06/08/2026
Please read the message we received below - this is such a lovely message to receive (apart from hearing their dog was so poorly that is) - it captures exactly why we teach both obedience AND wellbeing. 🐶🥰
Our training isn’t just about cues, it’s about helping owners truly know their dogs. Their normal rhythms, their breathing, their comfort levels, the small changes that matter. When people understand what’s normal and what’s not, they can act quickly and confidently when something is wrong.
This family had a frightening time with their dog, and the baseline work, the calm vet visit routine, and the confidence to advocate in getting him the help he needed. 👌
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Can you pass on our sincere thanks to Martin for us all as indirectly he saved Dembe's life yesterday.
When we first started doing dog training with Dembe he taught us about knowing our dogs baseline . Knowing what his normal respiratory rate at relaxation was. I had tucked that knowledge away in my brain. I know Dembe has a very low respiratory rate normally when asleep. Sometimes he freaks me out as his breathing rate is so low!
Yesterday before we saw the vets I was recording his respiratory rate. It hit 44 breaths in 60 seconds whilst asleep . Armed with this knowledge I was able to advocate for Dembe and tell the vet he wasn't stressed about going to the vets - again because Martin had encouraged us to visit the vets regularly and get him weighed so the vets wasn't a scary place for him.
Had I not known about his baseline response rate I wouldn't have felt strong enough to stand up for him. Thankfully the vet knew that there was something wrong. I was even able to tell her his stomach was sore because I had done an examination before we went.
Without the knowing Martin instilled in me we could have lost him, if the vet had insisted like the first one did on Monday evening that it was just a flare up of his elbow dysplasia even though she said his stomach was tender.
I don't think people realise how valuable the knowledge is that Martin imparts in his classes and I give full permission for him to repeat or even read this message to his classes if this helps get that message to sink in, to know your dog.
Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts 💕
He's got a long road ahead of him as he's still quite poorly but we will get there, just because I knew he was showing signs of distress.
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We are so pleased to hear their lovely boy is now recovering well 🙏🐶💜
