Heidi, a lively 4-year-old Cockapoo, has always been a bundle of energy. She’s affectionate, loves her family, and is full of zest for life. However, her boundless enthusiasm sometimes got the better of her, leading to barking for attention, pulling on the lead, and even pulling over her owner, Marion, causing a serious shoulder injury. Heidi also refused to wee or poo in the garden, leading to Marion having to take her for a late night walk before bed.
Marion was determined to help Heidi become calmer and more manageable, both at home and on walks. When she reached out to me, I was eager to help bring some calmness into their lives.
Our first session began at Marion’s home. Heidi greeted me with her signature excitement, bouncing around and barking for attention. I started by sitting quietly and introducing gentle, calming touches with my hands, encouraging her to relax.
Soon, she began to quieten down, sitting beside me and leaning into the gentle strokes. Her eyes half-closed, her ears relaxed, and her barking subsided. Each time I paused, she would nudge me for more, showing how much she enjoyed the calming interaction.
Marion shared that Heidi had always been sensitive about her legs and paws, making grooming and handling a challenge. Using small, incremental steps, I worked on desensitising these areas to help Heidi feel more comfortable with touch along her legs.
Her left front paw was the most sensitive, so we took it slowly, pausing frequently to let Heidi process and show her acceptance. By the end of the session, she allowed me to gently touch her paw—a huge step forward!
To further support Heidi’s relaxation and confidence, I introduced a calming body wrap (see resources for details). Marion was amazed at how this simple thing could help her excitable dog immediately calm and quieten down.
Working together we introduced Heidi to a different, calmer way of walking to help lead walks become safer and more enjoyable. Within a week Marion had stopped having to do late night walks in the dark as Heidi now understood how the garden was the place for her late night wee!
Helping Heidi find moments of calm wasn’t just about improving her behaviour—it was about restoring Marion’s confidence and strengthening their bond. Marion shared, “It’s incredible to see Heidi so calm and happy. I feel more confident knowing how to help her relax and enjoy our time together.”
At Zen Animals, I’m here to support pets and their people with tools and techniques that bring peace and joy to their lives.
If your dog needs a little help finding their calm, get in touch today to start their journey.
