Dr. Michelle Rassool

10/01/2026

I'll be speaking on the topic of behavioural euthanasia at the upcoming Losing Lulu Summit this year. Behavioural euthanasia is a tough topic, and often shrouded in guilt, secrecy, and judgement. I want to shine a bright light on the concept, and bring it out into the open, for honest discussion. There's a heap of other fantastic talks planned - make sure you don't miss this!

🔼 Losing Lulu Summit 2026 🔼
🗣 Speaker Announcement

MICHELLE RASSOOL DVM

Category: Making the Decision

✨️ Predictors, Prognosis: Making Sense of Difficult Behavioural Decisions

Many behaviour problems are treatable, but certain factors can make them more serious, risky, and threatening to welfare. While behaviour is never perfectly predictable, there are common patterns seen in dogs where behavioural euthanasia becomes a more significant consideration. Having a structured framework to assess each individual case can help reduce the emotional and ethical burden placed on guardians when navigating these difficult decisions.

Dr. Michelle Rassool (BSc DVM MANZCVS Veterinary Behavioural Medicine) is a Behaviour Veterinarian who works in Melbourne, Australia. An experienced and keen trainer, Dr. Michelle works hard bridging the gap between the training and veterinary worlds, caring for hundreds of dogs a year with behaviour challenges. http://drmichellerassool.com

More info: https://www.losinglulu.com/speakers

07/01/2026

It's so hot already, so we are taking a break from formal training and exercise, and just going for an iced coffee and a stroll along the creek before it gets hot.

There are lots of great tips on how to stay cool out there, but what's most difficult for me is accepting that we won't be doing the same level of engagement and exercise, and that's totally ok.

If you own a dog like Nara that might not regulate their exercise and heat levels well, making decisions to do nothing can be important, but also tough!

Teaching a strong off switch in a young dog is so essential, and makes this all so much easier. Having a dog that learns to manage boredom and down time takes dedication and time to develop.

Anyway some of my cool tips!
🐚 Remember the ocean can be dehydrating, so take care with lots of swimming and time on the sand.
🥽 Keeping paws cool is a great way to cool, so shallow paddle pools are a good option.
🪭 If your dog gets too hot, call your vet for advice. Dont cover them with wet towels, as evaporation is how dogs cool. You can wipe down with water and run a fan to help cool them.

31/12/2025

Starting the New Year right with a good long run together, setting a new pb!

2026 is going to hold a lot of fun, changes and new adventures for us!

I'll be opening another day of behaviour consultations, and slightly reducing my GP hours. With a huge number of folks needing behaviour support, this will mean that there's more availability to help more dogs.

I've also got a heap of industry education coming up - if your vet clinic, training business, or other dog industry wants to join in, just reach out!

As for me and Nara, our resolutions are simple! Spend time together, enjoy fulfillment, exercise and learning, every day ✨

14/12/2025

My newest seminar got compressed and redirected for vet teams, as it made its way to ! Cooperative care and low stress handling are such important topics and skills, not only to make our patients feel more comfortable, but keep vet teams safe and happy too.

We went through some new concepts, as well as covering lots of material that the teams were already implementing, which is great.

If you are part of a professional team that could benefit from further education, then reach out. Whether you're in a veterinary clinic, daycare, grooming, or any other dog industry, this information can be tailored to you!

Don't get stuck doing things the same way, learn how to maximise your skills and see the difference you can achieve.

09/12/2025

There's nothing better than a play session! For so many of my clients, unlocking the joys of play can be a game changer not only for their relationship with their dog, but their dog's mental health!

For many people, a pleasant stroll on leash is their main exercise with their dog. And while sniffing, exploration and socialisation are important aspects of enriching a dog's life, nothing replaces play and adrenaline release. While I wouldn't want anyone to completely swap out their walk, it might be worthwhile to consider whether you're fulfilling your dog's needs if you're only doing the walk!

When we are dealing with behavioural challenges, often the only time the dog experiences the feeling of adrenaline and arousal, is around their triggers.

If you're not exposing your dog to 'fun' adrenaline, and how to cope around it, they're less likely to know how to deal with 'unfun' adrenaline.

Play can be used to develop new behaviours, engagement, and outlets for dogs when we're looking at modifying their behaviour.

It's also a resource that unlike food and appetite, rarely gets 'maxed out'!

So consider swapping 5 minutes of your walk time, for 5 minutes of play! Both of them have a role in keeping dogs healthy, but you might find curating the way you play with your dog has significant benefits!

09/12/2025

Stanley, DeWalt, Milwaukee and Decker are now available for adoption!

Completely cordless, endless battery, and a fantastic warranty, these cuties will suit any handy person!

They are dog, cat and kid specialised, vaccinated wormed and desexed, and ready to go.

Reach out via if you are thinking of adding a little power tool to your family!

07/12/2025

It's no secret that puppy Nara was a really challenging time. She had more arousal than I'd ever experienced in a dog, seemed to boil over in so many circumstances, and appeared incredibly suspicious of lots of people.

Layering on top of that expectations on myself, the regular struggles with work, my chosen careers and training, I can safely say I am glad to be where I am now!

I wouldn't trade this dog for the world, but our relationship was certainly forged in flame!

Reviewing these old videos has been helpful in some ways to look back through the lens of someone older, wiser and more experienced. It's given me empathy and understanding of where do many of my clients are, and made me a better clinician and trainer.

And what a beautiful day today it's been to get out and train!

19/11/2025

Pinto the puppy came to hang out and play today!

Often my new puppy clients have been told to socialise their puppy, so they diligently get them out playing with lots of people and dogs, sometimes not knowing what to look for in playmates.

That can be a great fit for some dogs, but not all. Every interaction our puppies go through shapes their expectations, experience, and attitude. To me, it's essential we try to set each interaction up for success, and this means carefully curating who hangs out with my puppy!

Other dogs at the park might be rough, over bearing, or not tolerant of a little puppy. Their owners might not have control over their dog if things get out of hand.

An uncomfortable experience in the 8-16 week period can have significant impacts on a dog's development.

Where possible, I try to set up play dates with older, social dogs who are able to show young puppies the ropes. Things I look for in healthy play between dogs include:
🐕 Taking turns in chase and chasing
🏃‍♀️Stylised, ritualistic movements such as play bows or spins
⚡Waxing and waning of energy, with quiet stillness between games.
☺️ Soft body language
👀 Each dog listening to the needs of the other
🤝 And most of all, the ability of the handlers to respect each dogs needs, and intervene where possible!

You'll see cute little Pinto the Smooth Coat Collie has her leash on, in case we need to help guide her. Dog to dog play can be so valuable, and with some simple tips you can help your dog to learn how to be appropriately social!

18/11/2025

I'm back from leave and consulting again!

My three weeks break was fantastic, and I'm more than ready to get back to taking care of people and their dogs.

Due to high demand, I am not able to take on new clients at my Northcote behaviour office, but you'll find a link to the wait list on my website if you're wanting to stay informed.

Otherwise, you can find me at for GP care, including surgery the rest of the week. I have capacity for some short emergency behavioural consultations there as well, I'd you are seeking urgent care.

How cute is this mug from Nara, one of my favourite cities in Japan.

18/11/2025

Gorgeous Stanley, Milwaukee, DeWalt and Decker will be up for adoption soon! These little power tools have endless battery, and play hard!

These sweeties have been in care since about 4 weeks of age, and their mum Makita is just divine. They're playful, independent little bundles that have been well socialised with kids, cats and dogs.

Keep an eye out for their availability for adoption through , the will be snapped up quickly!

20/10/2025

Coffee with my main girl before we leave for Japan tonight.

I am so lucky to have dedicated folks looking after my pets. Nara is going to have the best time with , she probably won't want to come back 🤣

I'll be back consulting in Nov 17th St at and on the 19th for my behaviour service.
Due to high demand I've still got a pause on taking new clients but you join the waitlist on my website.

かんぱい！

19/10/2025

Hanging with my buddy Chef who had a sore tooth but was still up for a smile!

Dental disease can be subtle, and Chef's owner had noticed some little changes to chewing and behaviour. After we examined and x-rayed the teeth, we were able to find a problem on the inner side of the tooth.

Since Chef uses her teeth a lot for play and training, she went to see the specialist who will be able to perform a root canal on the tooth and repair it. How good is that!

❤️👩‍🍳