Anxiety in Dogs Series - Article 2 - How I Came To Teach Canine Confidence

Anxiety in Dog Series - Article 2

HOW I CAME TO TEACH CANINE CONFIDENCE

In my blog 'Sometimes anxiety doesn't shout it whispers' I discussed how subtle canine anxiety can be. It's a subject that has left me pondering many times over the years, so I'd love to share my journey with you 'How I came to teach canine confidence'

From the time I was a little girl I could always be found hanging out with animals. They made sense to me - I understood them and they understood me. Growing up, I had both a cat and a dog and over the following years I've been fortunate enough to be 'owned' by a variety of animals from horses to a Coati Mundi!

Having spent my childhood surrounded by animals, it was only natural that I pursued a career working with them. At just 17, I joined a local veterinary practice as a trainee nurse, embarking on a 23-year career in which I had the privilege of working with some incredible people and animals.

I was always eager to be the best nurse and client educator I could be. Throughout my career, I encountered many anxious dogs, understandably so, and I wanted to better understand their struggles and speak their language. To further my knowledge, I qualified as an Advanced Pet Health Counsellor (PHC adv) a role similar to that of a human nurse specialist practitioner. I specialised further and became the first PHC to be awarded a PHC Diploma in Canine Cardiac Care. However, my proudest achievement was being named 'Practice Nurse of the Year' - a national award recognising outstanding contributions to client care.

Circumstances changed and after a fabulous and rewarding career in Veterinary Practice, I took a leap and transitioned into client education. I became a tutor of canine first aid and a canine coach.

In my coaching work, I have always aligned with force-free, reward-based training. However, every so often, I would meet a dog that challenged conventional methods. My canine educators were showing me that one size does not fit all when it comes to training and behaviour. I knew there was a piece of the puzzle missing and I needed to think more holistically.

I have always followed a holistic approach to our family's health, both two and four footed and having seen the truly remarkable things alternative medicine can do, I headed off to further my knowledge about all things botanical.

Plant medicine is remarkable, not only for treating physical issues but emotional issues too, this was it! I had found my missing piece. Instead of merely modifying or retraining behaviour, I needed to address the underlying emotional triggers.

Combining canine coaching and plant medicine has lead me to work with some really fearful and anxious dogs, some so terrified that even eating in front of their humans was a challenge and going outside to toilet took 3 months.

I have been working with dogs for over 40 years and I understand how challenging the world can be for them. Many owners begin to question whether they made the right decision in getting a dog. They feel trapped, unable to build a connection and unsure of where to turn. I understand.
Sometimes, all it takes is for both the dog and guardian to be heard, a plan to be put in place and the time and understanding necessary for the dog to build confidence and start engaging with the world.

Building confidence in dogs isn't always easy, but it is incredibly rewarding to witness an anxious dog take a step towards something new. To support guardians in navigating their dog's confidence journey I have also qualified as an Animal Centred Education (ACE) Associate Tutor. By combing canine coaching, the APA wellness system and the transformative power of plant medicine, together we can support your dog to be the very best version of themselves.

All my courses are delivered by zoom, so you don't even have to leave the comfort of your home.

To learn more about my programmes click here.

Let's chat about the best way to support your dog.
Email: caninesenses@btinternet.com