Scentsational Dogs

30/10/2024

🎊NEW SERVICE🎊

I am officially launching behaviour assessments as a new service at Scentsational Dogs. This new service will help guardians resolve their dog's problem behaviours, specifically aggressive, fearful and abnormal/repetitive behaviours.

More information can be found on my website, along with this blog discussing what a behaviour assessment involves and how to choose the right behaviourist for you.

Please share and get in touch if you'd like more information or to book.

This blog discusses what a behaviour assessment involves and how to choose the right behaviourist.

10/10/2024

Today is and although dogs can provide us with many mental health benefits they can also be detrimental.

In an attempt to help others not feel alone, here are my two stories on how being a dog guardian has negatively affected my mental health.

I experienced helplessness when caring for my first dog Rufus, who had idiopathic epilepsy where I felt extremely guilty for not having his seizures under control, despite being on multiple medications, and for choosing euthanasia when the neurologist vet explained his quality of life had deteriorated to a level he would not recover from.

With my second dog Meg, her behaviour journey is ongoing and although we have made a lot of progress I still feel judged when her behaviour is not "normal". This brings with it shame, especially being a dog professional myself. Why is it that I can help others with their dog's behaviour and still struggle when it comes to my own dog?

If you're struggling with your dog's behaviour seek support from your vet and a qualified behaviourist (such as ).

If you think you need help with your mental health, find the right social or psychological support for you because

09/08/2024

THE GOOD NEWS!
I'm a Candidate Member of the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC) meaning I can now take on behaviour cases via vet referral 🎉🎉
A blog explaining what this means and how my business is changing will be published around October time. I'm so excited, I can't wait to start this new chapter on my business.

THE NOT SO GOOD NEWS
I'm closing the business for the rest of August 😔 You all probably know by now (as I don't shut up about it!) I'm in the final stages of my Masters degree at Lincoln. So not only am I writing my thesis but I also have two presentations to create and present as part of my final assessment.
The last two years have been challenging, I was diagnosed as dyslexic 2 months before starting my Masters and never in a million years thought I'd be capable of this kind of academic work. It's been really tough and over the last few months, I've found it really hard to give my full attention to my clients like they deserve. All of this has been rummaging around in my head and to help keep the negative and guilty thoughts at bay I've decided to focus on one thing at a time, resulting in the business taking a backseat.
I'm incredibly fortunate I can do this with the support of my husband (thanks David 🩵) so please enjoy the rest of the summer for me - go on long walks with your dog, go dig in the sand (or hay in Meg's case!) and eat ice cream 🍦 whilst I hide away in the study staring at my computer screen.
Speak soon and happy snuffling,
Rach🐾

29/07/2024

They say you shouldn't meet your idols but Roz and her team truly are amazing. If I'm just a tiny bit like Roz when I gain full CCAB certification I'll be so happy 😊
I had a really wonderful time in Bristol and learnt so much, which I will be putting into practice with my own dog Meg and dogs I work with in the future.
I met lots of lovely people, especially Grace who was so kind to answer all my pain, medication and gait questions during the breaks which has given me more vet insight for my thesis 😆

17/07/2024

Trixie and Fifi are the best groomed dogs I know 🥰 and being so cute looking makes it all the more difficult to walk by without going in for a cuddle. However, respecting a dog's personal space and choice to approach or avoid is so important and should be respected.
Sophie is doing a fabulous job with the girlies, they are very lucky to have such a dedicated dog Mum 💜

Hi all, on Friday this will be the 3rd week of us having Trixie our new rescue poodle. This is the second week of having her in the salon. Trixie is nervous when it comes to new people and dogs and barks out of fear at first, but she soon settles down when I am grooming. She has also met a few dogs when I have let her out of her pen and has had some good interactions with them. I am working with a positive dog trainer to help Trixie see that other dogs and people are not scary. This will take time, so I appreciate your kindness and patience with both me and Trixie. Fifi of course is being a sweet baby angel about it all and hopefully will help Trixie too 🩷 Scentsational Dogs

07/07/2024

It's been a busy time at Scentsational Dogs and as usual, I forgot to take pictures of the lovely dogs I had the pleasure of working with so here's Meg enjoying the rain!

🧡Valkyrie - 6-month Shiba Inu settling into her new home as an adolescent has been tricky, she's been off her food, is noise sensitive and struggling to bond with her male guardian when her female guardian leaves for work. We found that play is a huge motivator for Valkyrie and is part of her treatment plan.

🩵Jax - 5-month German Shepherd living with Toby - 13 year old Bishon Frise. Being a young pup Jax can be a bit too bouncy for Toby who prefers a quieter retirement, so we're teaching Jax to settle, come when called and providing him with lots of opportunities to use his mouth on appropriate items such as long-lasting chews and tug.

💜Trixie - 1 year old mini Poodle has just landed her forever home with Fifi - 6 year old mini Poodle. It's been an adjustment for them both, learning each other's play styles and settling into a new routine. During our training session, Trixie was brave enough to use me as a pillow for a quick nap 🥰

Plus a few interesting phone calls for possible behaviour cases in the near future - more details to follow shortly! It's been a welcomed distraction from my thesis and impending results but it's back to the study for the next few days for me 🐾

03/05/2024

Very excited that Meg's new car crate from was delivered today. Meg is use to travelling in the boot but this will be the first boot crate she uses.
I'll be filming how I introduce her to it to make sure she's happy and comfortable getting in and out so keep your eyes peeled for that 👀 Dog training is my favourite way to break up my exam prep so its come at the best time 😊

23/03/2024

This week I started working with the adorable Arwen 😍 at 11 weeks old, she is exhibiting typical puppy behaviours as she learns how to navigate the world around her. She was incredibly polite, sitting next to my treat pouch rather than jumping up or pawing for treats 🥹
Arwen was a welcomed distraction from uni work - I can't wait for our next session 💛💛

17/02/2024

This handsome chap is Balou.
He is a wonderful mix of several breeds of scenthound, chihuahua, shih tzu and lots more! He was rescued from the streets in the Republic of North Macedonia by an incredible family.
He has settled into his home very well but can get a little nervous around people and dogs. After talking through dog body language, outlets for natural behaviours and lead-handling skills, his family have seen a more relaxed Balou.
During our second session, Balou was much calmer upon my arrival and was able to occupy himself when given the 'no attention available' cue - this is very useful when his guardians are busy with the kids or visitors.
Sadly I didn't manage to smuggle Balou into my workbag but I did leave with this amazing drawing made by Poppy. I love it so much 🥰

10/02/2024

Mia the Magnificent 💛
Mia is nervous of leaving the house and has come to fear her collar and lead, so we are building up a positive association between her beautiful new harness and fun activities such as treats, play, relaxing and of course, lots and lots of praise!
Here is Mia's Mum doing a fabulous job of introducing Mia to her new harness, Mia is so tiny she fits a puppy harness 🥹 and after her training session, Mia got a new chew to help her unwind.
Mia's Mum is so dedicated to helping Mia by going at her pace and making training fun, resulting in lots of progress in such a short space of time. They share an incredibly close bond which shines through when they interact with each other. I could not be prouder of either of them 🥰

09/02/2024

Due to the increased workload at uni for my final modules and thesis, I have decided to change my business days to:

Thursday - Sunday 10am-6pm
Monday - Wednesday CLOSED

Consequently, discovery calls will now only be available to book on Thursdays and Fridays. Training sessions will be available Thursday - Sunday.

I will not be looking at my messages on days that the business is closed. I apologise if this has a knock-on effect on receiving replies. Please continue to still send me queries and I will get back to you ASAP.

Thanks for your patience and understanding
Best wishes
Rach🐾

01/02/2024

Thank you to the team at for an insightful day, chatting all things dog welfare, rescue, behaviour and careers.
Stitch did a fab job demonstrating muzzle training and little Benjamin for all the puppy kisses. Stitch is available to sponsor and Benjamin is looking for his forever home... 👀😊

24/12/2023

🎄🎄HAPPY HOLIDAYS🎄🎄
Scentsational Dogs will be closed:
25 & 26 December
29 December - 1 January
I'm taking a few days off to visit family and friends, so it might take me longer to get back to any messages.
I will also be taking some time off in January so that I can complete my assignments - this SHOULD be the last Christmas dedicated to my studies for a long while 🙈
Wishing you and your pups a wonderful break
Rach 🐾🩵🐾

23/12/2023

Today I met Buddy, (the Tibetan Terrier x Coton de Tulear), not the Christmas elf!😂
At 8 months old, he has only been in his forever home for 6 weeks.
Going off his passport and behaviour, we think he might have come from a puppy farm before entering the UK.
Buddy is extremely cautious and easy to startle, but after a slow introduction and working at Buddy's pace, I could walk around the garden without being barked at.
Once I gained his trust, he was able to show me all of the behaviours his guardians had taught him already.
Buddy is a smart pup, filled with energy. All he needs is time and patience to let his personality shine. With his compassionate guardians, Buddy has landed himself a loving family this Christmas🎄

27/11/2023

18-week Elsie the Bernese Mountain dog 😍😍
Elsie has only been in her home for two weeks and is settling in like a champ already.
The calmest pup I have ever met, Elsie is very gentle and super smart.
As she is going to grow into a large dog, her guardians want to ensure she walks nicely on lead, doesn't jump up and is content with being groomed, all behaviours I am confident Elsie will pick up with ease.
Unfortunately, even at 18 weeks, she was a tad too large to squeeze into my workbag to bring home 😢😂

14/11/2023

Thank you Hannah and the team at Guide Dogs UK for our cooperative care session today. I had a wonderful time training Marley, the retired guide dog, a chin rest and the bucket game. He was a true gentleman, always looking for cuddles during the breaks. I wanted to bring him home with me 😆
Golden retrievers are one of my fave breeds 💙💛

29/10/2023

I've noticed a sharp increase in the sounds of fireworks this week so I thought it's about time I posted my annual advice.
I've updated a few points incorporating the behaviour and cognition elements I've learned in uni.
The full and updated version can be read on my website. More blogs will be updated over the coming months to reflect my learning and latest scientific findings.
https://www.scentsationaldogs.co.uk/blog/7-ways-to-keep-your-dog-safe-during-firework-season

16/10/2023

This sweet little sausage is Sebastian 🥰

As a young pup of a small breed, the world can be scary from his perspective - so many legs, large pieces of furniture and tall steps to navigate through. Walking on wet grass is slightly more unpleasant when it touches your head as well as your feet!

Today, we decided to introduce Seb to the family dog for the first time and he did great. He was a champion at disengaging from Jacob, approaching him calmly, gathering information through scent and even showing a play bow.

Thank you to Jacob for showing Seb how to be a gentleman and what appropriate dog-to-dog interactions look like, at 14 years old he has this stuff down to a T. As you can tell from his cheesy chin he was heavily rewarded for his input 😂