Have You Ever Felt Judged as a Dog Owner?

Either by other Dog Owners or a Dog Professional, like your dog’s vet, trainer or groomer? Or seen judgement being passed too much on social media?

If you are anything like me then that judgement will increase your anxiety in certain situations, stop you interacting with these people again prevent worse, it may prevent you from asking for help when you most need it.

I get it. Believe me.

There have been times in my life when my ADHD had let me forget certain things that other’s viewed as important. All because i was focussing on the wrong thing. Not just in the dog world but in my previous Science/Navy careers. The mere fact i get my left and my right mixed up causes no end of frustration too. And the more i get laughed at, looked down upon or just sneered at, the more i judge myself too. Which makes me feel even worse.

And at 48 years old, i still find i pass judgement on myself but to a lesser extent. I also find that giving myself more compassion when i make a mistake goes a long way too. Surrounding myself with people who accept me for “me” e.g. communities like The Big One and Outside The Box have been instrumental in this. And this “inclusion” and “acceptance” is what i strive to help owners with too. Whatever their background, orientation or mental state.

SO that is why is one of my main values is “No Judgement”.

Because no-one can know everything.

Each and every single one of us has a different genetic make-up, had an individual upbringing with unique experiences over our lifetimes, however many years we have been on this planet. And this means that we deal with certain situations differently than the person standing next to us.

So if we don’t know what we don’t know, then why judge someone on that? Especially when they are trying to learn the right way?

Aside: if you are a dog professional and have told your client multiple times to brush their dog more often between appointments so that their fur does not get matted… Have you considered explaining it in a different way?

• In a way that THEY would understand?
• Maybe explain HOW they could add it to their busy daily routine?
• Maybe explaining how doing it the right way would help them bond with their dog rather it being seen as a punishment?

I’m a firm believer that we need to teach in a way the student understands, not to bark orders at them. This teaching ideal has only been increased after learning how different neurospicy characters learn. I have really gelled with leaders in my life who have worked with me to explain the why and how.

So after 16 years of struggling with certain aspects of both my Science career and my Navy Reserve career (yes during the same period of time, i’m not that old!), i can now run my life and business the way that feels right to me. Seeking to understand and be understood. oh and have a giggle on the way, obviously.

As i write this, i realised I’ve worked in the Dog World for 10 years now.

And in that time SO much has changed in the Dog Community.

We know more about Pet Nutrition. 

We have more Doggy Daycare’s and Dog Homeboarding places than ever before.

We know more about Canine Arthritis, Muscles, Fascia and Chronic Pain.

We know more about Enrichment and Sleep Hygiene.

We even understand the importance of mental health, positive reinforcement and pain related behaviours to optimise our pet’s quality of lives.

We understand the benefit of Holistic approaches to Pet Care, Treatments and Therapies.

A dog is not just a dog anymore, they are a treasured member of our family… and the grief we feel when they pass is real and understood by so many others.

But i see WAY too much judgement out there in the dog community!

When you work with me, we start with a clean slate: no judgement!

Any chronic pain i may find in your dog’s muscles IS NOT YOUR FAULT. 

Any laminate flooring or other house stresses is based on what you know up to this point.

Any habits you have let your dog have that are adding to a muscular injury is based on what you know up to this point.

The fact you have contacted me to ask a question about dog’s pain or canine massage or injury prevention tips mean that you care. 

It means we can work together and i can empower you to make the right decisions from this point: 

• Canine Massage can significantly help reduce pain and the hypertonicity in any of your dog’s individual muscles or major muscle groups. 
• Any injury prevention tips we discuss may reduce the incidence of intermittent limping or help them
• Taking action on BOTH of these gives a very big possibility that your dog would get an improved quality of life and you would feel better about the whole situation too.

Judging Your Own Past Actions Just Causes Heartache.

We can only do something in the present so that we may change the future.

And together i’d love to help you help your dog in a way that feels great for you.

I can work alongside you as well as your Vet, Groomer or Behaviourist to explain the optimal way we can work together for the benefit of your dog. Especially if your dog is getting older and their symptoms have been swept under the carpet due to “age”.

Because the number of “old” dogs that i have helped live longer, happier lives gives my heart joy. 

Whether that’s walking farther each day before wanting to come back, having extra energy around the house, playing with other dogs or toys again.

I offer Muscular MOTs for just £10 at Dog’s Diner each wednesday to see whats going on or can organise to come to you if needed.

For info, my other values are:

• Acceptance
• Honesty/Integrity
• Positive Solution Mindset
• “Spreading smiles every day”
• Reducing emotional and physical pain where i can

…oh and yes i believe in World Peace too… oi, no judgement 😉

So please come have a chat about any of your concerns about your dog’s health. My phone is always on silent so you can even WhatsApp me in the middle of the night if it is stopping you sleeping. I’m here to help be a sounding board.

I may work with dog’s but i don’t bite. And i don’t judge either x