Totem Dogs Scentwork

13/10/2025

I missed posting about because, ironically, I was having a very low few days.

1 in 4 people in the UK alone will suffer a mental health problem each year.

But you don't need to have a diagnosed mental health condition to need support. Everyone has mental health that needs caring for, and in this day and age it seems to be getting harder and harder to look after yourself mentally.

I personally think dogs are wonderful for mental health, when things are going well. When you start to run in to problems, training and behaviour issues, health issues etc. It can really take it's toll on you.

Studies have shown that people who care for Reactive Dogs for example, can suffer the same symptoms of Caregiver Burden as someone who is caring for an elderly or chronically ill family member.

I have always been fairly open about my struggles in the past, purely in an attempt to normalise these feelings that so many people go through but are too ashamed to discuss.

I have struggled with depression and chronic anxiety from an early age, I have been in and out of hospital, I have resorted to unhealthy coping mechanisms and even got to the point where I couldn't take it anymore.

It's since working with dogs that my mental health has improved drastically, but that doesn't mean I don't still have bad days.

We live in a high pressure, fast paced society that our fairly primal brains aren't designed for. Struggling with day to day life and commitments does not mean you are less capable or valuable as a person.

I understand that the mental health service is struggling, and people are finding it difficult to get support, but there are some brilliant organisations that are free to use and have been a lifeline to me in the past.

Mind Support Line: 0300 102 1234
(Open 9am-6pm Monday to Friday)

Samaritans: 116 123 or email [email protected]
(Open 24/7, 365 days a year)

CALM: 0800 58 58 58
(Open 5pm-12am daily)

SHOUT: Text 'shout' to 85258
(Open 24/7, 365 days a year)

Here is a link to more services and their contact details:

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/mental-health-helplines/

12/10/2025

Why does she remind me of a kid posing for their first day of school picture 😂

12/10/2025

We've been working on this for so long it's surreal finally seeing it on here 😂

Can't wait ❤️

SNEAK PEAK!!!!

I promised you a sneak peak into the new, more specialised services Beth and I will be offering in our collaboration. Here is just one part of it, aimed at our fearful and anxious dogs.

Details of this new package will be published shortly, but will include:-

🐶 New, fun workshops and classes JUST for fear reactive and anxious dogs.

🐶 Tailored support for the HUMAN end of the lead

🐶 BESPOKE training for each dog; our dogs are all unique with their own special wants and needs; one size does not fit all

🐶 A COMMUNITY of reactive and anxious dog owners with FUN, WEEKLY CHALLENGES to support you and your dog on your individual journey. An opportunity to also share the highs and lows with other dog guardians who understand

We can not wait to get started on this exciting new adventure with you!

09/10/2025

🌸Poppy🌸

This time last year was our final day.

I wasn't sure at the time, but I had a feeling that we wouldn't be coming home from the vets together that evening.

We only had a few short years together, but those years were filled with so much.
Joy, laughter, chaos, frustration and a lot of love.

The space you left behind was massive. How can one little dog leave so much emptiness?

Hazel didn't come to replace you, no one could ever do that. We just needed to fill the void that you left behind.

I still see you sometimes when I'm out, your vibrant red petals standing quietly in fields where once you ran, tennis ball in your mouth and ears flapping in the wind.

I'm sure you're still with us, as Hazel has grown up she's picked up your mannerisms. The silly rolling on the floor snorting, stealing things from the kitchen sides, that look where you're not quite sure if you're about to be eaten or covered in kisses.

I hope you are still here, teaching her your tricks- even the naughty ones.

You would have loved Hazel, and she would love you.

We only had a short time together, but I am so grateful for the time we did have.

08/10/2025

Went a bit over the top with photoshop 😂❤️

08/10/2025

Sid ❤️

08/10/2025

Tora ❤️

08/10/2025

Somedays you train, Somedays you sploot in the park

07/10/2025

Mental Health Matters

I focus a lot on the physical and mental wellbeing of dogs. I am always researching, looking for activities, enrichment, training, diets and supplements that may improve their lives.

Despite that, I am guilty of neglecting my own mental and physical wellbeing.

Juggling work, commitments, relationships, bills, admin and dogs can be overwhelming and it's easy to forget that you need caring for too.

I am guilty for ignoring my own needs and focusing all my attention and energy on my dogs, which is fine, until you reach the point where you gave no energy left to give.

To help your dog, to be able to care for them and give them what they need, you need to look after yourself.

As someone who has depression and anxiety, I know how hard it is to look after yourself.

There's that old cliché that you can't pour from an empty cup, but it's true. In order to give your energy to others, you need to give yourself energy.

06/10/2025

Clickers!

I'm sure many of you have seen Training Clickers, they are usually made of plastic and have a button connected to a small metal disc that clicks when pressed.

They come in all colours, shapes and sizes, but what are they actually used for?

Clickers are generally used as a 'marker' to let the animal know they are doing what we want them to do. The sound is often paired with a reward, most commonly food, so that the animal associates the sound with a positive outcome.

But why use a clicker as a marker?

Whilst some people train using verbal markers such as 'yes' or 'good', clickers provide a consistent and clear sound that is easily recognised by the animal.

Our dogs hear us talk all the time, whereas the clicker is a much more distinctive sound usally only used in training.

Our voices also change with our emotions and energy levels, whereas the clicker stays consistent and it's meaning never varies.

(Karen Pryor Clicker Training, 2025)

You can of course successfully train using a verbal marker, but clickers are generally more effective, especially when teaching a new behaviour.

You can phase out the clicker over time, so you don't have to carry one around forever although I always tend to have one with me!

Clicker Training is all about timing, building the association of the sound with a reward and using the clicker as a bridge between the desired behaviour and the reward.

Clickers aren't just used for dogs, they are widely used across the animal training world, including animals such as horses, lions, tigers and bears (oh my!)

05/10/2025

The perfect Dog Walker ornament 😂❤️