Hels4Dogs

02/07/2025

Why do I insist that even the most caring and dedicated owners take time away from their reactive dogs?

When I had Huxley I would sit in another room from my parents every day, with him, alone, with only him for company.

I loved him, I didn’t mind. But I felt lonely, I didn’t spend any time with my family really because he couldn’t be around their dogs. I felt angry that they had dogs that could do it all, and it prevented me from doing things with them…or anyone for that matter.

So why do I urge people to take time away?

Because we are only human 🤗 we are emotional, caring, loving and supportive human beings that have to care for dogs with extra or complicated needs.

This might be something some of us do regularly but it might not be.

It’s a valid, healthy thing to do.

It doesn’t have to be days on end. It can be taking a walk on your own. Being in nature without them or just taking time with family or friends.

Reset, get perspective, come back to them and start fresh.

💫

25/06/2025

16/06/2025

I know I know, that picture is so grainy and old! It’s got to be about 8 years old now.
Huxley was my first dog, not my first family dog, but my first dog… mine, like the responsibilities all fell to me. I was living at home, he was with me 24/7 and we were having a great time. 

He liked walks, he loved a tennis ball and other toys, but one thing that became clear pretty quickly was that the big wide world and in particular one with dogs in it, wasn’t for him. 

He was very emotional about other dogs. There was a lot of conflict going on for him. Some days he would be fine, somedays he would be losing it a whole football field away. We were sometimes safe in the street at a distance from other people and dogs, and sometimes this was not ok at all.

With constant one step forward and 2 steps back... and with me… a very young person managing his escalating and frankly dangerous behaviour… I had to do something?

I went to the vets, I got pain relief.... I got behaviour meds... I got herbal remedies... I tried it all. I employed a behaviourist...

I couldn’t square why he was doing the things he was doing. So I fed my curiosity. 

I felt so powerless having no knowledge that I needed to read, learn, do the courses, do the training, and ultimately just get to be part of the few that can truly call themselves a behaviourist. 

My little guy Huxley didn’t make it. I made the decision that his suffering and the danger that he posed to others was too great.

It was affecting my life, isolating me and him, his world and life was so small. It had to be, to keep him and other people safe. This was a decision I had to shoulder, and never one I push onto clients or others. 

We worked on things for 2 years with no progress... and my vets were adamant that he had something medical affecting him. Maybe a brain tumour, or something neurological.

I realised quickly that he was a special case. Most people, most reactive dogs, most dogs with behaviour issues, don’t have the end or journey, or plethora of complex factors affecting them.

Cont. into comments

15/06/2025

We start tomorrow! If you want to join us, feel like making some progress. Join here! https://hels4dogs.myflodesk.com/resetyourwalks

14/06/2025

All the important deets for the 5 day dog walk reset are going out this weekend! Make sure you keep your eyes peeled on your inbox.

Or if you’ve been considering joining…here’s the key info so you know what you’re getting into and can get signed up!

This week is meant to refocus. We’ve all been at a loss with our dogs behaviour and this is your sign to show up, give something a go and see the change that is possible!

On Sunday I’m giving away a spot on my course. That’s a real thing that will help you with your dogs behaviour and take you on a journey - tailored to you - towards rehabilitation.

At the end of this week I want you believing that you and your dog can reach the goals you set.

That you can be the team you want to be!!

I believe in you! Do you?