Embedded Files
One to one sessions, tailored to your needs!
My love for dogs has been there since childhood. Once that love has been established, it never leaves us. Having had the joy of both puppies and re-homing abused dogs, my love for the canine species grows ever stronger.
My love for dogs has been there since childhood. Once that love has been established, it never leaves us. Having had the joy of both puppies and re-homing abused dogs, my love for the canine species grows ever stronger.
In 2020, my husband and I were looking for a new canine family member. Initially, I wanted a puppy. But the more I looked, the more I noticed just how many advertisements there were for older dogs needing to be re-homed. I looked at my husband and said, "I just want them all!" As you can imagine, with all the love in the world, he quite rightly pointed out that this would be impossible. I read out to him some of the advertisements. So many were claiming they either had too little time, or could not handle the behavior of their dog anymore. So this got me to thinking, "if I can't adopt them all, what CAN I do?" I can use my knowledge, energy and experience to help owners who have reached that point. More than that, I can help them BEFORE they reach the point of thinking they should re-home their beloved dog.
In 2020, my husband and I were looking for a new canine family member. Initially, I wanted a puppy. But the more I looked, the more I noticed just how many advertisements there were for older dogs needing to be re-homed. I looked at my husband and said, "I just want them all!" As you can imagine, with all the love in the world, he quite rightly pointed out that this would be impossible. I read out to him some of the advertisements. So many were claiming they either had too little time, or could not handle the behavior of their dog anymore. So this got me to thinking, "if I can't adopt them all, what CAN I do?" I can use my knowledge, energy and experience to help owners who have reached that point. More than that, I can help them BEFORE they reach the point of thinking they should re-home their beloved dog.
So here we are. After much research, practice and success, I want to share my experience with you! Together, we can help each of our beautiful canine friends to find and stay in their family. Dogs are loyal, pack animals that offer their trust in return for our own. Let's give them what they deserve!
So here we are. After much research, practice and success, I want to share my experience with you! Together, we can help each of our beautiful canine friends to find and stay in their family. Dogs are loyal, pack animals that offer their trust in return for our own. Let's give them what they deserve!
Since 2020, we have had quite a journey, from fostering a reactive Husky, a stressed out Dachshund and a high ranking Lhasa Apso to raising our own Labrador puppy. The Husky was an experience I will never forget. He was notoriously reactive to men and very reactive to other dogs. Abused as a puppy and already rehomed once, we weren't sure how he would respond to us. My husband, however had a surprising effect on Nikka. Rather than causing fear or presenting a challenge, he seemed to calm Nikka's anxiety. This promising start gave us the confidence to continue. Nikka stayed with us for six months. During this time, we used every technique we knew to help him. In time, he learned to trust us. Instead of going crazy, barking and lunging at other dogs, he would stay calm and look to us. We were able to walk by other men without him growling, lunging or cowering. But something was missing. Despite all our best efforts, he appeared depressed. Eventually, with some extra help from my dog training mentor, we found the problem. Now that he had nothing to worry about or stress about, he had time to pine for something more. He desperately needed the company of other dogs. Instead of wanting to lung and attack, he wanted company. This is where our ability to help ended. Our living situation didn't allow for a second dog. So it was time to find him his final place in the world. We were thrilled to find him the perfect home. The moment he was introduced to his new pack moved me to tears. The ease and confidence with which he interacted withhis new pack members was simply beautiful. He looked back to me once. That glance said one thing, "I'm home".
Since 2020, we have had quite a journey, from fostering a reactive Husky, a stressed out Dachshund and a high ranking Lhasa Apso to raising our own Labrador puppy. The Husky was an experience I will never forget. He was notoriously reactive to men and very reactive to other dogs. Abused as a puppy and already rehomed once, we weren't sure how he would respond to us. My husband, however had a surprising effect on Nikka. Rather than causing fear or presenting a challenge, he seemed to calm Nikka's anxiety. This promising start gave us the confidence to continue. Nikka stayed with us for six months. During this time, we used every technique we knew to help him. In time, he learned to trust us. Instead of going crazy, barking and lunging at other dogs, he would stay calm and look to us. We were able to walk by other men without him growling, lunging or cowering. But something was missing. Despite all our best efforts, he appeared depressed. Eventually, with some extra help from my dog training mentor, we found the problem. Now that he had nothing to worry about or stress about, he had time to pine for something more. He desperately needed the company of other dogs. Instead of wanting to lung and attack, he wanted company. This is where our ability to help ended. Our living situation didn't allow for a second dog. So it was time to find him his final place in the world. We were thrilled to find him the perfect home. The moment he was introduced to his new pack moved me to tears. The ease and confidence with which he interacted withhis new pack members was simply beautiful. He looked back to me once. That glance said one thing, "I'm home".
The Lhasa Apso we fostered was magnificent. She was a born leader. Although she accepted our authority as her pack leaders, if another dog entered the equation, there was no competition. She was 10 years old when she came to us. Experienced, confident and by no means done with life. On several occasions she joined me at work. Just watching her with other dogs was not only fascinating, but educational and an all out privilege. Dogs five times her size could be running at her and she would simply stick her nose in the air and walk away. The dogs would almost screech to a halt and immedietly back away, respecting her space and authority. On group walks, there would be a mass of fur scuffling, jumping, sniffing, running in circles and playing. Where was our little Lhasa? At least 20 paces from the crowd. She was calm and confident of her rank. She had absolutely nothing to prove.
The Lhasa Apso we fostered was magnificent. She was a born leader. Although she accepted our authority as her pack leaders, if another dog entered the equation, there was no competition. She was 10 years old when she came to us. Experienced, confident and by no means done with life. On several occasions she joined me at work. Just watching her with other dogs was not only fascinating, but educational and an all out privilege. Dogs five times her size could be running at her and she would simply stick her nose in the air and walk away. The dogs would almost screech to a halt and immedietly back away, respecting her space and authority. On group walks, there would be a mass of fur scuffling, jumping, sniffing, running in circles and playing. Where was our little Lhasa? At least 20 paces from the crowd. She was calm and confident of her rank. She had absolutely nothing to prove.
After about a year with our Lhasa, I was finally able to fulfill my dream of adopting a puppy. Ebony was 12 weeks old and the last of her litter. A beautiful black labrador, full pedigree and KC registered. I was so excited. She was even more special to me for a very particular reason. My husband and I had just given up on our 6 year struggle to have a baby. I had finally let go and mentally prepared myself to move on. At this point, I had been working as a dog trainer for nearly 2 years and business was going well. Ebony was going to be my business partner, helping with group walks and certain cases. She and our Lhasa got along perfectly. I was so excited. The first 2 months were wonderful. It was hard work having a pup around, but I loved her so much, it was worth it. But suddenly I started to feel off. I was dizzy all the time, emotional and having really bad stomach cramps. I felt disconnected, especially from Ebony. She noticed. Instead of backing away, she watched me - all the time. Every time I felt dizzy she would run back and forth from the bed as if to tell me to lie down. A week later, I had a dizzy spell and fell from a ladder (thankfully no injuries). That night, all was revealed. A clear, positive pregnancy test explained it all. In just a few months, two of my biggest dreams came true... a puppy and a baby!
After about a year with our Lhasa, I was finally able to fulfill my dream of adopting a puppy. Ebony was 12 weeks old and the last of her litter. A beautiful black labrador, full pedigree and KC registered. I was so excited. She was even more special to me for a very particular reason. My husband and I had just given up on our 6 year struggle to have a baby. I had finally let go and mentally prepared myself to move on. At this point, I had been working as a dog trainer for nearly 2 years and business was going well. Ebony was going to be my business partner, helping with group walks and certain cases. She and our Lhasa got along perfectly. I was so excited. The first 2 months were wonderful. It was hard work having a pup around, but I loved her so much, it was worth it. But suddenly I started to feel off. I was dizzy all the time, emotional and having really bad stomach cramps. I felt disconnected, especially from Ebony. She noticed. Instead of backing away, she watched me - all the time. Every time I felt dizzy she would run back and forth from the bed as if to tell me to lie down. A week later, I had a dizzy spell and fell from a ladder (thankfully no injuries). That night, all was revealed. A clear, positive pregnancy test explained it all. In just a few months, two of my biggest dreams came true... a puppy and a baby!
Ebony was amazing throughout the pregnancy. I had many dizzy spells and faced other health issues. She quickly learned to detect an episode shortly before it started. She would nudge me, push me and even bark if I didn't listen. Then she would lead me to bed. To my absolute amazement, this didn't even need to be at home. A night out at a hotel and she still behaved the same. She even knew exactly which room to lead me back to. There was no doubt in my mind that this girl was special.
Ebony was amazing throughout the pregnancy. I had many dizzy spells and faced other health issues. She quickly learned to detect an episode shortly before it started. She would nudge me, push me and even bark if I didn't listen. Then she would lead me to bed. To my absolute amazement, this didn't even need to be at home. A night out at a hotel and she still behaved the same. She even knew exactly which room to lead me back to. There was no doubt in my mind that this girl was special.
After our son was born, the first six months went well juggling a baby and two dogs. But then our son started spending more time on the floor. Ebony simply watched him and occasionally attempted to sniff his face. Our Lhasa on the other hand started to change. My heart started to break as I witnessed her lunging forward and snapping at our son. Unprovoked, she did this several times. After discussing the behaviour and assessing the situation with my dog training mentor, we concluded that she simply was not safe around a small child. My perfect, adorable Lhasa had to return to her original home (she came from and returned to a loving home; her time with us was due to the family's personal circumstances).
After our son was born, the first six months went well juggling a baby and two dogs. But then our son started spending more time on the floor. Ebony simply watched him and occasionally attempted to sniff his face. Our Lhasa on the other hand started to change. My heart started to break as I witnessed her lunging forward and snapping at our son. Unprovoked, she did this several times. After discussing the behaviour and assessing the situation with my dog training mentor, we concluded that she simply was not safe around a small child. My perfect, adorable Lhasa had to return to her original home (she came from and returned to a loving home; her time with us was due to the family's personal circumstances).
Having had to take an extended break from my work as a dog trainer due to the birth of our son and ongoing health issues, I have been nervous at the thought of returning. But my son will be in nursery soon and my dear Ebony is nearly 4 and as beautiful as ever. So here I go, eager and refreshed, more experienced and ever ready to help...
Having had to take an extended break from my work as a dog trainer due to the birth of our son and ongoing health issues, I have been nervous at the thought of returning. But my son will be in nursery soon and my dear Ebony is nearly 4 and as beautiful as ever. So here I go, eager and refreshed, more experienced and ever ready to help...
Do you have any stories about the amazing instincts, intuitiveness or intelligence displayed by your dog?
Do you have any stories about the amazing instincts, intuitiveness or intelligence displayed by your dog?
*Some stories may be published on the website. This would only be done with the explicit written/signed consent of the writer. Stories must be first hand experiences. No personal data would be published. Names would be first names only, or anonymous if requested.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse