The Dog Alchemist

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The Dog Alchemist Marie Choo is The Dog Alchemist, a Dog Behaviourist and Trainer in Singapore since 2011.

You know what they say about a fit body can make any outfit look good? Here’s my usual dog walking “uniform” of  cropped...
21/08/2024

You know what they say about a fit body can make any outfit look good? Here’s my usual dog walking “uniform” of cropped top and Airism shorts.

Abs are made in the kitchen. 90% is what and how you eat. 10% is what and how you train.

No magic pill. No short cut.
Mindset. Discipline. Period.



Money shot today, featuring blvck beauty Poppy.Combining my love of dogs and photography.
16/08/2024

Money shot today, featuring blvck beauty Poppy.

Combining my love of dogs and photography.

Oops, we did it again. Back to  for the giant wall of Kaws x Andy Warhol for an impromptu photoshoot.
15/08/2024

Oops, we did it again.

Back to for the giant wall of Kaws x Andy Warhol for an impromptu photoshoot.

More than just a walkie. 🐶When I take on a woofy as my regular walking client, I will correct their bad behaviours and c...
14/08/2024

More than just a walkie. 🐶

When I take on a woofy as my regular walking client, I will correct their bad behaviours and cultivate good manners.

In addition, the collateral perks include amazing pics and vids taken by me. 😎📸

This is Alfie, the superpawdel who strutted along Orchard Road today. Say hi to us if you see us next time. 👋🏻🐾

I finally have a Sheltie as a regular woofy client.Meet Kimchi. 🫰🏻
07/08/2024

I finally have a Sheltie as a regular woofy client.

Meet Kimchi. 🫰🏻

Took 100 tries just to get 1 money shot. 😎
30/07/2024

Took 100 tries just to get 1 money shot. 😎

The best mornings are with those we love. Some may think I’m cray to wake up at 5am every morning to walk the woofies, b...
24/07/2024

The best mornings are with those we love.

Some may think I’m cray to wake up at 5am every morning to walk the woofies, but if they experience the immense joy that I do, they would do the same too.

Life is 10% what gets thrown at you, but 90% how you respond to it. My life is still as awesome, albeit a few little road blocks. I live everyday like it’s my last, and I do what makes me happy.

I wish you a fantastic day ahead. Live life, not simply survive. 🎈

Amor Vincit Omnia. Love Conquers All.
12/07/2024

Amor Vincit Omnia. Love Conquers All.



I didn’t work out more or do crunches. I walk a lot daily for my work, 10-20km daily.I am not on any restrictive diet no...
11/07/2024

I didn’t work out more or do crunches. I walk a lot daily for my work, 10-20km daily.

I am not on any restrictive diet nor am I counting calories. I merely cut out/down drastically rice, noodles, bread and pasta. I eat good amount of protein at every meal. I don’t usually snack between meals. I choose whole foods as much as possible.

I am living example that it is possible for women to have defined abs by incorporating simple lifestyle habits and biochemistry hacks for nutrition.

If you are keen for me to be your trainer, DM me for more info. I hope to share my knowledge with more people on how I achieve my lean and fit physique, but still enjoy life and food.



The best thing about my life and my job is the dogs that I get to love and hold.I become best pawddies with them. As muc...
26/06/2024

The best thing about my life and my job is the dogs that I get to love and hold.

I become best pawddies with them. As much as I bring them joy when I take them out for walks or play with them at home, the love and joy they give me are priceless.

I think I am Logan’s new bestie. What do you think?I walk him 3x a week. It has been a month and he gets better with eac...
11/05/2024

I think I am Logan’s new bestie. What do you think?

I walk him 3x a week. It has been a month and he gets better with each walk.

All the doggies that I walk weekly are like my own furkids in a way, and our bonds get deeper as the days go by.

Fitness and health is a lifestyle.About 3 weeks ago, I started eating better to set a good example for my PT clients. I ...
29/04/2024

Fitness and health is a lifestyle.

About 3 weeks ago, I started eating better to set a good example for my PT clients.

I lost 1.5kg just by eating better, cutting out unnecessary sugar and practising some biochemistry hacks. I regained my metabolic flexibility and my body is now able to switch to burning fats and not solely rely on the glucose that I ingest frequently.

My sugar cravings are gone, along with my cravings for certain processed foods. It’s amazing how our body can recalibrate if we take good care of our nutrition.

As a Fitness Lifestyle Trainer, I don’t just teach my clients how to exercise. I also guide them on what to eat, how to meal prep, when to eat, and some biochemistry hacks to reduce glucose spikes and foods to avoid. A training session also entails going to the supermarket together.

I truly enjoy putting my fitness and nutrition knowledge to good use, ans helping others achieve their fitness goals and to stay healthy.

So if you are looking for a PT from a sustainable lifestyle perspective, DM me to find out how I may be able to help you lose fats, alleviate metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure, pre/diabetics).



Health & Fitness is part of my lifestyle.It is my daily habit, but not an obsession.Just like how we have to brush our t...
17/04/2024

Health & Fitness is part of my lifestyle.
It is my daily habit, but not an obsession.

Just like how we have to brush our teeth and shower daily, I need to move and work out daily.

I don’t run these days. I walk a lot. I get paid to walk my woofy clients. I clock about 10-15km average on a daily basis.

When I do cardio at the gym, I will either walk on the steepest incline on the treadmill for 30 mins, stair master for 20mins, or interval training on the elliptical machine for 30 mins.

I do strength training to build muscle and as a form of functional fitness to aid my mobility in my daily life.

A lot of people have the misconception that running is a good weight loss exercise. Like any form of overtraining, it might backfire when you get injuries (from bad running form) and make you sick or put on weight (increase in cortisol coz you over stressing your body).

Another misconception that most people have is that you have to do a lot of abs workout to have defined abs. What I do is to eat relatively well by eating more of unprocessed whole foods and moderate indulgence of sweets and processed food.

I don’t count calories or macros. When I enjoy unhealthy food, I enjoy without guilt but with mindfulness. If you have 70-80% good healthy eating habits and you move daily, your body will take care of itself.

Another important habit I live by is I try to go to sleep by 11pm the latest.

Last but not least, as much as I take care of my physical form, I am also constantly learning and sharpening my mind, and cultivating a positive mindset.

I don’t partake in small talks, gossips or surround myself with negativity. I love being alone but I do share my time selectively with a small handful of people.



My recent trip to Busan was such a blast, in part thanks to my good travel buddy . 😎✌🏻We weren’t close friends before Bu...
30/03/2024

My recent trip to Busan was such a blast, in part thanks to my good travel buddy . 😎✌🏻

We weren’t close friends before Busan, but I can safely say we are buddies now. We shared our stories with each other over many cuppas, went on adventures together, created memories together, savoured delish Korean food, and even got naked in a jjimjilbamg!

Those who know me will know that I could travel alone and need no company. However, for Busan trip, I wanted to have a companion so I can order more food at meal times to sample more dishes. 😂

We reconnected in Sep last year. Met up for Kway Chap in Oct. Diane was in Busan last year and that planted a seed in my head to ask her if she wanted to explore Busan with me. We planned and booked for our trip in Mar within a week, and the rest is history!

Thanks Diane, for being an independent, easy-going, and non-emo travel buddy. ✌🏻❤️




Some asked me why I stopped running trails and participating in ultra races or marathons. So it brought back some memori...
07/03/2024

Some asked me why I stopped running trails and participating in ultra races or marathons. So it brought back some memories and I decided to share in this post. 😎

I was supposed to go for my UTMB race in 2020 when Covid hit. I earned my slot to run by strategically planning my races as a rookie runner. It was also the same year that I had to do an appendectomy right after coming back from my first attempt at a 100miler at Tarawera. I DNF at 121km coz the pain affected my performance. Then I got a corporate job that literally took my health and left me no time to pursue what I love to do.

Fast forward to 2022. I left my corporate job. I decided to study TCM. In 2023, I lost my beloved dog, Ash, and decided to walk dogs for others.

While studying TCM, I have gained new insights and I decided I don’t want to overstrain my body by overtraining and exposing myself to the harsh elements such as the hot sun and cold wet nights, not to mention the lack of sleep if we run overnight.

I had a great time as a marathon runner and ultra trail runner. I discovered that I am tough and could achieve my “impossible” if I put in the effort to train and have the courage to overcome my fear of darkness, insects, ghosts and what not. 😂

I still love the trails and mountains, and will also try to incorporate an element of it on my travels.

I don’t have time to run these days as I walk a lot for my job. I get paid to walk dogs and I love it. I think I will start running again when Butter (my soon-to-be 14yo Sheltie) leaves me. I will then have time at 530am to run when I no longer have the chance to walk her.

For now, I enjoy my life as a free spirit. I no longer have to post about my running gear and products as a brand ambassador. It is liberating to pursue my own fitness without any obligations.

I may take part in a 50km trail race again in future. Never say never and I never know if I may. For now, I do my best to stay fit and strong, and look and feel the best that I can in my own little ways. Hwaiting! 🥳




Alfie, the top dawg. 😎Disclaimer: No dog was harmed during the photoshoot. No slip leash was used, only tasty kibbles an...
20/01/2024

Alfie, the top dawg. 😎

Disclaimer: No dog was harmed during the photoshoot. No slip leash was used, only tasty kibbles and fast hands (need to take pics within 3secs before he drops the shades). 😂







I have over 13 years of experience working with dogs, and I honed my skills working with Singapore Specials and abandone...
17/01/2024

I have over 13 years of experience working with dogs, and I honed my skills working with Singapore Specials and abandoned dogs with fear and aggression at the animal shelters.

I don’t advocate the use of slip leash, shock collar or choke chain as part of training or rehabilitation. Good training is one that combines the understanding of canine behaviour and the genuine love for dogs. It takes time and patience to train a dog, especially dogs with issues.

You will never see me putting dogs in danger just for the sake of showing off and to take IG-worthy pics or vids.

In light of the recent incident of dog handlers (I won’t even call them trainers) mistreating dogs just to line them up for photo-taking, I went to check out the other vids of the company.

The company offers fast and immediate results for training, and takes pride in not using choke chain and shock collars, and that no food or treats are needed. A slip leash is a form of choking tool and is aversive, so I think the founder doesn’t understand the true meaning of dog behaviour and training.

When you break a dog’s spirit in the guise of training, it is no different to how they used to do it in circuses in the old days. Abusing animals into compliance just for show and display. In this case, owners pays you good money and put their trust in you, but you treat their beloved furkids and put on a freak show by doing a pack walk in public as if it is the fashion runway.

I saw them in Orchard Road last month. It was a hot morning and I saw at least 20 dogs taking turns to line up for photos with the X’mas decor. My first thought was “do you give the dogs water breaks” coz I give a water break to my dogs every 20-25mins or so. I check my Garmin watch as a reminder of how long we have walked and when to hydrate. It’s just a habit I retained as an ultra runner.

However, it gives the public a chance to learn about the concept of “learned helplessness” and “flooding” method. I found a really good article explaining this and am sharing it here.

The proper way is to “desensitise” and “counter condition” a dog that displays reactivity and aggression behaviour. This is what I guide my clients to do. It takes time and patience, but is a safe and sustainable way to help a dog.

Pawrents, please choose your trainer and caretaker carefully. There are good trainers, walkers and daycare places, so ask around and do your due dilligence and avoid those who will hurt your furkids. 🐶

Article source: https://thedogworks.biz/free-resources/learned-helplessness-what-does-it-mean-to-a-fearful-dog #:~:text=The%20dog%20has%20stopped%20moving,a%20state%20of%20learned% I have over 13 years of experience working with dogs, and I honed my skills working with Singapore Specials and abandoned dogs with fear and aggression at the animal shelters.

A pawfect morning coz the rain held up for us, and Butter could walk all the way to and fro Clarke Quay, albeit a leisur...
27/12/2023

A pawfect morning coz the rain held up for us, and Butter could walk all the way to and fro Clarke Quay, albeit a leisurely pace. Butter may be 13.5yo but she can sure keep up with the young ones.

Took some nice pics of her and Archie against murals and nice backdrops.








Merry Christmas! 🐶🐶🎄🥳❤️May your days be filled with joy and love.Thank you for being a part of our life journey.
24/12/2023

Merry Christmas! 🐶🐶🎄🥳❤️

May your days be filled with joy and love.

Thank you for being a part of our life journey.


It has been 7 months since little Ash crossed over the rainbow bridge. 🌈🐶I wanted to give an update on the grieving proc...
16/12/2023

It has been 7 months since little Ash crossed over the rainbow bridge. 🌈🐶

I wanted to give an update on the grieving process. Some of you were there right from the beginning and saw me through a roller coaster of emotions, as well as a series of unfortunate incidents in my life following her sudden departure.

For those who followed my stories closely, you would know I am the happiest now, having allowed myself to grief in my own way that I needed, and not having to succumb to societal expectations.

As painful and challenging when death comes knocking on our door, it is also a good teacher. I learnt and was reminded that death is a constant and given, and we must not have attachments to physical beings or material things.

I still miss Ash very much and will occasionally shed some tears, but I smile daily when I think of her and recall the happy memories we shared over the past 11.5years.

I know it is not farewell, and the goodbye will be a new hello either in this lifetime again or the next.

What is important is I didn’t have any regrets coz I gave her the best life I could, created many wonderful memories together.

The day will come when Butter has to go. For now, I spend everyday well with Butter, enjoying simple walks and cherishing our little moments together.

I wish for all pet owners who have lost their beloved pets the same inner peace and closure. For pet owners who are still living with their furkids, a reminder to spend quality time with them and take lots of vids and pics. ❤️








Why get The Dog Alchemist to walk your dog on a regular basis?Besides instilling good habits and correcting unwanted beh...
13/12/2023

Why get The Dog Alchemist to walk your dog on a regular basis?

Besides instilling good habits and correcting unwanted behavioural traits as an experienced Dog Behaviourist & Trainer, I also take the doggos to explore new places and take IG-worthy pics of them for your keepsake. 🐶🙃








I may be biased but I have to say my dog is ageing well.Butter is 13.5 yo but she looks younger than her age. She walks ...
09/12/2023

I may be biased but I have to say my dog is ageing well.

Butter is 13.5 yo but she looks younger than her age. She walks 3-4km daily, eats nutritious meals, and I ensure she takes her supplements daily at brekkie (Omega-3, Joints, and multi-vit for Senior Dogs).

I hope she can be healthy and live for as long as she can. Come what may, I will be here for her till her last breath. When it’s time for her to go meet Ash, I’ll be brave and will be strong, for Ash’s passing taught me well. ❤️







Took Pablo to check out Clarke Quay this morning for our regular Fridate.We took some great pics on our little explorati...
08/12/2023

Took Pablo to check out Clarke Quay this morning for our regular Fridate.

We took some great pics on our little exploration.







Back to back woofy training seshs for Rudi the Mini Golden Doodle and Chester the Cavapoo.I arranged it as such so the h...
11/11/2023

Back to back woofy training seshs for Rudi the Mini Golden Doodle and Chester the Cavapoo.

I arranged it as such so the hoomans and woofies can meet.

Just like a Kdrama plot, both woofies turned out to be from the same pet shop and their barkdays are only 1 day apart! Both are almost 6 months old.









Their friendship surprised me, given their 10-year age gap.  It proves that sometimes the best things happen when we lea...
27/10/2023

Their friendship surprised me, given their 10-year age gap. It proves that sometimes the best things happen when we least expect it to.

Pablo has the tendency to be reactive to other dogs he meets on his walks. I’m working on getting him to “look at me” and “sit” on command when I know he’s about to react.

However, he was totes ok with Butter when they met by chance one day on their walks. Perhaps it is coz he knows me, or perhaps it’s also coz Butter is calm. Maybe the stars were simply aligned.

Pablo came to my place for daycare once, and Butter wasn’t jealous and even let him in her bed. They simply enjoyed each other’s presence.

These days, I bring Butter along when I walk Pablo. Pablo will usually bark at “intruders” but he was calm and quiet when we enter his apartment. Even his owners are surprised that he can “accept”another dog in the apartment.

I hope this newfound friendship can last for years. Just need Butter to live a long and healthy life to keep up with Pablo.








12/10/2023

Check out Marie Choo's video.

Ash, I miss you a lot. ❤️The thing about grief is it’s always in my heart as long as I live. Your life taught me uncondi...
04/10/2023

Ash, I miss you a lot. ❤️

The thing about grief is it’s always in my heart as long as I live. Your life taught me unconditional love, your death taught me resilience.

I became a better person when Butter and you came into my life. Your sudden departure gave me clarity and the courage to live my life my way right now.

It has been a dramatic year. I’m a better person in my own eyes. I’m truly happy. I smile when I wake up at 430am to enjoy quiet walks with Butter.

I am grateful to have woofy clients coz they gave me my ikigai.

I became even more of an introvert. A good day is when I don’t have to see anyone, with the exception of dogs.

The only thing that could make my life better now is to have you by my side, to cuddle you again, stroking your beautiful face and going for our walks.



I’m the most fashionable dog along the river today.Styled in vintage  scarf and  shades.Living a chic life, one fabulous...
26/08/2023

I’m the most fashionable dog along the river today.

Styled in vintage scarf and shades.

Living a chic life, one fabulous day at a time. 😎






Our pawrents recently got us a woofy nanny who used to work in the fashion industry.If you wanna look chic and cool like...
24/08/2023

Our pawrents recently got us a woofy nanny who used to work in the fashion industry.

If you wanna look chic and cool like the fashionistas that we are looking now, you need The Dog Alchemist. 😎

Stay tuned for our sartorial woofy adventures!

Models:

Scarves:


Sunglasses:








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