10/07/2026
Little Doris 🥰
I come from a medical background, and as such a huge part of becoming a competent professional is recognising your own limitations, planning further development accordingly, referring on to appropriate professionals when required and working collaboratively to provide the best care possible.
This is something which I have taken into my role as a dog trainer. It’s important to me that whatever case I take on, that I am confident that I have the skills to help that dog and their owner. It’s also important that I am aware of my own limitations and recognise when a dog may require input from other professionals such a vets or behaviourists who may then refer on to other canine professionals accordingly. ( or I sometimes refer on to another trainer with the appropriate skill set or service which I do not offer)
As many of you know, I have worked with Doris from when she first came home as a puppy. She didn’t have the best start from her breeder unfortunately, and although she has absolutely smashed basic training she has also had various issues in relation to sound sensitivity and fearful behaviours, which I’m pleased to say are getting much better now. It’s important that the trainer you work with has the experience and wherewithal to recognise when a dog may require input from other professionals or when a dog may well have a medical condition that requires attention. If a dog’s behaviour is caused by pain, you will not be able to train and change that behaviour unless that pain is addressed.
Since working with Doris and her owners she has been to her vet and various veterinary specialists and has been and continues to be treated for a few issues which have very likely been a contributing factor to some of the behaviours she was displaying. Thankfully since addressing underlying medical conditions one of which was exacerbated by an injury, Doris is continuing to improve her confidence and is generally a much more relaxed and happy dog.
Here’s Doris at hydrotherapy last week. Big shout out to Ellen from Craven Canine Wellness who is fabulous, and also a big shout out to Doris’ humans too, who have been super dedicated and patient and I’m so proud of you both, and Doris obvs 🥰
