Leo. My first dog. The one who patiently loved me through all my trials and errors, trying to figure out how to be the person he deserves.

He made me learn about dogs way beyond commands, clickers, toys and treats.

He grew up in the streets, so he was way too street-smart to be obedient just because ..

If it didn't make sense to him, he wouldn't do it.

Vets called him "ready for Hollywood" .. he knew how to put on a bit of drama.

And he knew how to put on a convincing performance to get what he wanted (like the time he limped until I turned around to head back home - where he knew my mum had started making dinner - that's when I noticed that he was now limping on the other side, just to totally forget about any limp the moment the house was in sight .. )

A huge heart in a small body.

In August it will be 3 years since he crossed the bridge.

The 16.5 years he was with me went by way too fast.

Now he’s reunited with Good Boy Cai and, as a lovely animal communicator I recently met assured me, they’re having a blast. I think she’s right.

All I can say is, never miss an opportunity to show your dog(s) that you love them. The day you wish you could, just one more time, comes way too soon.

Talking about the boys …

They were quite different in many ways but one thing united them: They both had a rough start in life, and it showed.

When I found Leo in the streets of Granada, 4 months old, he was scared of

• male voices

• broomsticks

• men in uniforms

• cars

In case of doubt, you’d find him up to the waist in a rubbish bag... It’s not hard to imagine the scenes of his early puppy life .. trying to find food in rubbish bins, chased away by the garbage men ..

Cai came to me at an age when he should have spent his days with his mum and siblings, not some drunk bloke kicking him around. I don’t know too many details, only what the guy who rescued him from that “owner” told me but growing up, Cai would

• hide in flower beds

• hide doing his business

• struggle to relax

• be hyper-sensitive around noises, people .. anything really (you can imagine him suffering through fireworks or thunderstorms ..)

I hadn’t heard of trauma in dogs then.

Since these two were my first dogs, I didn’t know that their “little quirks” weren’t “just what dogs do.”

.. until Hada arrived (she’s 10 now) - happy-go-lucky, not a worry in the world, confident, gentle but no push-over, a master at reading and making friends with dogs and people.

The youngest of the house, Spanish Mastiff Lea, spent her first two months on a farm, with both her parents, a bunch of siblings, another dog and her puppies, cats, horses, chickens, people .. she wasn’t being fussed over but she learned how to relate to other animals and people in a wonderfully natural way.

When she arrived, Hada took her under her wing and raised her into a delightful, confident goofball.

We found our way, the boys and I, but comparing them to the girls, I got to see how much those early experiences had shaped them. And yes, I wish I’d known more about how to help dogs heal from trauma and phobias so they wouldn’t have to carry the weight of their past through life.

Well, if you’d love to learn more about healing trauma and phobias in dogs too, I have a special treat for you …

Join us for the next free Live masterclass

"Healing Trauma and Phobias in Dogs" with Annie Phenix

9th July, 6:30 pm Europe
(5:30 pm UK, 12:30 am ET, 9:30 am PT)

(HERE is what time that is for you)

I’ll ask you what you’d like to know when you register AND you can join us live and ask your questions in the chat. And if you can’t make it live, register anyway, the recording will be available for a few days after the event.

The PAC fundraising Auction is finishing TONIGHT .. so if you’re up for playing - and supporting force-free trainers at the same time - head over to https://givebutter.com/c/dLjFN9/auction before midnight EST tonight.

Bookmark the page: https://givebutter.com/c/dLjFN9/auction

This week’s Pawsome Human: Becky Delli-Bovi - From Veterinary Nurse to Dog Whisperer

In this episode, I talk with Becky, a former veterinary nurse who turned her lifelong passion for animal behavior and training into a unique business.

Becky shares her experiences from her 32-year career in veterinary nursing and what led her to start Becky's Doggy Business and Cat Care in Bromsgrove, UK.

We discuss her personalized approach to dog training, emphasizing the importance of positive reinforcement, building trust, and the significance of diet in pet behavior.

Becky also recounts her emotional journey of participating in (and almost winning!) a UK Dog Trainer of the Year competition and sheds light on common behavioral issues pet owners face.

Her insights into setting up a pet-related business and maintaining client relationships are both inspiring and educational.

Grab a cuppa and join us!

Find out more and connect with Becky

Social media links:https://www.facebook.com/beckysdoggybusiness

https://www.instagram.com/beckysdoggybusiness

or take the next step with Good Dog Level 1

Gift yourself a time-out and listen in on our conversation https://share.descript.com/view/zvUJORayzxC

If you prefer to listen ... subscribe to the PODCAST

It’s on Apple podcasts and everywhere else, so you can access it from your favourite podcast app.

If you enjoy listening, please consider leaving a rating and review so other dog lovers can find the show and join the doggie fun.

If you’re not using Apple podcasts, GoodPods is a great app that makes that easy.

Is your dog struggling in the car?

Annie Phenix has finished her new course where she shares how she managed to help her dogs overcome their car phobia for good, and how you can help your dogs too.

It’ll be launched very soon AND ..

You can get your hands on it for a steal right now by bidding for it .. https://givebutter.com/c/dLjFN9/auction/items/482934 (but only until midnight EST tonight)

Are you a canine professional?

A trainer, coach, behaviorist, nutritionist, holistic vet, or other canine expert with a holistic, kindness-first approach?

Would you like to be a guest on the podcast? Do you know someone you think would make a great guest? Is your business ready for an upgrade to lift the limits on how much you can earn, without working even more, or hiring a big team?

Go (or send them) to https://soultouchedbydogs.com/pros

Check out the Shop

How about a mug with a picture of YOUR dog, for your morning coffee or as a gift, using the proceeds to sponsor dogs in need and help the people who help dogs?

If you’d like one, hit reply and let me know.

Send me a good-quality photo of your dog and I’ll create the design and send you a link where you can purchase it.

They get made to order so it takes 10-12 days to arrive. €15 + shipping.

(Shipping depends on where you are of course but will be somewhere around €5-12. I’ll check for you before I go and create the design, so there won’t be any surprises)

Get your Soul Touched by Dogs t-shirt

The moment I had the idea for the mugs, I knew I also wanted t-shirts 😝 and I’m super happy with mine 🐾🐾😊😊

If you want, you can get yours here https://mavericks.tpopsite.com/product/t-shirt-woman-soul-touched-by-dogs-dark-blue (they come in a few different colours)

If it doesn’t come in your size, let me know. I do work with another supplier so we can find an option that works for you.

Just like with the mugs, the proceeds will be donated to help dogs in need.

And as always ..

If you know another Soul Touched by Dogs, please send them to https://soultouchedbydogs.com 🙏🙏🐾🐾

Until next week,

Anke