Heart Connection Dogs

24/03/2025

"How Long Will It Take?" 😩🤷‍♀️

As dog parents, it’s natural to want solutions when our dogs exhibit behaviours that feel challenge to us. We seek out solutions, hoping for a clear timeline—a roadmap to a get to our goal of having more joy and less stress with our dogs.

As dog trainers and behaviourists, one of the most common questions we hear is, "How long will this take - when will we see results?"😐😟

Underlying this question is a deeper desire: When will this problem be over? When will my dog and I find relief from this ongoing stress?😥

But behaviour, whether in dogs or in ourselves, isn’t something that can be neatly packaged into a timeline. It isn’t simply about training a dog to stop doing one thing and start doing another.

Behaviour is deeply complex and influenced by a multitude of factors—age, breed, genetics, maternal care, early socialization, past experiences, environment, diet, relationships with humans and other animals in the home, physical health, emotional well-being, and so much more.

A dog’s life is a continuous journey of growth and change. They move through puppyhood, adolescence, and adulthood, experiencing different developmental stages, fear periods, and hormonal shifts. They navigate the world much like we do—sometimes feeling confident, other times struggling with uncertainty. Change doesn’t happen overnight, nor does it happen in a straight line.

👉👀What If We Looked at It Differently?

Perhaps the best way to understand a dog’s behavioural challenges is to reflect on our own life path as humans. Think about the habits, emotional responses or beliefs you’ve wanted to change in yourself.
Maybe you struggle with self-doubt, emotional overwhelm, or over-reaction to events and people that trigger you. These patterns were shaped by years of experiences—your upbringing, societal pressures to conform, relationships, personal trials or health issues.

If you’ve ever worked through these challenges with therapy, coaching, or inner reflection, you know change doesn’t happen instantly. It requires patience, the right environment, self-compassion, and support from a team of professionals. Growth unfolds over time, revealing layers of understanding along the way.

💖Embracing the Journey Together

Now, imagine your dog’s journey in the same way. Their behaviours are not just things to be “fixed” but expressions of their inner world and how they experience the world. When we shift from a mindset of "when will this be over?" to "how can I support my dog through their lifelong journey?"—everything changes. Instead of frustration, we cultivate curiosity and compassion. Instead of impatience, we embrace understanding and acceptance.

Life with our dogs is a shared journey of unfolding, learning, and evolving. They mirror us in many ways. but also have their own paths to travel. They challenge us to grow, and invite us to become more present, to slow down and listen to each other. And in the process, we build a deep heart-connection through unconditional love, mutual trust, and a lifelong partnership.😊💗🐾

So rather than focusing on an endpoint or a specific outcome, what if we chose to walk this path with our dogs as fellow travellers, embracing the lessons, the setbacks, and the moments of breakthrough? Because, in the end, the journey itself is the greatest gift. 💝🐾

17/02/2025

What If You Looked Forward to Life Like This? 🐶✨

Every day, my dogs remind me of a simple but powerful truth—joy is in the anticipation. Watch as they eagerly forage for treats on the forest floor, completely immersed in the excitement of what’s to come. No stress, no overthinking—just pure, present-moment joy.

Imagine if we approached life the same way...

🌿 What if we woke up excited for the little things?
☕ That first sip of coffee…
💬 A heartfelt conversation with a friend…
🚶‍♀️ A peaceful walk in nature…

We have the power to shift from anticipatory stress to anticipatory joy. It’s all about where we place our focus. My dogs have mastered this art—maybe it’s time we learn from them.

💛 What’s something you’re looking forward to today? Let me know in the comments!

https://youtu.be/u1_wLI1g7ZY

✨ If this video resonated with you, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiration! ✨

What If You Looked Forward to Life Like This? 🐶✨Every day, my dogs remind me of a simple but powerful truth—joy is in the anticipation. Watch as they eagerl...

07/02/2025

I am sure you have heard about cultivating mindfulness practices and being present in the moment. But what does this actually mean, and why is this important when it comes to our dogs?😊👇

I am sure you have heard about cultivating mindfulness practices and being present in the moment. But what does this actually mean, and why is this important when it comes to our dogs? Being in the present moment, or the “here and now,” means that we are aware and mindful of what is happening in...

31/01/2025

🐾 How Stressed Are You (Really) When It Comes to Your Dog? 🐾

Living with a sensitive, anxious, or easily over-aroused dog can be emotionally exhausting. 😩💭

One moment, you’re managing okay. The next? A barking frenzy, a meltdown on a walk, or the weight of other people’s judgment knocks you off balance.

👉 But have you ever stopped to check in with yourself? How much stress are you carrying? How is it affecting your energy, your mindset, and your ability to support your dog?

✨ Take the ‘Calm & Connected’ Quiz! IT's FREE!!✨

💛 Discover your personal stress level
🌿 Gain insight into your triggers and emotions
💫 See what’s holding you back from feeling more confident
🔥 Find out if it’s time to shift the way you show up for yourself and your dog

Once you have your score, you’ll know exactly where you stand—and how much room there is to grow. And if you're ready to level up? My 4-week Calm Connection workshop is here to guide you every step of the way. 💫🐶

🎯 Drop “QUIZ” in the comments, and I’ll send it to you! Let’s get started. ⬇️

24/01/2025

LET'S DO THIS THING!👏😄💖

I've decided to run the Calm Connection Workshop LIVE, for the very LAST AND FINAL time! 🎉

Will you join us in the circle, as we gather to focus our energy on ourselves and our dogs for the month of February with the intention of stepping out of the stress cycle and gaining inner peace & confidence to navigate life with more ease and flow?! ❤️🐾✨

And, as a special 'Valentine's Gift' to you and your dogs, I am offering this at a 💥TOTALLY AFFORDABLE price (€5 - €30) You get to choose what you can afford! 💥👏🥰

Watch the video to learn more about the workshop and why I'm so passionate about helping ourselves and our dogs to create more calm and connection! 🥰🐶

Link to book your spot in the comments.👇👇

💝Tag your friends, family and clients in the comments of this post and lets make this an opportunity to create more calm within ourselves so that we can spread ripples to those around us. ✨

22/01/2025

Get Ready to Level Up on Your ‘Zen’☯️
✨Start your journey toward a calmer, more joyful life with your dog.

👇👇Book your spot today and discover the power of connection, compassion, and a grounded approach to life together.

💜We're starting on Monday, February the 3rd!

Will you and your dog join us? ✨😃🐶

https://sue-mimm.kit.com/calm_connection_workshop

03/12/2024

Gentle Reminder. 💖

02/12/2024

Don’t Miss Out! 30% Off All Canine Courses Ends TODAY! 🐾

Just a quick reminder in case you missed it—our friends at Canine Principles are offering 30% off all courses for Black Friday, and time is running out!

This offer is only available until December 2, 2024.

Whether you’re new to dog training or a seasoned pro looking to upskill, Canine Principles has something for everyone.

From foundational courses to advanced topics, every course is written by qualified experts and focuses on ethical, science-backed methods to create positive experiences for dogs and their humans.

Remember, with 30% off, there’s no better time to invest in your passion for all things canine.

Click here to explore the full range of courses and make the most of this offer before it’s gone: https://www.canineprinciples.com/link/d2WIr4 USE COUPON CODE: BF24

Don’t wait—this opportunity won’t be around for long!

22/11/2024

Thank you to all the amazing people who never gave up on their difficult dogs! You are making a greater impact on the world than you realise! ✨😊💫🐾❤️

01/10/2024

**My Journey to Rediscovering Myself in Midlife**

It all started in some 12 years ago when we made the life-altering decision to move from the picturesque KwaZulu-Natal North Coast in South Africa to the UK. On paper, my life looked perfect – we lived in a beautiful oceanfront home, surrounded by nature’s peace and luxury. But inside, I was restless, unsettled, and yearning for something more. We had a life that many dream of, but I found myself feeling trapped in a cycle of keeping up with appearances, always striving for more, and still feeling empty. The constant pressure to maintain our lifestyle was suffocating. My marriage was strained, my soul felt disconnected, and I had this persistent, nagging urge to be more, do more, and live a life with deeper purpose.

So, when the opportunity came to move to the UK, we jumped. I thought maybe a change of scenery would fix things. But life doesn’t work that way, does it? After two years, my husband was commuting between the UK and Austria for work, my two boys were navigating adolescence and trying to do their best to fit into a new school system. After just 2.5 years, our family was once again uprooted. We packed up and moved to Austria, hoping it would somehow bring peace to our unsettled lives.

While we were in the UK, we welcomed two new members into our family—Charlie, a rescue dog, and Leila, a sweet Labrador puppy.

These two came with us to Austria, and while Leila became my forever present shadow and grounding force, Charlie pushed me and challenged me in every way possible - physically, emotionally and mentally. He had a history of trauma and a dysregulated nervous system that made every day unpredictable.

Walking him was chaos. He pulled me, dragged me, and embarrassed me in front of strangers. I was overwhelmed by his behaviour, lost in a sea of frustration and helplessness.

It wasn’t just about Charlie. It was about me. He was reflecting back at me all the emotional turmoil I was carrying. The anxiety, the lack of control, the anger simmering under the surface—it was like looking in a mirror.

I realized Charlie wasn’t just a dog with issues; he was a catalyst, pushing me to confront my own struggles.
My search for answers led me down a path of learning and studying - dog behaviour, neuropsychology, trauma healing, holistic practices, mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and so much more. But what I was really doing was healing myself alongside him.

I discovered that peace doesn’t come from controlling everything around us; it comes from within.

And through that journey, I began to see how our dogs, just like our life experiences, are here to teach us, to guide us back to ourselves.

That realization transformed my life and inspired me to start my own business, **Heart Connection Dogs**, where I helped many dog guardians struggling with their own sensitive, reactive dogs.

What I was really doing, though, was supporting mostly women like me - women who felt lost, disconnected, stressed out by life, lacking self confidence and unsure of how to move forward.

I taught them how to find peace, not by trying to “fix” their dogs, but by deepening the connection they shared, building trust and understanding on both ends of the leash.

And yet, even as I guided others, I knew my journey was far from over.

Everything shifted again when I found Creatrix®. This life-changing methodology allowed me to break free from the emotional blocks and my own intergenerational trauma that had been holding me back for so long. It opened my eyes to the power of healing, not just for myself but for generations before me. Through this work, I found my self-worth again. I stepped into my sovereignty, finally feeling like I could embrace who I was meant to be.

Looking back now, I realize that so much of what I went through was a reflection of the common struggles we women face in midlife. The emotional turmoil, the questions about who we are and what we want, the transitions in our bodies, our roles, our identities - it’s all part of the midlife awakening. Menopause, relationships, careers, motherhood, and even our spiritual journeys - they all converge in this perfect storm, asking us to take a hard look at who we really are beneath the surface.

I am almost 56 years old, post-menopausal, and finally at peace with who I am. But it wasn’t always this way. I spent years in the wilderness of emotional upheaval, self-doubt, and sleepless nights wondering if I would ever feel like myself again. I was stuck, trying to hold on to old roles and beliefs that no longer served me, until I was finally able to release them and step into my authenticity.

Now, as a **Creatrix® Transformologist®**, my passion is to help other women—women just like you—who are on their own journey of self-discovery.

Women who may not realize that the anxiety, the restlessness, the sense of something missing, is actually an invitation. An invitation to rediscover who you are, to let go of the past, and to step fully into the woman you are meant to be.

Life doesn’t stop when we reach midlife; in fact, it’s just beginning. I feel like the stage has been set for me to really shine, and discover new layers of potential that I didn't even know I had.

This is the time for us to reclaim our power, rewrite our stories, and finally put ourselves first. You are not alone on this journey, and you are more than capable of transforming your life into something extraordinary.

I want to deeply thank each and every one of you here for being in my life. It has been an honour and a joy to support you and your dogs, and I hope that you will continue your journey of discovery and healing together.

Heart Connection Dogs is now a chapter I am closing to make room for my next chapter in supporting women as a Creatrix® Transformologist®. And, perhaps you will continue on this journey with me. But if you feel its time for a new direction, then I encourage you to follow your heart. Listen to your inner guidance -it's never wrong. 🥰

Blessings to you and your dogs.✨🙏🐶 ❤️

If you would like to stay in touch, please consider joining my 'Wisdom Blossoms' Newsletter using the link below.
https://sue-mimm.ck.page/wisdomblossoms

20/09/2024

Aaah, the zig-zagging paths - it used to drive me mad. But now I totally get it, and have got some good practice under my belt at navigating a path with two dogs on and off leash. 😅
It brings me great joy to see them get the satisfaction of a sniffy walk.

Thanks Lizzy and the Good Dog People for this post and reminder. 😊

Have you noticed that your dog zigs and zags on walks? Your dog isn’t trying to drive you crazy. They’re following their incredibly powerful sense of smell, which is how dogs experience the world!

Humans have 6 million olfactory receptors, compared to dogs, who have up to 300 million!

Those zigzags (and let me tell you, Finch is the zig-zaggiest) are your dog following scent trails, catching up on neighborhood gossip, and gathering information. (If only they could share what they learn with us!)

If you start to feel frustrated on walks, remember that sniffing is essential to your dog’s happiness, enrichment, and well-being! ❤️

Alt text: A small gray dog on a blue background with a speech bubble that reads, “Walking in a straight line is more of a human thing.”

18/09/2024

A beautiful post by my friend and colleague Cécile Ruelle. 💖

It's a phase in our lives together with our dogs we would rather not visit, because of the pain and uncertainty it brings. But it is one we must all travel, and it's important to put our fear aside and embrace end of life with open arms, for it has many precious moments and important lessons for us too.

Accompagner nos chiens jusqu'au bout de leur chemin, c'est un processus souvent douloureux et difficile. C'est aussi honorer le lien que nous avons partagé. Parfois, nous avons besoin d'aide pour pouvoir aider nos partenaires canins...

17/09/2024

Stop with the imposter syndrome - it's crippling you! 🫣😫😖

Come and join me for a free discussion on this topic tomorrow, where we get down to the nitty gritty of it all!

If you know it's time to put on your big-girl pants and get out of your own way, then come along to this 1 hour live (not recorded, so you do need to attend live) WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 18th at 7PM CET, and come away feeling deeply INSPIRED and aligned with your passion and purpose, ready to take the next steps! 👏😊💖

Register using the link below.👇

Imposter syndrome is stealing your spirit! It's time to start expressing your unique magic with confidence and ease.

17/09/2024

Before You Spend Another Cent on Dog Training, Watch This!😲

Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to support your sensitive, reactive, or easily triggered dog? Before you invest more in training sessions, courses, or seminars, I invite you to pause and reflect.

This video is an honest, heartfelt reminder that the best investment you can make is in yourself. It’s not about blaming yourself or feeling like you're at fault, but recognizing that your dog’s challenges are often a mirror, offering you an opportunity for personal growth, healing, and deeper self-awareness.

When we do the inner work—building self-confidence, acceptance, and inner peace—we can show up for our dogs in a way that brings more calm, ease, and love into our lives. Together, you and your dog can find balance, understanding, and connection.

Take a moment to consider: could your time, energy, and resources be better spent on your own self-growth? When you grow, your dog grows with you.

Thank you for watching. ❤️ Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on living harmoniously with your sensitive dog. 🌿

Get in touch:
Website: https://www.heartconnectiondogs.com/

FREE 21 Day Rise and Shine Challenge:
Shift your mindset, focus on self awareness and embrace your inner glow in just 21 days. Join our free challenge today and step into a more joyful, empowered you!
https://sue-mimm.ck.page/21dayriseandshine

https://youtu.be/H6aEuxs8it8

Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to support your sensitive, reactive, or easily triggered dog? Before you invest more in training sessions, courses, or sem...

16/09/2024

Ladies, this one is for you!!
If you are tired of struggling with money, worrying about the future or simply have an unhealthy relationship with money, then I invite you to take a look at this and see if it resonates.

No, it's not a get-rich-quick scheme or a MMM thingy! 😅

It's an event (and resource vault) that will leave you with clarity, knowledge, abundance and empowerment - ready to take back your financial freedom!

I bought a ticket to this event myself and I've already checked out what's in the vault....there is GOLD in there and it needs to be shared!

Money is energy, and energy needs to move!

Check it out - LINK IN COMMENTS. The vault is only open for another 3 days, so don't miss out! 👇👇