A New Approach to Helping Anxious and Reactive Dogs
- Cat Hamilton
- Mar 20
- 4 min read
As pet caregivers, we all want the best for our dogs. But what happens when traditional solutions just aren’t enough? Many dogs are struggling with anxiety, reactivity, and trauma; and many of us as caregivers are feeling at a loss, unsure of how to help. Whether your dog is a rescue, a Covid puppy with limited socialisation, or simply struggling with anxiety, these challenges are more common than we’d like to think.
I’ve worked with many dogs on a pet sitting and Naturopathic basis and notice that what most of them need is consistency, continuity and attention to make a difference in their lives and address any mis-understood behaviours.
That’s why I’ve developed Therapeutic Intensive Reset; a unique pet sitting service designed to help dogs like yours experience lasting transformation and to guide you in building a deeper, more mindful relationship with them.
What Makes Therapeutic Intensive Reset Different from Traditional Pet Sitting?
Traditional pet sitting is simply about ensuring the dog in their care is well looked after while you’re away. The sitter will feed, walk, and play with your dog; but there’s typically no focus on changing behaviours, addressing underlying anxieties, or working with the dog’s emotional needs, meaning the pet sitter has to manage whatever the dog’s challenges are while they are there without being able to really help them or make lasting changes.
Therapeutic Intensive Reset, however, is a completely different service designed for dogs that need more than just basic care. It is a mindful, collaborative journey for dogs with deeper emotional needs; those who may have been through trauma, have anxiety, or who missed critical socialisation during their early years. The focus here is not only on the dog’s immediate needs but also on creating a lasting shift in their emotional well-being and fostering a stronger, more trusting relationship between you and your dog.
While traditional pet sitting focuses on temporary care, the Therapeutic Intensive Reset focuses on long-term transformation and giving you, the caregiver, the tools and techniques you need to continue the progress.
The Therapeutic Intensive Reset is a multi-step process that not only help
your dog reset, but also teaches you as the caregiver how to continue
supporting them when you return home.
Mindful Approach for the Caregiver
This journey begins with mindfulness; both for your dog and for you. You’ll learn how your thoughts, emotions, and actions affect your dog’s behaviour and how being more present can create a calming, supportive environment. We’ll work together to shift old patterns and build a foundation of trust.
Reset While You’re Away
While you’re on holiday or away for a few days, I’ll spend time with your dog in their own home. I’ll observe their behaviour, interactions, and environment; and guide them through a reset process. This is where the transformation begins, as I create a safe space where your dog can calm their nervous system and re-learn how to trust and feel secure. You will be given some tools and techniques to practice before coming home so you are in a place of readiness.
Progress Updates
You won’t be left in the dark. Throughout the reset, I’ll keep you updated on your dog’s progress; and you’ll see how they’re adjusting to the new approach. I’ll share insights and any breakthroughs we make, so you can feel confident in the process.
Personalised Plan for You
After the reset, I’ll create a personalised plan for you to follow when you return home. This plan will focus on what we’ve worked on during the reset and how you can continue the progress. It will include techniques, routines, and specific strategies for supporting your dog’s emotional well-being.
Post-Reset Coaching
Once you’re back home, we’ll have a 1-2-1 coaching session. This is where we’ll walk through the techniques, address any questions you may have, and ensure you feel equipped to continue the journey. You’ll leave the session with confidence and a clear understanding of how to support your dog going forward.
Why Choose Therapeutic Intensive Reset?
The Therapeutic Intensive Reset is more than just a way to manage your dog’s behaviour; it’s about creating lasting change for both your dog and you. This is not a quick fix or a temporary solution; it’s a holistic journey that focuses on rebuilding trust and emotional balance.
This service is perfect for:
Rescue dogs who may have trust issues or past trauma.
Reactive dogs who struggle with anxiety and overreactions to certain triggers.
Dogs who missed early socialisation (such as Covid puppies) and need help learning how to engage with the world in a healthy way.
Caregivers who are ready to engage more deeply with their dog’s emotional needs and make a real, lasting impact.
A Collaborative Process for Real Change
One of the things I’ve learned from working with dogs over the years is that caregivers play a critical role in the transformation process. While I’ll help guide your dog through the reset, it’s the continued partnership between you and your dog that truly leads to lasting change. That’s why I place such a strong emphasis on mindfulness and collaboration.
This service is for those who are ready to invest in their dog’s emotional well-being and are looking for a deeper, more meaningful connection with their beloved dog. Together, we’ll help your dog feel more secure, calm, and trusting in the world around them.
Is This the Right Fit for You?
If you’re a caregiver who has tried everything and feels stuck, the Therapeutic Intensive Reset might just be the solution you’ve been searching for. If your dog struggles with anxiety, reactivity, or past trauma, this service is specifically designed for them. And if you’re ready to build a deeper, more mindful relationship with your dog, then this collaborative journey is for you.
If you're ready to give your dog the reset they need and create a foundation of trust that lasts, contact me today to learn more about the Therapeutic Intensive Reset. Let's take the first step toward a calmer, more harmonious relationship with your dog. Feel free to reach out and ask me any questions.
Comments