29/07/2025
Meet Norman 🐶
A sweet, sensitive soul with a heart of gold who has been finding the world a little overwhelming. He loves his family deeply, but life outside the home hasn’t always been easy for him.
Norman’s worries show up in a few ways and here’s what we’re helping him and his family with:
1️⃣ Big Feelings Outdoors:
Walks were stressful for Norman. Unexpected dogs, noises and changes in his environment would leave him barking, lunging or unable to relax. His nervous system was constantly on high alert and it was exhausting for everyone.
2️⃣ Home is His Comfort Zone:
Norman feels happiest in his safe, predictable home environment. We’re using this as a foundation to build his confidence and teach him coping skills for the outside world, step by step.
3️⃣ Reactivity, Not ‘Naughtiness’:
When Norman reacts, it’s not because he’s being stubborn or “bad.” It’s his way of saying, “I don’t feel safe”. By working under his stress threshold and reinforcing calm choices we’re helping him feel secure enough to cope.
4️⃣ A Personalised Behavioural Action Plan:
Norman now has a bespoke, stepby step plan created just for him. It focuses on reducing stress, building emotional resilience and introducing calm, structured enrichment at home - all at Norman’s pace.
5️⃣ Small Wins = Big Changes:
Even small changes, like longer periods of calm at home, settling more quickly after a bark, or enjoying sniff-based enrichment are huge steps in the right direction. With consistency, the bigger breakthroughs will follow.
6️⃣ A Family Committed to the Journey:
Behaviour change takes time, patience and a lot of heart. Norman’s family are embracing a new routine built on understanding and positive reinforcement - he’s already showing that he’s capable of change.
💬 If your dog struggles with reactivity, anxiety or behaviour that leaves you feeling stuck, you’re not alone and help is here.
📌 Book your Behavioural Consultation Journey with Martyn's Mutts and let’s create a calmer, happier life for you and your dog.
