Movement and Lifestyle Consultations

Like most of us, I thought I knew a lot about canine wellbeing - I did, but this was based on a generic, veterinary based  understanding that wasn’t specific to each dog as an individual.

Nothing made this more apparent than when I rescued my border collie, Holly. She’d been passed around and had various homes in her 3 years on this planet. Each home failed because she was just too much to handle and was becoming ‘unpredictable’.

In sad reality, she was screaming out in the hope that someone would hear her. They didn’t - and so it got worse.

When I rescued Holly I had to learn a lot. I had to step away from my pre conditioned beliefs and listen to what she was saying.

Because everything dogs do is for a reason. We need to listen to what they are telling us they need, and only when that need is met will that behaviour cease.

I realised that health it isn’t just about physical health, as my master’s degree and years of veterinary experience had led me to believe.

There are a number of factors like environment, mental health, autonomy and outlets to consider. Only when all of these are in harmony can we truly see our dog’s life be fulfilled.

So, I worked to create a safe environment for Holly, and once her stress levels had come down, I added the right outlets, and worked on her core strength and balance so she could continue doing what she loves without pain or injury.

Most importantly, I made sure that when she told us something, she was always listened to. Now she never has to raise that voice to be heard, and as a result those adverse behaviours have dissipated.

We still work on our wheel everyday, but we’ve been on quite a journey and come a very long way!