Hi, I’m Nick Simcock, an English Language coach. I help Italians to unlock their English. A transcript of this podcast can be found in the description.

For dog lovers

Are you a dog owner, do you have a four legged friend? When I was a kid we had a miniature smooth-haired dachshund called Sam. I remember coming home from school knowing that our new family member was going to be waiting for us. I remember my Mum telling me that it was a ‘big responsibility having a dog, like having a baby that never grows up’, but it was lots of fun too.

The joy of having a cute puppy, for me and my sister especially, was immense and exciting. New routines and responsibilities, those first difficult nights when he was crying, the initial excitement of taking him for a walk - ‘walkies!’, and house training to stop the puddles and smelly piles on the carpet.

For a small dog Sam was big on personality and very head strong, and unfortunately was never taken to obedience classes. So while he was adorable, he also stole food, wanted to attack any other dogs (even though he was only 20cm high), would escape from the house and run away, and couldn’t be let off the lead. Today the internet and TV are full of dog trainers with top tips to keep your pooch in line, but dog training just wasn’t very common back then. The dog is a pack animal and as such is happy when he has a top dog to obey. My Mum was the only one who had some control over Sam, just because she was the food provider. The famous phrase is ‘don’t bite the hand that feeds you’. In the 1980’s an Irish dog trainer called Barbara Woodhouse became very famous with her TV programme ‘The Woodhouse Way’. She firmly believed ‘there are no bad dogs, just bad owners’. The best thing about the show was watching her discipline the owners with her high pitched strict school teacher voice, you could almost see the dogs laughing and thinking, ‘I told you it was you!’

Now, many years later, my family and I have our own dog and although I’m not a severe school teacher type, I like to think I make a pretty good alpha male. If you follow me on Instagram or Youtube then you’ve probably already seen Gypsy, our salt and pepper miniature schnauzer. With the help of some treats I have put in some time to teach her some simple commands. One essential command is a raised hand and a call so she comes back to me when she’s off the lead. This usually works unless she’s taken by the scent of a deer or another dog, in which case I admit it’s not always effective.

Some people prefer cats to dogs and I don’t mind cats, but I am 100% a dog lover. I find cats are often aloof and unconcerned by your presence, but a dog will attentively love you till the end no matter what. All pets are a great source of love and companionship for many people, who would otherwise be lonely. They also keep us fit. I love my morning walk with Gypsy. She’s such great company and always ready to listen with zero judgement. She constantly reminds me to live in the moment.

If you have children, some space and time, then adding a dog to your family is a great decision. They teach such great lessons like, responsibility, caring and kindness, respect, patience and the power of unconditional love. And, due to their shorter lifespan, one of the biggest life lessons of all. One day when you finally have to say goodbye to your faithful friend you will likely realise that they loved you so much more than you ever did or ever could.

A full transcript of this podcast can be found in the description.You can find out more about me on my website - speakwithnick.it

Ciao for now!