with the answer to the following question: The National Sea Life Centre is home to 11 species of shark, but what is the largest species of shark that can be seen in Irish waters?
