Support that goes at the pace of whoever is frightened
I help dogs who are fearful, avoidant, shut down or defensive feel safe enough to choose connection, and I help their guardians feel confident enough to support them.
What “trauma-informed” means here
I work on the understanding that a frightened dog’s past may be shaping what they do now, and I never add to the fear. That might be a past you know about, or one you can only guess at.
In practice it means we don’t push a dog through what scares them, we don’t punish fear, and we don’t ask for more than they can give that day.
Reward- and choice-based
Dogs learn best when they feel safe and when good things follow what they do. So the work is built on rewards, on predictable routines, and on giving your dog real choices, including the choice to say “not yet”.
Everything I suggest is grounded in how dogs learn and how they experience fear, explained in plain words so you can put it into practice straight away.
When fear is running the show
Fear and hiding
Dogs who hide, startle easily, or seem frightened of people, places, sounds or everyday things.
Avoidance
Dogs who keep their distance, won’t come close, or avoid touch, even from the people they live with.
Shutdown
Dogs who go quiet, freeze, or seem to have stopped trying. It can look like calm, but it often isn’t.
Defensive aggression
Dogs who growl, snap or bite when they feel trapped or frightened. We start with keeping everyone safe.
Handling, grooming and vet visits
Calm, willing handling and care: helping your dog take part in being touched, groomed and examined.
Rescue dogs settling in
Dogs with unknown histories who need time to settle, predictable days and space to feel safe.
What going at the dog’s pace can look like
Tex was one of my foster dogs. On day one, nobody hurried that first step out of the van.
Every dog’s timeline is different. Some need much longer, and that’s fine.
One step at a time
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You get in touch
Tell me a little about your dog using the short form. There’s no obligation, and I reply personally.
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We talk, or we look closer
A Triage Advice Call if you’d like to talk it through, or a One-Off Consultation if you’d like a full look and a written plan.
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You get a clear starting point
Practical first steps that fit your home, your routine and your dog, with the reasons behind them.
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We go at your dog’s pace
If you’d like more support afterwards, we’ll talk about what would help. Around Limoges, that can include in-person sessions. There’s no pressure to sign up for anything.
Your vet is part of the team
Pain and illness can change behaviour. If your dog’s behaviour has changed suddenly, or you suspect discomfort, please see your vet first. I’m always happy to work alongside them.
Guardians deserve compassion as much as their dogs do.
Living with a frightened dog is tiring and often lonely. You may have been told your dog is stubborn or dominant, or that you’re doing it wrong. You won’t hear that from me. We’ll work on what’s realistic for your life, and you’ll come away feeling capable, not dependent.
Ready to take the first step?
Choose a Triage Advice Call or a One-Off Consultation, or simply tell me about your dog and I’ll suggest which would suit you.