05/06/2026
One of my absolute favourite parts of being a behaviour veterinarian is getting to follow my patients over time and watching them show me who they really are 💙
When I first met the very handsome Mashy, he was worried. Really worried.
Having a new person come into his home was overwhelming, and he spent most of our first appointment barking at me and trying his very best to tell me that he wasn’t feeling safe.
Fast forward through our journey together… and this visit looked very different.
This time I got to see the goofy, playful, affectionate Mashy his family know and love. The highlight of my day? Playing fetch together and having Mashy trot over to present his rump for a good scratch. I think it’s safe to say we’re friends now. 🥰
These moments might seem small, but for our anxious patients they are huge.
With the dedication of his amazing guardian and family, Mashy has been learning that the world doesn’t have to feel so scary. He is:
⭐ Growing in confidence
⭐ Able to offer calmer behaviours
⭐ Recovering better from things that worry him
⭐ Becoming less reactive to environmental triggers
Behaviour change isn’t about creating a “perfect” dog. It’s about helping our dogs feel safer, giving them skills to cope, and allowing their true personalities to shine through.
This is why I love home visits. Seeing patients in their own environment helps them feel more comfortable, allows us to understand their behaviour more accurately, and gives them the best chance to show us who they really are underneath the fear.
We are SO incredibly proud of Mashy and his wonderful family for all the work they have put in.
And honestly… c’mon. Look at that gorgeous face. How could you not love him? 💙
🤔Does Mashy’s story sound familiar? 🤔
If your dog is barking, reacting, hiding, struggling with visitors, walks, handling, or everyday life - they may not be “misbehaving”. They may be struggling.
We can help you understand the why behind the behaviour and create a plan to help them feel calmer, safer and more confident.
Reach out to us to start your dog’s journey 🐾
www.synergyvetbehaviour.com.au
07 3077 5022