Ulrika Marwick - Canine Calmness Coach

19/12/2024

The step that most owners miss when introducing your dog to a new place! 🐕

Whether your dog is excited or scared, it’s important to introduce new environments in a way that builds calmness and confidence.

Here is the first and the most important step, that many miss, when introducing their dog to a new environment.

If you’re taking your dog to a new place, I assume you have a car. If not, you can do this just outside your home or even in your hallway. The goal is to get your dog comfortable with glimpses of the new environment and to teach them that calmness is what we want.

Begin with the car doors closed, offering your dog a lick mat or Kong while they listen to and maybe see a little of the new place. When they’re comfortable with this set up, you can open the front door to let in more sound, and eventually, the boot so they can see what’s happening around them. When the Kong/lick mat is done, close the doors and drive away.

💡Top Tip: Park with the boot facing the calmest part of the area, like bushes or a wall, rather than a busy car park.

This step might take some time, so make it a habit to hang out in different environments for 5–10 minutes whenever you take your dog in the car.

Step 2 is getting out of the car, and you can read all about this step and the last step, to start walking, in my blog post by commenting 🚗 below.

11/12/2024

How to Stay Calm When Others Don’t Respect Your Space on Walks 😇

Have you ever been on a walk with your reactive dog doing everything right and feeling like your training is finally working, only to have your hopes shattered by someone ignoring your need for space?

“He’s friendly!”, is a common line that many of us has heard as a dog is running towards us. Maybe your dog reacts, and instead of giving you room, the other person walks straight towards you, oblivious or uncaring about your struggles. We’ve all been there. 🤬

I once walked an extremely aggressive terrier that had to be walked with a muzzle, and even when I screamed “he will bite your dog” people let their dogs run up to him.

It’s easy to feel angry or frustrated in these moments, and let’s be honest, we all have felt like screaming some bad words! But while it’s natural to feel that way, focusing on others’ behaviour isn’t productive for you or your dog.

In my new blog post, we’ll explore why letting go of that frustration is key and focus on what you can control to set both you and your dog up for success. And you will get hands-on tools that you can start practising today.

Comment 😡 and I’ll send you the link!

04/12/2024

Does your dog’s reactions sometimes feel unpredictable or intense? 🤷‍♀️

The answer might lie in what I call the “stress cup.” Understanding this simple concept can transform how you support your reactive dog. ☕️

Many owners that get in touch with me are understandably upset about their dog’s behaviour. I was too when I first got a reactive dog. We all focus on managing visible behaviours like barking, lunging, or pulling.

But did you know that these reactions are often the result of a “full stress cup”? The stress cup, as I call it, is a simple way to visualise how daily events and challenges accumulate, affecting your dog’s behaviour and emotional well-being. By understanding how stress builds and what happens when the cup overflows, you can take proactive steps to help your dog feel calmer and more balanced.

In my new blog post, you will learn why a full stress cup is bad, and you also will get a few tips to start draining your dog’s stress cup today.

Comment “CUP” and I’ll send you the link

27/11/2024

Do you have more than one dog? 🐕🐩🐕🐩
I get it. It is hard to walk multiple dogs if one, or more, are reactive.

Years ago when Stella was still around it was a nightmare! 😔

Stella was reactive to dogs and Bruce to people, so it felt like we couldn't go anywhere.
One day, I had had enough and decided to implement more separate walks, so I could have full focus on the dog I was walking.

I’m not going to lie, it was HARD in the beginning. I left Stella at home with a Kong and when I was leaving the house with Bruce I heard the howls and barks from Stella. And bear in mind, neither of them ever had separation issues. But still… It was hard. So the first time I just walked out the door and in again. And kept doing this every day for a few weeks. Slowly but surely they adapted and started eating their Kongs and stayed calm. I increased the time slowly, and finally they couldn’t care less if I walked the other dog without them.

This changes EVERYTHING because now I could focus on the dog in front of me and make sure I set up the walk so he/she would succeed. An added bonus was that both dogs became more flexible. Stella hurt her back one time and had to stay home, resting for 3 weeks and me going for walks with Bruce, leaving her at home didn’t bother her because we had practised this very thing. . 💪

I know it will be hard in the beginning, but separate walks are AMAZING for your dogs’ flexibility and yours and your dog’s stress levels. So I would really consider it if you have a multi-dog household and your dogs do not have separation anxiety.

If you’ve got any questions at all, just comment below.👇

22/11/2024

Have you every been curious about using essential oils, herbs, and waters to calm your stressed dog? 🌱

Imagine your dog choosing the remedies they need without any help—empowering, right? This is the essence of zoopharmacognosy! Through safe exposure to natural options like herbs and essential oils, you let your dog guide their own healing journey, instinctively selecting what will support their body and mind.

These natural remedies can help with issues like skin discomfort, digestion issues, pain, and anxiety. Plus, this natural approach can often reduce the need for medications.

🤷‍♀️ How do you start?
Try offering your dog a few natural substances and see how they respond—you may be surprised by their instincts! Remember, healing starts with trust, and trusting your dog’s natural ability to choose what’s best for them is the first step.

Ready to explore zoopharmacognosy with your dog?
Comment ZOO below and I’ll send you my blog post where you will find my top 5 recommended oils, herbs and waters to start with. 👇

08/11/2024

Did you know that green tea might be a natural way to help your dog relax? 🫖🍃

The magic lies in L-theanine, an amino acid found naturally in Camellia sinensis (green tea) and widely used in calming supplements for both people and dogs. This powerful compound helps balance serotonin and dopamine levels, easing anxiety and promoting calm focus. It even lowers cortisol, the body’s stress hormone!

And here’s a bonus—studies show L-theanine may also support brain health in older dogs, helping with mild cognitive issues as they age. 💚 Adding a touch of green tea to your dog’s food can be a natural mood and brain boost.

In a 2010 study, dogs with noise phobia were given either behaviour therapy alone or therapy combined with L-theanine. Both groups showed reduced signs of anxiety, but the L-theanine group saw additional improvements like reduced drooling, panting, vocalizing, and compulsive behaviours.

Want to help your dog feel calmer and more focused? Try green tea as a natural, affordable L-theanine source!

Note: Be sure to find a decaffeinated green tea.

18/10/2024

🌟 Pepper’s Transformation: From Overwhelmed to Calm on Walks 🌟

Meet Pepper, a sweet mixed breed who had quite a bumpy start in life—re-homed four times(!!) before finally finding his forever family at just four months old. But soon after, his new family noticed a big challenge: Pepper was lunging and barking at dogs during every walk, impossible to calm no matter how hard Sanna, his owner, tried.

After a few months, Sanna reached out to me, realising Pepper’s behaviour wouldn’t change without support. Diving into Pepper’s background, it became clear he was struggling with insecurity.

We started his journey with a stress detox to help him reset. 🧘‍♀️ A lot of Pepper's stress was coming from home—he lived with another dog and young children, making rest nearly impossible. So we created a special calm zone just for him, and once Pepper started resting more, his behaviour on walks began to improve. 🎯

Next, we worked on building his confidence with exercises to show him that unfamiliar things aren’t as scary as they seem. Slowly, he became braver on walks.
The final piece was teaching Pepper to confidently walk away from other dogs if he felt unsure—a simple skill, but life-changing for him. Knowing he had the option to turn away helped him relax around other dogs.

⭐️ “I’ve learned how important it is for Pepper to rest and recognise his stress signals. It’s made all the difference,” says Sanna.

Today, they can stroll through parks with other dogs around, and Pepper calmly keeps his distance and even greets dogs he likes! 🎉 It’s been such a joy watching him blossom into the harmonious, happy dog he is today.

Huge thanks to Sanna and Pepper for all the hard work! ❤️

14/10/2024

Why did you choose your dog’s breed or decide on your dog’s mix? 🐕🐩🦮🐕‍🦺

Most of us start researching breeds as soon as we decide we want a dog. It’s s jungle because there are so many different breeds out there.

Our first dog was a Rottweiler, and we decided on this breed because I’ve always liked how they look, and I love that they are calm and confident (usually). We went to see a dog show and had one Rottweiler jump up on Caleb, wrapping both his paws around his neck and gave him a huge lick. That was it, we wanted one. I did not know how much people were going to fear her once she became reactive. 😔

For the next dog, we decided on an Australian Shepherd because I wanted a dog with more drive and a dog that would love going to classes with me. I first looked at Border Collies but wasn’t sure I could handle that much drive, so we landed on an Aussie. I had not anticipated the mounds of hair coming off him every day. I often say to Bruce “I love you, but we are not getting another hairy Aussie again”. 🤣

For the third dog, I wanted optimism, and oodles of it. I’d experienced fear in both Bruce and Stella and if I could choose one thing I wanted an optimistic dog, and a smaller one, but one that wouldn’t bark too much. Spaniels were the easy choice and I happened to know a working cocker breeder, so that’s what we/I decide for our third dog. I had not anticipated the extreme optimism that made her jump on tables and chairs with no fear from 15 weeks old. 🤪

We’ve had three very different dogs, and all breeds have come with pros and cons. How did you decide on your dog’s breed or mix?

11/10/2024

Has your dog’s behaviour ever made you cry? 😔

I will admit that I have cried over my dog’s behaviour many times. People who doesn’t have “problem dogs” just can’t imagine how hard it is for your own mental well-being. If you have ever felt like you can’t handle this, or if you are the right person for your dog. I get it! I still wrestle with these feelings from time to time. 😢

This is why I’m on a mission to learn more about self-care and mindset, so I can include this in my courses in the future, because we all need support through this journey.

Today, though, I just wanted to remind you that you are enough, and that your dog is lucky to have you. Don’t forget to take some time for yourself this week to recharge your own batteries. You are allowed. 🤗

🏷 Save for a rainy day.

09/10/2024

Does your dog get stressed in new environments? 😬

I recently spoke with a club member who was struggling with her dog’s behaviour in new environments. Every time she took her dog somewhere new, he would pull intensely, refuse treats, and completely ignore her from the moment they stepped out of the car. She asked me for advice and wanted to understand why this was happening. 🤷‍♀️

The reasons behind a dog’s stress in new places can vary. Some dogs become so excited by unfamiliar smells and sights that their stress levels skyrocket. Once that stress cup overflows, your dog’s brain can no longer process learning, and even their favourite treats might be ignored.

Other dogs find the world intimidating, and their stress cup overflows due to fear, leading to the same outcome. When a dog is truly frightened, they might freeze or shut down, which can be mistaken for calmness. This is particularly common in very busy environments.

Whether your dog is excited or scared, it’s important to introduce new environments in a way that builds calmness and confidence. After reading my new blog post, you will have a step-by-step guide to how to introduce your dog to new environments in a way that creates calmness and confidence. 🙌

I have just posted my 3-step plan for making those introductions smoother and calmer for both of you, over on my blog.

Click the link below to read it!
https://ulrikamarwick.com/ntroducing-your-dog-to-new-environments-with-calmness-and-confidence/

07/10/2024

Boost Your Energy by Eating Veggies First! 🥒🥕

I’ve written before about how I struggled with low energy after lunch, and no matter how many supplements I took, it didn’t get any better. Then I saw on Instagram talking about how there are 4 simple tricks to boost your energy levels and avoid sugar lows throughout your day. I’ve already shared tip number 1—to eat a protein-rich breakfast—in a previous post.

Now it’s time for another amazingly easy tip: eat your veggies before your main meals!

Yep, it can be that simple.

In Jessie Inchauspé’s ( ) book 'The Glucose Goddess Method', she shares that this simple trick helps regulate blood sugar levels, preventing those post-meal crashes. I personally eat a carrot before lunch and dinner, and the difference in my energy is incredible! 😃

By eating fibre-rich veggies first, you're giving your body the tools to digest and absorb glucose slowly, keeping your energy steady and your cravings at bay. Why not try it out for yourself? You might be surprised at how much more fuelled and focused you feel!

What veggie will you eat before dinner? Post an emoji of it below 👇

30/09/2024

🤔 Want to know what supplement I love to recommend for stressed dogs?

This one has made a huge change for many dogs I work with and for Bruce as well. And if you are feeling a bit stressed yourself, it’s not a bad idea to add this to your daily drink. 😊

🪴 The supplement I’m talking about is Ashwagandha. This small Indian shrub is amazing for helping the body deal with stress and in humans it actually helps fight symptoms of anxiety and depression. It has been used by humans for centuries, and it’s common to see as an ingredient in many popular calming supplements.

Ashwagandha is especially good for dogs that have trouble sleeping during the day or is ‘jumpy’ in general.

recommends a dose of 50-100mg / kg of dog, and you can put it on your dog’s food and divide it in two meals.

Hit SAVE so you remember where to find this gem and the dosage in the future.👇

25/09/2024

Teach Your Reactive Dog to Relax in the Garden with These Easy Tips
Here is step 1 & 2 in my 5 step plan that will make garden time as relaxing as possible for you and your dog. Comment 🌳for all the steps.

STEP 1: Create a P*e and Poo Zone
Yep, you head me right! Your dog doesn’t heed the whole garden to do their business.

One of the first steps in creating a calm garden environment is to establish a designated p*e and poo zone. This area should be situated away from common triggers if you can, such as back fences or neighbouring gardens. The aim is to create a space that’s easily accessible but blocks out any visual triggers your dog might see.

Use a puppy pens with tarpaulins stapled to it, or go down the more permanent road and create a fence or a hedge to block the view. This set up will help your dog be calmer when going out for a quick p*e or p**p, and it’s especially important when you are not around to help them.

STEP 2: Limit Initial Garden Time - To start with
I get it, this might sound contradictory but stay with me. Keeping garden time to short, calm visits will reset their learned behaviour of barking and fence running. We want to teach them that the garden is for calmness, and doing your business, nothing else. Gradually increase the garden time as your dog learns to relax and stay calm.

STEP 3-5
Now we are ready to do some training to make sure your dog can eventually be unoccupied and still make the right choices in the garden.

Comment 🌳 for my blog post that will give you a step-by-step plan.

16/09/2024

🥦 This is why Broccoli is great to add to your dog's diet

Did you know that adding broccoli to your dog’s meals can be a game-changer for their health? This crunchy green veggie is packed with essential nutrients that can support your dog's well-being in so many ways!

The benefits of broccoli for dogs:

🫶 Rich in Vitamins:
Broccoli is loaded with vitamins C and K, which are crucial for boosting your dog’s immune system and supporting bone health. 🦴

🫶 Powerful Antioxidants:
The antioxidants in broccoli help fight off free radicals, promoting overall cellular health and reducing inflammation. This can be particularly beneficial for senior dogs.

🫶 High in Fibre:
Broccoli’s fibre content aids in digestion, helping your dog maintain a healthy weight and reducing the risk of constipation.

🫶 Detoxification Support:
The natural compounds in broccoli support liver function, helping your dog’s body detoxify more efficiently.

How to Serve 🥣
You can steam or lightly cook broccoli to make it easier for your dog to digest, or blitz it in your mixer. Start with small amounts mixed into their regular meals to see how they like it, and then add up to 5-10% of their daily ration.

Does your dog like broccoli?

09/09/2024

Read about Rut’s amazing transformation from reactive to calm! 😮

A while a got I got this post in the reactive dogs club and I wanted to share the story with you, so I have translated (and summarised) Rut’s journey here below.

In the first post, Rut’s mum described her like this:
“She is almost 3 years old and has been reactive in various ways since the age of 9-10 months. She reacts with barks, growls, and lunges of varying degrees to unknown people, children and adults, some dogs, cars, bicycles, scooters, motorbikes, runners, skiers, yes, anything that actually moves.”

In other words, Rut was a super reactive Schnauzer. 11 weeks later, she wrote this amazing post:

“Now I dare to write an update on how things are going for us and Rut.
Haven't dared to believe/hope that the progress would continue, but now so much time has passed that I cautiously dare to pinch my arm.

Warning for long post 😬

We thought we had tried “everything” already, but were not willing to give up. So, when I found Ulrika and felt that she worked differently than the previous coach/dog psychologist we had helped before, I didn't hesitate to jump in to the Reactive Dogs Club.. We had nothing to lose, only everything to gain.

Although we complained again and again that our dog was so stressed, could never relax and was constantly on the "paws", neither we nor our previous trainers incl. dog psychologist even thought about starting there, with the stress. More exercise was the constant solution, but even that didn't help.

Excited as never before, I told my husband and my parents what we had to do. A stress detox…😂. They looked confused and not nearly as convinced as me, but of course they rose to the challenge.

After a long stress detox with walks according to Ulrika's recommendation, adjustments to her diet and a fraction of the exercise we previously had on the schedule, we started to see fairly rapid progress.

Rut doesn't follow me around any more, but mostly lies in her favourite place and sleeps. She doesn't care about noises or movements around the house or outside. Although we have to actively help her when walking past dogs and people, it is very rare that she barks or lunges any more.

Today, however, we had a setback, and instead of give up, be sad, or despairing as so many times before. I saw it as a small reminder of how far we have come, and it gave me motivation to fight on. Setbacks will come from time to time.

Together with my husband and my parents, who put a lot of time and effort into helping Rut, we have reached a point when it is fun to have a dog again. Rut will never be as "easy" as our previous dogs, and we are prepared to adapt her everyday life so that she feels good, for the rest of her life.

Thank you to all of you who shared your stories. It provides motivation and sometimes comfort and thank you, Ulrika, for sharing your knowledge so generously, and in a way that allows many to share it.
Thank you 🫶”

04/09/2024

Ever feel overwhelmed by the constant advice and opinions from others about how to handle your reactive dog? It’s time to set some boundaries! Not just for your dog, but for yourself too! 💪

In my latest blog post, I share tips on how to confidently set boundaries that protect your dog’s and your own stress levels och training progress. From deciding who can pet your dog to choosing where and when you walk, it’s all about creating a peaceful space for you both.

Ready to feel more empowered? Read my latest post 👇

I know how easy it is to start listening to what everyone else is saying you should do with your dog. After reading this blog post, I promise you will feel inspired to set your own boundaries and not feel ashamed enforcing them. 

01/09/2024

Post your latest photo of your dog below and describe your dog with one emoji!

Here is mine and I would describe Bruce with this emoji 😇 because he’s the best family dog and always super nice to all people and dogs (not cats though…😬😈).

28/08/2024

How fermented vegetables can calm your reactive dog 🥬

Did you know that your dog’s diet can play a crucial role in their behaviour? If your dog is reactive, stressed, or anxious, incorporating fermented vegetables into their meals might just be the game-changer you’ve been searching for! 🧠🌱

In my latest blog post, I explore the fascinating connection between gut health and mental well-being in dogs, supported by recent studies. You’ll also find a simple, step-by-step recipe for making your own fermented vegetables at home—perfect for both you and your dog!

A healthy gut can influence emotional balance, stress responses, and in turn overall behaviour. If your dog isn’t feeling great, they won’t behave well either.