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Unhurried International

Life at the animal's pace
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Mia is a Trust Technique Practitioner for all animals, a Holistic Dog Coach, an Animal Hospice Care Educator & Mentor as well as an author.

26/08/2024

When teaching in person isn't possible because of geographic distance, I can work with you and your animal via Zoom. 👍

Here are 2 moments from my session with Rocky and his human today. 🐎

23/08/2024

Marvel and I went on a beach adventure with Claude the Poodle yesterday. 🐕 🐩 Claude is 1 year old and his humans have done an exceptional job socialising him with the world. He has learned how to successfully be part of it and live with joy, able to be included in fun activities. 💛

Earlier in the week I had a consultation with someone to help determine what type of dog would be the best fit for their life. What a smart investment, laying a solid foundation for welcoming a canine into your life. Researching breed characteristics is only the very tippy top of the iceberg! ⛰There is so much more to consider. 🌎

Get in touch if you'd like to start off on the right foot bringing a new dog into your life! 🐶

17/08/2024

For Cedar's session today we went to Wilson Botanic Park - a very busy place on a lovely Saturday afternoon. 🐾 Despite the many distractions he stayed focused on searching for the scent stick I hid for him in different spots. Well done! 👏🏅It's awe inspiring to watch him use his nose. 🙏

16/08/2024

Working on my book. 🖊 Listening to interviews I've done that haven't found their way into the manuscript yet. So many treasures I find. ✨ Sharing some of them here with you. Following are some thoughts from Helen on her cat Alfie's dying process.

"After speaking with you, Mia, there was a big level of trust in the unfolding. It really is an unfolding. I would tune into Alfie … he was eating, he was toileting well, he was still going outside. It felt like I needed to give him space to come to terms with what he was coming to terms with. He innately knows what he needs to do. So, if he wants to squirrel under my bed, literally underneath my bed head where I sleep, that’s ok. He was nesting there for quite a while. Sometimes it would be a couple of days he spent there. I would bring him morsels of food and water just by the side of the bed and he would crawl there, have a little bit to eat and drink, and crawl back again. That gave me comfort to know he knows what he’s doing. His body knows what it is doing in the innate cycle of life. He’s tapped into the innate cycle of life and I wasn’t about to interrupt from my human experience. I really got to see the animal world and cycle of life. I watched, respected, but also gave what I needed to do to help with life. I kept checking in with him and saying, “You are amazing. You are teaching me so much.” It was like I became the student. The essence of the energy of it all was that: I am the student. I am watching. I am learning. And I am in awe of what he is doing for himself.

I realised that he was not in pain, or not in excruciating pain, like intolerable pain. He was just pulling away. And I know this feeling of pulling away your life force. Knowing that your life force is retracting from the greater mycelium of life. Retracting more inward to serve the organs, the body. Realising this and noticing that he was at peace, I was at peace.

After a while he shook himself off from being under the bed for days on end. He started to participate more in life again." 🐱

As humans, we often don't seem to do well with a l l o w i n g. If something is unclear and doesn't look good, we can fall into a frenzy of activity. We have this overwhelming need to fix something ... although it's unclear if it needs fixing or even if it can be fixed. And when it comes to the end of life of our pets, the next step then often is to "jump the gun" and end that life because it looks like all ways of fixing have been exhausted.

If we face the discomfort of not knowing, we are able to reconnect with the mystery, the cycle, of life. We can surrender the need to fix. There is nothing to fix! That surrender can bring deep comfort and inspire awe ... we can see how it's all perfectly unfolding.

This is not romanticising dying. This is not to say that parts of it can not feel confronting. This is not to say that there is no heartbreak. Letting go of drama around dying can change the experience of loss for the better ... not necessarily easier ... but more peaceful. 🙏

15/08/2024

It's a beautiful journey to befriend someone. ❤ Thoroughbred Doyly's human hasn't been able to look after him for a while, so someone else stepped in as care giver. The new person, however, hasn't been involved much with horses so far and has been feeling a bit daunted. She is organizing all the everyday well-being necessities but wanted to be more part of Doyly's life. In the horseworld there are many people with many opinions and that can be confusing and disheartening. When she came across the Trust Technique she felt a deep resonance ... and here we are!

It was our 2nd session this week. She discovered that Doyle loooves to be brushed, being groomed relaxes him deeply. So does the Trust Technique. When we feel relaxed and at peace, everything slows down, humans and animals alike can breathe more deeply. Anxieties dissipate, creating openness from which curiosity and connection naturally emerge. 🐴

04/08/2024

I fostered Hunter 5 years ago and still get regular updates from his pawsome life with his family. 🤗 They relocated to Germany with him a few years back. He now gets to travel to beautiful places in Europe for every holiday. What a lucky puppa!!! Considering that it was on the cards for him to be euthanised 5 years ago I am so glad I could be part of helping him live his best life ever. 🐾 This is the latest message and photos I received.

"Hi Mia, Hunter says hi from your home country - Austria! After Italy, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, he showed how brave he was on a hiking trip along narrow trails, across wobbly bridges and past free-roaming cows."

30/07/2024

We had to reschedule 4 times because of the weather but yesterday Doyly and his human finally had their first session with me. 🐎😊

In the pic you see him asleep as a result of a letting go process, and experiencing a profound sense of peace. 🐴

22/07/2024

Happy Heidi, happy family! 🐶

I love receiving updates from my clients. Here is one I found in my inbox this morning,

"Hi Mia,

We realised it’s been just on a year since you worked with us and Heidi and I thought I’d send a little update.

We’re now seeing a dog who expresses joy in her life. The attached video is a snippet of where she’s at.

Inside - we closed off her dog door and haven’t reopened it. There’s been no need and she’s started to let us know when she wants to go outside to p*e. We can sit with her when she’s on her bed, I brush her (semi) regularly (she doesn’t love it but puts up with it.).

We walk her on and off lead, her recall is pretty good. She loves a run across the oval and occasionally with another dog. We often take her in the car and I’ve taken her camping a couple of times with half a dozen other dogs there.

She seeks us out for a pat, occasionally rolls over for a belly rub, loves an ear scratch. She's still anxious at times, ever watchful, but every time a friend visits they remark on how far Heidi has come (after the initial barking, then sneaking up to sniff their bottom).

We can’t thank you enough as the catalyst to getting Heidi to where she is.

If you’re ever in the area you’re very welcome to visit. One of us is usually around.

Thank you, Mia!"

Just to help you fully appreciate Heidi's progress. When I first met her and her family, she had been with them for a year but nobody could touch her or even put on a lead. Therefore also no walks. Vet visits could only happen when she was sedated at home and once in the parking lot of the vet clinic, the vet would anaesthetize her in the boot of the car and once unconscious, she was carried inside. You get the picture.

Hooray for Heidi! 🥰🫶🪷✨

16/07/2024

Just in case you haven't found a reason yet to smile today. ❤ Henry is showing you how. Let's see your teefies! 😁

15/07/2024

Is there anything more satisfying than seeing a loved one deeply contented? Scent / nose work is one activity through which to experience that with your animal.

The first pic shows Cedar "at source" - he has found the hidden scent box in the tree fork. 🎉 The second pic is him resting, deeply satisfied from this mental workout.

Did you know that horses love scent work too?

09/07/2024

In resonance with the season, we have been in a bit of a hibernation mode on social media. 😴 Coming up for a little check-in ... How are you and your animals?

Please, get in touch if you could use my guidance and support. ❤

01/07/2024

Memories Monday. ❤ My original crew 7 years ago. ✨ Enzo, Harry, Lenny & Louie.

27/06/2024

Meet Nyad - 8-week old Olde English Bulldog. 🤗😍 I am her self-appointed fairy godmother. 🦋😊🙃 She is fostered by a wonderful friend of mine. At the moment she is considered to be in compassionate care because not only is she a so-called swimmer puppy but her spine is "unique" … so as not to call it a mess or deformed. In case you don’t know, swimmer puppy syndrome is an uncommon deformity that’s mostly seen in newborn puppies. This condition prevents affected puppies from standing due to their back legs having weak muscles.

Nyad is the result of someone breeding dogs for the first time with zero knowledge. Neighbours recognised that there was something wrong with this puppy and offered to have it vet checked and care for her, helping her to learn how to walk. Now she has found herself with a rescue and is being fostered by my friend. Some great modalities - physio, acupuncture and swimming - are already lined up for her to support her living her best life. She also has her personal PT, my friend’s 7-year old Frenchie who has easily and proudly stepped into his big brother role. 🐾😀💪🐶

When I spoke with my friend last week and she told me about the imminent arrival of this little munchkin it was clear that such a unique and special bubba needed an equally unique and special name. I first jokingly suggested Ducky … you know, because she’s a swimmer puppy. 😝 But then it struck me: ✨Nyad✨ would be the perfect name for her. Named after the awe-inspiring marathon swimmer Diana Nyad.

Don’t know her? I’ll leave a link in a comment below to her TedX talk. At the age of 64 she free swam (without being in a shark cage) from Cuba to Florida non-stop in 53 hours. She first attempted this when she was 28 years old. When she turned 60 she reconnected with this goal. Everyone called her crazy and told her to retire. It took 4 more attempts until she was able to reach her goal and make the impossible possible. The motto of that last endeavour was “Find a way!” As an aside, Nyad means water nymph in Greek. So, can you see how that’s just the perfect name for this little puppa. ✨💛✨

Nyad is full of life and attitude and in this photo is demonstrating her perfect front crawl. 😉

When you recover from her cuteness overload, please send good vibes only! No pity, no crying or sobbing emojis. Send her your love and acceptance and openness. However long or short her life may be, may it be pawsome to the fullest. 💗

25/06/2024

One more muzzle related post for now. 🙃

Three years ago I met Hugo, a 3-year old 80+ kg English Mastiff. The couple was expecting their first child. Hugo recently had started growling at visitors and lunged at one without making contact or injuring. Since then the pregnant woman was frightened out of her mind. Not for herself but for anyone coming to the house. Her husband felt some concern too but he also felt at ease with Hugo.

Before my arrival Hugo had been put into the backyard, separated from the house through a big glass sliding door. When I came in, he barked - like most dogs would - but I didn’t perceive any particular ill will towards me. Soon Hugo calmed and laid down on the deck outside. When the first part of our session was over, it was time for him to come inside. The husband went out to put a lead and muzzle on Hugo and brought him into the house. I was sitting on a chair opposite the couch where the couple sat, about 2 metres away.

Hugo was colossal! All muscles. But kind eyes. I really got a teddy bear rather than beast vibe. I asked the wife how she was feeling. She said, nervous but ok. Hugo wanted to come over to me to have a sniff but his lead was kept short so he couldn’t reach me for the time being. He sat down and with one swift swipe of his paw removed the muzzle from his face. The husband laughed, the wife was absolutely terrified. I could feel her panic and fear and for a fraction of a moment my nervous system wanted to react and feel frightened too. For a split second I think I did. It was a dangerous situation. Not so much because this was an ‘aggressive dog’ but because of the two people’s disconnection to what was happening. I was not sure the husband would be prepared to hold back Hugo should he react to the wife’s fear.

I looked at Hugo who was still sitting and I saw he was sensing the woman’s fear too and assessing what, if anything, to do next. So, I kept sitting too and got present which creates a sense of peace.

When I noticed that my fear was gone, I asked the wife how she was feeling … and the words and tears that gushed out started to dissolve her extreme dread. In response, Hugo lied down and put his head on the floor.

There was this big hunk of a dog, in the meantime lying on his side, very relaxed and dozing. Yet the wife had sweaty palms at the thought of me holding his lead to demonstrate the Trust Technique. The husband handed me Hugo's lead. Hugo gave me a good sniff and then laid down by my feet. This helped the anxious human in the room relax a bit more.

It was a life-changing 90 minutes for this family who now had greater awareness of just how much animals and humans share feelings and that it’s the feelings, the inner state, that brings about behaviour. They also had improved strategies for when visitors come over (including taking the time to understand how to put on the muzzle securely) as well as how to support Hugo (and themselves) with the Trust Technique.

And I got to live to tell the tale. Phew! 🙂🙃

This photo of Hugo does not do justice to his real size and build!

24/06/2024

Putting on a muzzle can be a bit of a puzzle. 🤔 Which way around does it go on? 🙃Buckles and clasps might be tricky to open and close. 💪 How tight should that strap between the eyes be? 🙄

Luckily, it doesn’t go on straight away. First, familiarise your dog with the sight and feel and smell of it. During that time frame, familiarise yourself (and your hands!) with its hardware. 👍

Just with crate training, many people hesitate to take the step to fully use the equipment - closing the door of the crate or, in this case, putting on and buckling up the muzzle on the dog’s head. It’s clear by the dog’s behaviour that they are relaxed and even liking the experience so far, so why do people put on the breaks, drag their feet? 🤔

They are worried that their dog will overreact and have a bad experience. There might still be that feeling of being mean, taking away freedom, imposing something horrible. 😬😞

Shanti’s family had familiarised her with the muzzle for a few weeks. She was pleased every time it came out because it always came with delicious treats. She was happy to place her nose into the basket to get a yummy morsel. 🐶 She never hesitated, flinched or showed any other signs of distress. Well done! ✨

But then they stalled the process, filled with thoughts of worry and doubt, imagining the worst: that it could undermine their relationship and break Shanti's trust. These are powerful thoughts, creating powerful feelings. But that’s all they are: figments of imagination. Our minds can be so compelling! It’s like optical illusion street art. Have you ever seen these chalk designs on sidewalks that look like there is a deep canyon that you might fall into? 😱 That’s what our mind would have us believe.

During our last Zoom session I encouraged Shanti’s family to put the muzzle on her right there and then. We talked it through, put everything into place and then experienced such an anti-climax! 😀 Of course, it wasn’t a big deal for Shanti because her family had prepared her for this step by step. 💛 It was such a relief for her people though … the canyon wasn’t real after all!

Shanti has not been able to see a vet for a few years because of her growliness every time anyone needs to touch or handle her. The muzzle will add the needed element of safety now and the Trust Technique will support Shanti to feel more peaceful. 🐾

Every dog deserves access to welfare and well-being. Every person providing that deserves to be safe. A muzzle can make this possible. Use it!

21/06/2024

More muzzle musings.

Bella has always been a bit high strung. I met her for the first time about 2 years ago when she was 1 year old and started to come to my doggy daycare I ran then.

At home, Bella would bark almost all day, often seemingly at nothing. When her family took her for walks, she had recently started being reactive to people and dogs and birds. Bella was also over the top and unpredictable with visitors to the house. Learning the Trust Technique and introducing a crate to their home made a massive difference to these behaviours. The barking reduced to almost zero, her demeanour on their walks became more relaxed, and having guests over became very manageable, even enjoyable. 💛

One place where Bella still feels unsure and anxious is at the vet. Her family is always proactive about making sure everyone in the clinic is aware of Bella’s nervousness, they make sure the waiting area is empty when they come through.

During a recent visit, a vet nurse unexpectedly came into the examination room which took Bella by surprise and she nipped her. Luckily, it was a very minor injury. But her family was shaken.

I recommended getting a muzzle which they had already done. Bella is used to wearing a head halter when being walked. I knew accepting a muzzle on her face would be super easy for her because she is already familiar with the sensation of a piece of equipment on her face. That said, even without that it's not hard at all to get a dog used to wearing a muzzle.

Many people feel quite apprehensive about muzzle training their dog. There can be a sense of meanness and a worry that their dog will be perceived as dangerous. There might be fear that their dog will hate them and it will be as if their life is over.

Bella had no qualms with the muzzle whatsoever. Most dogs don’t, especially if you go about it at their pace and in a calm and fun way. 🐶

If your dog is nervous around people, please, let the professionals you work with know - vets, groomers, trainers. Some people are ashamed or in a bit of denial about how their dog feels towards strangers in general or about being handled by strangers in particular. If your dog wears a muzzle, even better, then we know!

It happens more often than you think that staff at vet clinics, groomers or dog trainers are being bitten because their owner neglected to mention their dog’s sensitivities even when asked. I remember a few years back when I was teaching level 1 at the dog obedience school I then worked. The group practised their sit-stay on lead and I was just walking around when suddenly my left arm was powerfully grabbed by a male Rottweiler and not released for what seemed an eternity but probably only was a few seconds. It was winter and I wore thick layers, thank goodness, or I would have had puncture wounds too. But the layers did nothing to lessen the crushing of my arm’s soft tissues. I was in such shock that I continued teaching for another few minutes until I got all woozy and realised what had happened and asked another instructor to take over. I couldn’t use my arm for a week. All the way down to my hand it was thickly swollen, all my knuckles disappeared and I couldn’t bend my fingers. It hurt A LOT. When the swelling started to go down, the bruising coloured my forearm in all kinds of interesting shades of green, yellow, black, blue and purple.

I am describing this incident in a bit of detail to raise awareness that a dog bite is not nothing and that professionals working with dogs are not immune to them and it certainly is not part of their job description. It is the decent thing to do to inform them if your dog can be iffy around people. Mention it so that they can be mindful and stay safe. Better yet, muzzle-train your dog so that everyone is relaxed which helps your dog to be calmer.

Once your dog is used to the muzzle, you are in a good place to start from helping your dog to decrease or overcome their reactiveness.

Here are some photos of Bella still fully enjoying her life even when sometimes wearing a muzzle. It’s not the end of the world! In fact, it’s the beginning of a bigger, safer world for your dog.

Feeling unsure if you and your dog could benefit from muzzle training? I can help. Please, get in touch. 👍

20/06/2024

Let’s talk about muzzles. Oh boy! The use of a muzzle with one’s dog can be even more of an emotional topic than using a crate. 😞😳😬Muzzles carry a stigma, people assume the dogs wearing a muzzle are aggressive or dangerous. And that’s just not your dog, is it?

Your dog is sweet and funny and loves you to bits … and maybe anxious and unsure in some situations which make her react in a normal dog way including putting her mouth and teeth on/into someone.

From someone who has experienced several over the years, let me tell you, a dog bite can be right up there with a horrible toothache in terms of pain levels. The crushing force is the worst, usually, bruising the tissues, causing huge swelling and incredible tenderness. It can also play on one’s mind, causing fear and jumpiness.

Although biting is normal dog behaviour in certain situations, it’s an absolute no-no in our society, and for good reason from the human’s point of view. A dog who has bitten someone severely enough loses their life, or, at least, gets declared a dangerous dog which comes with limiting stipulations of how that dog gets to continue their life.

Buying a properly-fitting muzzle and getting your dog used to it can be such a life changer. Why? Because instantly YOU are feeling safer, therefore more relaxed. You don’t have to keep your fingers and toes crossed anymore in certain situations. Your increase in confidence and calm positively impacts your dog. Together you can then work on improving and overcoming these gnarly situations. 👍

I first met Russell about 8 years ago when I worked as a dog trainer. He was a very anxious dog, in particular around one of his people. He would lunge and bark at anyone coming near. A few years later, when I had started my own business, our paths crossed again. Russell’s family had muzzle trained him which made their lives safer but also more ‘normal’. In these triggering circumstances, Russell got his muzzle on and could be part of everyday life as well as receive proper vet care.

His human was interested in learning the Trust Technique, especially because of Russell’s fear of storms, rain and thunder. When I went to their house, Russell naturally had on his muzzle. We did the session and Russell, who had been grumbling at me under his breath, relaxed more and more to the point where I felt safe to take his muzzle off. But not his human. The thought of it made her visibly anxious. So we didn’t. Why? Because Russell would have felt that uncertainty and fear which in turn would have brought up his own again. ⚡Can you appreciate how helpful it was to have that muzzle (and Russell being completely fine wearing it)?

There is no shame in deciding to get a muzzle for your dog. You or your dog are not a failure. It can be so helpful in building your and your dog’s confidence and - over time - help them being less reactive. With a muzzled dog you no longer have to avoid certain situations for fear of what might happen. You can start expanding that edge of your combined comfort zone, knowing your dog can’t hurt a dog or a person and possibly pay with their life for it.

Do it sooner rather than later, meaning ideally before your dog ever bites someone. That's what Russell's people did. Russell never actually bit someone. This is a good thing. Once a dog has crossed that line, they will cross it more easily next time.

The photo is of Russell modelling his muzzle. 🐶

17/06/2024

Another beautiful winter day for another 10k round. 🐾👣 This time Marvel & I were joined by Bella and Winnie. 🐶😊🐶🐶

12/06/2024

Update from Murphy who is doing brilliantly on all fronts. 🥰

Last December I was contacted by Murphy's family who had adopted him 4 weeks earlier and had been unable to touch him unless they cornered him ... which, of course, was not what they wanted to do. Murphy had been on anti-anxiety drugs since he was rescued at about 3 months old. When he was adopted he was just 6 months old.

With the Trust Technique as well as applying the principles of positive reinforcement training, Murphy is thriving. He's been off his meds for several months now. His lead-walking skills make his human proud and the unease of traveling in the car is a thing of the past now too. Murphy still is not a fan of being touched by new people but that's fair enough. He doesn't shut down and feels safe under the guidance of his family who understands his needs and knows how to support him.

05/06/2024

“Meditation is not evasion. It is a serene encounter with reality.”

This quote by Thich Nhat Hanh offers instruction on how to take vexing moments - insert your animal’s unwanted behaviour here - into moments of awareness and connection.

If you need a bit more detailed instructions, get in touch with me! ✨

☎ 0490 349 245
✍ [email protected]

03/06/2024

Happy client feedback 🤗:

"Ok, after our conversation last week about me feeling guilty about not letting the dogs have all the freedom I think they need, I pulled that back and gave Ally the quiet time she needs to become a less anxious dog. It worked wonders today.

We started the morning with being on lead beside my desk while I worked for a few hours.
Then some crate time after lunch, as I had some calls to make. And just now she has decided to take herself to her bed in the office while I finish up for the day.

Bliss :)"

It often seems counterintuitive to people when I speak about curbing their dog's so-called freedom. Especially in cases of anxious dogs. Many people feel that their overwrought dog already suffers enough and they don't want to take anything else away. They want their dog to feel happy about something.

A nervous system in fight/flight/freeze mode is already overtaxed. Its sense of safety is missing. Safety is not found in more choices. Safety is found via peace in a familiar setting. Less is more.

When things feel out of control and overwhelming for your loved one, they are going to over-react - barking, growling, biting, hiding, lunging. Only when they have a sense of safety can they respond adequately.

The proof is in the pudding. Don't just take my word for it but put it into practice like Ally's human has. 👍 If you need help with your anxious animal - dog, cat, horse, ... - get in touch with me and let me show you how to create a sense of safety, peace and bliss for them. 💖

01/06/2024

I was honoured to be part of a special commemorative ceremony today for Alfie the cat who died not long ago. 🐱🌈

In many spiritual and religious traditions day 40 after someone's death is considered significant in one form or another. 🌟

Alfie's human has an Greek Orthodox background and prepared a special food offering, played the crystal singing bowl and we all shared about our past and present animal beloveds. ❤

The first photo was created by my friend Sabinananda Ananda. I shared my ideas for it and she translated them into this stunning image. 🙏 The Greek word on it means LOVE.

Ceremonies can support the grieving journey deeply, nourishing our souls. ✨

31/05/2024

After our Zoom session today Ally's human sent me this picture. She said when she turned over the calendar page to write down our next appointment she saw this message. It beautifully summarized what we spoke about in today's session.

It has been about 6 months since we started working together to help Blue Heeler Ally with the Trust Technique. She quickly feels overwhelmed and anxious. This has improved in many ways. 👍

Now we are at the mark where clients often forget what it used to be like and the improvements have become a new and kind of expected norm. However, change is not a steady upwards and onwards. So the "new norm" is not yet consistent. In addition, clients' dedication often has been slacking off.

Ally's human said she felt like they have maybe come as far as Ally can go. It feels like a plateau. I explained that they are not done yet and that my sense and experience tells me that more is possible.

Do you remember my post about what James Clear - author of Atomic Habits - calls the Plateau of Latent Potential? I'll put the link to that post in a comment below. Have a look at it. 👀

Go, Team Ally! You are pawsome! 🐶💪

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Happy Heidi, happy family! 🐶 I love receiving updates from my clients. Here is one I found in my inbox this morning, "Hi Mia, We realised it’s been just on a year since you worked with us and Heidi and I thought I’d send a little update. We’re now seeing a dog who expresses joy in her life. The attached video is a snippet of where she’s at. Inside - we closed off her dog door and haven’t reopened it. There’s been no need and she’s started to let us know when she wants to go outside to pee. We can sit with her when she’s on her bed, I brush her (semi) regularly (she doesn’t love it but puts up with it.). We walk her on and off lead, her recall is pretty good. She loves a run across the oval and occasionally with another dog. We often take her in the car and I’ve taken her camping a couple of times with half a dozen other dogs there. She seeks us out for a pat, occasionally rolls over for a belly rub, loves an ear scratch. She's still anxious at times, ever watchful, but every time a friend visits they remark on how far Heidi has come (after the initial barking, then sneaking up to sniff their bottom). We can’t thank you enough as the catalyst to getting Heidi to where she is. If you’re ever in the area you’re very welcome to visit. One of us is usually around. Thank you, Mia!" Just to help you fully appreciate Heidi's progress. When I first met her and her family, she had been with them for a year but nobody could touch her or even put on a lead. Therefore also no walks. Vet visits could only happen when she was sedated at home and once in the parking lot of the vet clinic, the vet would anaesthetize her in the boot of the car and once unconscious, she was carried inside. You get the picture. Hooray for Heidi! 🥰🫶🪷✨ #trusttechnique #belgianshepherd #anxiousdog #rescuedog

Yes, this video is quite low light but I think it still conveys the bliss, peace and gratitude I felt when filming it the other night. ✨🌸✨ We currently have a doggy guest. His name is Koda and he is one of these easily worried individuals. One of the ones that mask their anxiety and can give the impression that they are lying there all chilled and relaxed. What gives it away, though, is the absence of any visible signs of breathing ... neither belly nor flanks or chest move. It's a bit of a freeze state. That's why I did Creative Reaction with him, the basic Trust Technique practice where peace is shared, fostering a sense of safety and trust. Marvel, Henry and Lenny had just received some body work from me and were blissfully snoozing by the coonara. I sat with Koda who was in his crate and helped to un-freeze his worried body with the Trust Technique. After about 2 minutes Marvel came and joined us. A few minutes later Henry and Lenny did as well. There is not much that ever makes Henry in particular move away from the fireplace. But the Trust Technique is magnetic. 😊 Entering a still and peaceful inner space produces a change in brain waves, creating very inviting frequencies. It was so profoundly soul nourishing to share with these 4 dogs this deep sense of ease and well-being. Nothing to do, nowhere to be. 🕊☯ There are different levels of engaging with our animals and experiencing well-being and joy. A game shared, a cuddle. Yet to me, nothing compares to the connection and joy I feel when entering this place of mindfulness via the Trust Technique. I am so grateful for Koda's need for support ... that then extended to this beautiful communion with my dogs as well. ❤ Most often I teach and use the Trust Technique for its problem overcoming effects. It's excellent for that. However, I tend to forget to share it with my own animals - not to fix a problem - but for its soothing effects. It's a tonic for the nervous system. An elixir for pea

In April this year I met Heidi (Belgian Shepherd) and her family. They had rescued her a year ago but Heidi was still extremely skittish and anxious. They were unable to take her for walks because they could not clip on a lead. Grooming her was impossible. Going to the vet meant sedating her at home and anesthesising her in the boot of the car in the clinic's parking lot and then carry her inside once unconscious. All of these issues are now a thing of the past. People comment that OMG she is a new dog! 🐶 Here is a recent short video of her running and jumping in the shallow waves with pure joy. A sight that brought happy tears to her family's eyes. 🤗 ✨Another Trust Technique transformation.✨ #trusttechnique #anxiousdog

Peggy and her humans are working on making car rides relaxed and enjoyable using the Trust Technique. 🚗 🐕 We had our third Zoom session earlier this week and they are well on their way to achieving this goal. 🎉 #trusttechnique #happydog

Fun! I always look forward to my monthly sessions with Cedar and his human. 🐾 We worked on something special for Christmas which we are not sharing yet. 💃 🐕 Instead you get to see this short clip of Cedar acing his recall! 💪❤🏅

Slow and steady, with patience and persistence, at an animal's pace, so much can change. Millie has been able to relax even more deeply during her Trust Technique practice sessions with her human. 🤗 You might remember my previous post about her where I described a bit of her process ... she could only allow herself to sit during practice but even though she was swaying she never lied down. Well, ever since after our session last week she now does it - she has released her unpeace and is able to relax more deeply. ❤ So far, team Millie has only worked on the basics, not directly addressing any of her issues yet. Nonetheless, as is often the case when learning the Trust Technique, the daily doses of shared peace show effects in everyday life. For example, the other day when out on a walk, someone gently extended their hand towards Millie who usually would retreat in alarm. This time, however, she took a little sniff. And this morning at a cafe, Millie's body didn't tremble like it always does and when the waitress offered a treat, again, instead of retreating with fear, she gave a tentative sniff. Hooray! 🎉 Celebrating all the little steps. And in today's Zoom, Millie's human learned how to progress and start working on the problem areas - which basically is the whole scary world for little Miss Poodle. ✨💪🐶👍

Monday is Funday with my grandkids. 😊🙃 Out on a walk with Henry and his bestie Rosa. 🐶🐕

What does it mean, 'going at the animal's pace', embracing the quality of UNHURRIED? Yesterday I had a check-in Zoom with Juno's humans - it's been a week since they learned the Trust Technique from me. Already now, Juno has stopped jumping on people - visitors and family. 👍 He is markedly more connected with his humans on walks and able to respond better to their guidance. 💪 His unease about putting on his harness has greatly diminished. 👏 I would like to share a story Juno's humans told me. When the three of them visited relatives including Juno's bestie Banjo, they demonstrated how quickly, effectively and easily they now could calm down the super excited dogs (Banjo had a taste of the Trust Technique when I looked after him recently). The best part was this: Banjo often grabs things in his mouth when he is over-excited and wants attention. This time he grabbed a tea towel from the kitchen. Usually it would involve two or more people to get it off him again. As soon as Banjo grabbed the tea towel, Juno's humans asked everyone to stand still, be calm and not say a word. Then one of them walked up to Banjo and he just let go of the towel. Banjo's humans couldn't believe their eyes! ✨😱✨ When everything is over the top, we can easily be pulled into the same inner state and chaos follows. If we slow things down, we extend the offer to slow down to everyone around us. 💛 And suddenly it doesn't make sense anymore that we stand in the middle of the room with a tea towel between our teeth. 😊😀😉 And we are switching to behaviour that is more coherent. 👍

Is Jak winning the 'most adorable video this Sunday morning' award on your newsfeed too? 😍🏅❤

I love to inspire my clients and then see how they run with it and what they make of it. 🤗 In a conversation with Jak's human recently, he told me that he's been teaching the Dachshund to 'speak' on cue and how he gets all kinds of vocalisations in response. I suggested to take it further - as Mr Snausage loves to use his voice - and differentiate between the different sounds. Speak could be a clear, loud bark. 📣 And there could be a different cue for a qieter mumble. 🐶 I just received this video of Jak and his human working on their 'whisper' cue. 👍 Having fun like this is a beautiful way to deepen a relationship. ❤

Responding vs reacting. 🐾 With the Trust Technique as foundation to help Dachshund Jak be in a focused and calm state, his human enjoys teaching him. And Jak loves it! When he stayed with us recently, I used some of the cues I know he knows and you should have seen the expression on his face when he did as I asked - happy & so pleased. ❤ A few days ago I received this video - their first practice outside, while the neighbour's dog was barking at them. Instead of reacting (and barking back), Jak had better things to do! 😊 May Team Jak inspire many! ❤

Dachshund drill 🐾😁

This video of Dachshund Jak and his human made me giggle. The army sergeant voice combined with Jak's happy grin is just too funny. 😀 Jak's transformation from nervous wreck to calm & cool dude is beautiful to witness. Here are the latest changes. ✔ Having good interactions with other dogs on lead. ✔ Letting young kids throw the ball for him at the park and being comfortable with it. ✔ The neighbours can speak outside now without Jak barking. Learning the Trust Technique has brought so much change. 🐕 Jak's human is feeling inspired on a whole new level and the little snausage is turning into such a chill pill. 😊😉✨

How we feel and what we think impacts our environment. We are receptive to and of each other. Some more so, as if a dial is turned up. This is commonly referred to as being 'highly sensitive'. If you read my posts regularly you know about Jak the Dachshund. His human has been using the Trust Technique to help him overcome anxious behaviours. One recurring stumbling block was that sometimes it took Jak up to half an hour to settle in his crate. Knowing how easy and accepting of the crate Jak is when he stays with us and also knowing that he receives a more than adequate physical and mental workout before his human asks him to have a quiet time in the crate, I knew that what they were doing needed some fine-tuning. In a conversation it became clear that Jak's human was wondering if he was asking too much of Jak. How long is it reasonable for a dog to stay in a crate? Of course, there is no one size fits all answer. When Jak is with us, he is in his crate 2 - 4 hours at a time. Inbetween he gets walks and playtimes and cuddles. The crate is super comfy, covered on all sides but one and allows for him to move around to switch positions and to stretch. Gaining clarity was helpful for Jak's human. However, the next day I received a pic of Jak in his crate and the comment that Jak had a look of poor betrayal on his face but otherwise was fine. I suggested to not read too much into Jak's expression as he was lying there calmly. A few minutes later I received a photo of Jak, now asleep, and the words, 'As soon as I stopped reacting to him he was out like a light. It was 100 % me!' Just to clarify: not reacting does NOT mean ignoring. It means becoming calm and peaceful with what is yourself. It means letting go of unhelpful thoughts such as 'I am mean to my poor dog.' It means stepping into your responsibility - your ability to respond in helpful and supporting ways towards your dog's improved quality of life. It means seeing the bigger picture and being ok when

Jak the Dachshund learning to go between his human's legs as a 'safe retreat' when out and about in busy areas. 🐾

I received a pupdate from Dachshund Jak and his human. 😊 They have recently moved from their apartment into a house. Hooray for Mr Snausage who now has his own backyard! 🐾🎉 But the celebration doesn't stop there. With patience and persistence in using the Trust Technique Jak now can ... drum roll ... be peacefully downstairs while his human is working upstairs. ✨🎊✨ Jak's seperation anxiety was to such a degree that on good days he would whine and cry and on bad days he would scream the place down if his human went out of sight. They have also been working on Jak's ability to remain calm when out and about - previously he barked at every person and dog they met. This has vastly improved too. 👍 In the video you can watch Jak learning to stay inside his human's legs to be used in busy places to help Jak feel safe. 👏

Swim or run your lap?

Some of us like to swim our laps while others prefer to run them. 😁🐾 Saturday morning with Pali & Marvel. 💦

Morning play

A different Saturday morning vibe with Henry & Molly. 😁

Middle!

Saturday morning moment with Max. 🤗🐶💛

Patience and persistence brings peace

This post is in appreciation of everyone who has helped a dog with difficult behaviours. As rewarding as it is in the end, the journey isn't always easy. Doubts and frustration can arise, especially in moments when we feel tired or not at our best for whatever reason. ❤ You might have seen my previous posts about Jak the Dachshund and how his human learned the Trust Technique from me to work on Jak's anxiety. The video is sharing a milestone - first time his human could step out of sight with Jak remaining relaxed. ✨👏🎉 Jak's on a holiday right now, visiting family with his human - a situation that's just full of potential anxiety triggers for him. He got flying colours for the car ride and being around people he hardly knows. However, he struggled settling overnight and his human wasn't in the right frame of mind to apply what he has learned. We've all been there. What's important is to get back to it as soon as we can. And that's just what Jak's human did. Part of the message he sent me this morning said, 'We did a session just now which was quite possibly the most exhausting thing in my life, Jak had a lot of unpeace coming up. He had a few good releases but geez it was hardwork.' It just needs to be said that helping an animal change difficult behaviours is a BIG commitment. Kudos to everyone who persists. And eternal gratitude from the animal who you have not given up on. ❤

SPLASH

Lenny never gets tired of this. 💦😊🐾

Rosa & Henry

Henry's bestie Rosa is here for a short doggy holiday. I never get tired of watching these two play. 🐾🐶

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Our Story

Louie, Fiorenzo, Lenny & Marvel - four rescue dogs and their human - Mia - are sharing their ways of improving canine-human relationships. From struggle to appreciation and fun. Too many dogs find an untimely end because of behavioural issues. This is our small way of making the world a better place.

Four years ago Mia adopted Louie (Kelpie X) who had been found as a stray. He is now at least 11 years old (that’s based on the best of 3 vet’s guesses of how old he is) and the spokesman of The Dependable Companion.

Three years ago Lenny (Blue Heeler X) joined the pack. He is four years old. His expertise lies in the athletic division. He specializes in frisbees. He also enjoys trick training and other fun activities. This has not always been so. When we first met him he was pretty much scared of everything. He’s apprenticing to one day become spokesman.

A year and a half ago Fiorenzo (Cane Corso) found his furever home with Mia. He’s almost four years old. His stunning looks draws attention to him wherever we go. He’s a big boofhead and a great success in his role as therapy dog.