When Denise rehomed Ollie, a one-year-old Bichon Frise cross, she was overjoyed to welcome him into her home. However, Ollie started to show signs that he was unsettled and things could be rather scary for him. He barked at visitors, people passing by, barked at men and unfamiliar objects like bags, buses, boxes and even experienced panic attacks during stressful situations. Walking wasn’t quite as relaxing as it could be with Ollie becoming unsettled around strangers and barking frantically at them.
Denise wanted to help Ollie feel safe and confident but didn’t know where to start. That’s where I came in!
Our first step was creating a sense of security in Ollie’s familiar surroundings. We began with calming activities, gentle touches on his body, and small confidence-building exercises in his home and garden. I introduced Ollie to a calming body wrap (see resources for further details) to help him feel grounded and relaxed. It’s like how we feel when we get a nice hug!
Over time, Ollie began to relax during sessions. He explored new textures and surfaces in the garden, gradually building his trust and curiosity. Denise learned how to read Ollie’s body language, giving him space and support to process new experiences at his own pace.
One of the biggest changes came during walks. Ollie, who once barked at every man on a walk was so much more relaxed. His confidence visibly grew.
Denise played a crucial role by observing Ollie’s signals and adjusting the walk to meet his needs. By responding to his body language—whether he needed more distance from a trigger, such as a man or object, or encouragement to explore—she provided the reassurance Ollie needed to feel safe.
Today, walks are a fun time together. Ollie now greets familiar faces with excitement and is confidently able to walk by the majority of people, objects and vehicles that were once so scary.
“I can’t praise Angela enough. She has the most amazing empathy and insight into animal behaviour. She is patient and non-judgmental. Ollie’s confidence has come on leaps and bounds. He absolutely loves Angela”
Let’s Help Your Dog Shine At Zen Animals, I work with pets and their people to build trust, confidence, and joy. If your dog needs support to overcome fears and enjoy life, I’m here to help. Get in touch today and let’s start their journey together.
