Five years ago, I rescued a one-year-old German Shepherd named Mia. Eager to help her adjust, I dove headfirst into dog training advice online. But with so much conflicting information, I felt completely lost.

Seeking professional help, I met with a trainer who suggested a surprising solution for Mia's reactivity: shoving treats in her mouth every time she saw another dog.

The trainer took us to a park bustling with other dogs. She then proceeded to repeatedly shove treats down Mia's throat whenever she reacted. This force-feeding approach was clearly counterproductive. Mia, overwhelmed and scared, barely registered the treats. In fact, her reactivity worsened with each attempt.

Undeterred, I sought another trainer with experience specific to German Shepherds. This new approach emphasized dominance – I was to embody a "firm, no-nonsense owner." The trainer even recommended a bizarre technique: shaking a bottle filled with rocks whenever Mia reacted to another dog.

Initially, this method appeared successful. Mia's barking ceased for a week, as I mimicked the trainer's actions. However, the victory was short-lived. This dominance-based approach came at a significant cost. Mia's anxiety skyrocketed. She stopped seeking comfort from me, refused cuddles, and developed a constant, frantic pacing habit at home. Additionally, she became fearful whenever I approached her. It became clear that suppressing her barking wasn't a solution; it was destroying our bond. The "fix" was worse than the initial problem.

Looking back, with my current knowledge of dog behavior, it's clear what happened. These forceful methods pushed Mia into a state of learned helplessness, also known as dorsal shut down. Faced with fear from both the dogs and the loud bottle I used (her supposed source of safety), she became overwhelmed and shut down emotionally.

While the lack of barking might have seemed like progress, it was a dangerous illusion. Studies show that these methods simply suppress outward behavior and actually elevate stress hormones. Essentially, Mia was so scared her body just froze. This shutdown wasn't a solution, it was a sign of her deep distress.

My journey took a positive turn in 2019 when I began attending the Wolf and Dog Development Centre. Under the guidance of my mentors , Kim and Shaun Ellis, I continue to learn and refine my skills. 

This experience has provided me with an in-depth understanding of dog and wolf rehabilitation and  behaviour, far exceeding any other program I've encountered in the UK.

The Hemene™ Approach, developed by the Ellises, focuses on working with a dog's natural character and social and emotional development. It recognizes the equal importance of the human's emotional intelligence and fosters a strong relational connection with our dogs. This philosophy deeply resonated with me. I chose to undergo there instructor program. 

Since 2019 I made a significant career shift, leaving my television path behind to begin working at dog kennels. I gained invaluable experience across two different facilities. This hands-on experience fueled my desire to learn more while I embarked on in-depth studies of wolf and dog behavior at the Wolf and Dog Development Center.

I was offered a dog behaviourist traineeship at Paws at the Junction. Within a few months, my dedication and the effectiveness of the Hemene™ Approach were recognized, and I was promoted to Behaviourist. Under my guidance, the business transitioned away from traditional methods, embracing a more holistic approach rooted in canine psychology and emotional well-being.

After 18  months working with over 1,000 clients, I felt empowered to take the next step. Fueled by a desire to reach even more dogs and their humans, I decided to establish my own business - Holistic Dog Behaviour.