Latest news with #RoyalVeterinaryCollege
Daily Mirror
01-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
Dog trainer warns UK Cockapoo lovers to be wary of 5 things before adopting
A dog trainer has urged anyone considering adopting a Cockapoo to make five considerations before bringing the cute breed into your home Dogs are a man and woman's best friend, they have been for years and that will never likely change. But there's a lot to think when adopting a dog for the first time. There's the obvious ones: do I have enough time to dedicate to my dog? Will they slot into my family life? Will we commit to walking our dog daily? Dogs are needy animals that require love, care, nourishment, stimulation and affection for a happy and fulfilled life. One breed that has tipped the ranks of popularity in recent years is the Cockapoo, a cross-breed between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. They are a delight to look at, with their fluffy coats, beady eyes, and tonnes of energy. According to the Royal Veterinary College, Cockapoos and French Bulldogs are officially the UK's most popular puppies. The PDSA also says Cockapoos have obtained the fifth position for the top overall breed in the UK. While absolutely adorable to be around, many owners can underestimate just how much work a Cockerpoo is, according to dog trainer and behaviourist Shelina Duke from With The Flo. She said: 'Cockapoos are a joy, funny, bright and full of character. But they're not toys or accessories. They need real training, real enrichment and real commitment.' She has listed five considerations to mull over before adopting a Cockerpoo, from handling to characteristics and even to the amount of fluff these bundles of cuteness shed. They're not easy to handle Believe it or not, Cockapoos are at the top of the list for first-time owners. But their behaviour isn't as cute as their looks, according to Shelina. She explained: 'They're incredibly intelligent and full of energy. If you don't give them enough stimulation, they'll find their own fun, and it's usually the destructive kind.' It's hard to keep up with the fluffiness Everyone loves a 'hypoallergenic' dog, but their curly coat requires a lot of work - and it's quite time-consuming. 'Some cockapoos shed, some don't, but all of them need brushing, trimming and regular professional grooming. I've seen so many dogs have to be shaved due to painful matting,' she added. They get very attached easily Cockapoos are very affectionate, but that comes with a catch you should be aware of - when left alone, they can struggle a lot. Shelina said: 'Without early independence training, they're prone to separation anxiety, which is stressful for both the dog and the owner.' Dog training is important It's always rewarding when your dog listens to your commands. Taking care of your dog isn't only taking them for walks, but also training them mentally! 'They come from two working breeds, so their brands need a workout. Tricks, agility, scent work, anything that gives them purpose helps prevent boredom and bad behaviour,' she commented. Cockapoos are friendly, but it takes time Dogs aren't naturally sociable. They need to get used to certain environments and see the same faces in order to fully express themselves. Shelina added: 'They need proper exposure to people, places and other dogs from a young age. Without it, they can become nervous or even reactive. It's all about getting the foundations right early on.'
Metro
11-05-2025
- Health
- Metro
I wish I had put my anxious dog down sooner
Last May I sat on the floor of my kitchen with my husband and our vet, sobbing and holding onto the now-peaceful body of my first dog, Jess. After months managing the symptoms of a brain tumour we had made the difficult decision to put her to sleep. We'd planned a weekend doing her favourite things, feeding her seafood and cuddling on the sofa but in the end she was suffering too much so we brought forward her euthanasia. Watching her fall asleep for the last time was a relief. The stress and pain left her body and we were able to share a moment of calm with our sleeping girl before she left us. Little did I know that, just three weeks later, I'd be making the same decision for my other dog, Otto. Knowing when to let your dog go is notoriously difficult and was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. And yet the fact that 91% of dog deaths in the UK involve euthanasia means it's a decision most of us will have to face. Talking with my Instagram followers in the months since our dogs passed, I discovered that it's rare to find someone who feels they got the timing right. I know I certainly have regrets – the main one being that, in both my dogs' cases, I wish we'd done it sooner. Otto, an Italian Greyhound, was 18 months old when he came to live with us after a frightening fall-out with another dog in his household. While we'd been told that he was scared of being touched or approached, within a few days of bringing him home we realised that Otto's problems were far more extreme than we suspected. In fact, it soon became clear he was terrified of us. If he sensed our attention on him he'd often be so frightened that his body would tremble and his knees would knock together. He was also too scared to let us take his collar on and off or attach his lead. To try and establish trust, we took it in turns to sleep on an airbed in our kitchen with him for the first two weeks. But all he'd do was eye us warily from the other side of the room. On a couple of occasions he crept into bed with me at night, only to scream and bolt if I moved unexpectedly in my sleep. Desperate to help him any way we could, we took him to our vet but it was quickly apparent that physical exams, scans and tests would only traumatise him further. Luckily, our vet helped us to start Otto on a course of anti-anxiety medications. They seemed to take the edge off slightly – enough to make us want to explore more. Then, with the help of a clinical behaviourist from the Royal Veterinary College, we tried and tested treatment options to see what he would respond to. From what we could tell, Otto's brain appeared to be malfunctioning, flooding him with stress hormones. It explained why he was spending hours each day in fight or flight mode, skidding around the house and screaming at sudden movements. For a year we experimented with different medications, developing a complicated routine to make sure he got what he needed at the right times of day. There were times we thought it might be working but they were always short-lived and followed by dramatic regressions. The shrieking would worsen, he would barely eat and the only times we saw him were when he skidded out of a room, panicked, as we walked in. Finally, as we hadn't seen much improvement with Otto, our vet raised euthanasia as an option. To help us make the decision our behaviourist encouraged us to try to measure Otto's quality of life on a scale from 'a life worth living' to 'a life worth avoiding'. And when we did, the balance between positive and negative experiences in his life was strongly weighted towards the negative. The reality was that, some days, we still weren't able to get close enough to attach his lead to his collar so he couldn't even leave the house – and what life is that for a dog? Still, we had fallen in love with Otto and our hearts broke at the thought of euthanising him at only two years old. Rather than put him out of his misery we decided to keep trying. But then, when Jess died, everything changed. Otto lost the only uncomplicated relationship in his life overnight. He went off his food and spent long periods without eating, which meant we couldn't administer his medication. We bought steaks, sausages, cheese, fish and tried everything to get his pills down him, often unsuccessfully. And without food and water he soon became physically ill, gradually spending more and more time in a state of unmedicated panic. Now we were forced to confront that every day he spent in that state was a cruelty that we could save him from. As we grappled with the decision our behaviourist told us something that has stuck in my mind ever since: 'it's better to euthanise your pet a day too soon than a moment too late'. I wish I'd been brave enough to do that, instead, we were still trying to reconcile ourselves with the decision when, on a particularly bad day, our vet told us firmly, but gently, that it was time to say goodbye. If we'd let him go sooner he would have suffered less. So many of us wait for our dogs' suffering to become untenable before we put them to sleep. More Trending I think it helps to reassure us that we made the right decision when we chose euthanasia. But as owners we have a responsibility to make our pets' lives as happy as possible, and that includes humanely ending their lives with as little suffering as possible. I know it's hard to play an active role in the death of someone you love and it's far too tempting to wait for absolute certainty that it's the right time but by the time that moment comes it's often too late. Letting them go even a day sooner can be the difference between a good death and a bad death or a good last day and a bad last day. I just hope my story helps other people avoid my mistakes and put their pet's quality of life above their own fears or comforts. Don't extend your pet's life just for them to suffer. Be brave enough to let them go on a good day. It's the biggest gift you can give them. Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: Emmerdale villain John Sugden is easily 2025's most fascinating soap character MORE: My son didn't respond to texts – I knew something terrible had happened MORE: We ran an ultramarathon together – but within months my friend was dead
Daily Mail
22-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Is YOUR dog suffering from anxiety? Top trainer LOUISE GLAZEBROOK reveals the hidden signs that your pet is stressed based on its breed
Britain's dogs are more anxious than ever, with vets revealing a shocking tenfold increase over the past decade in the number on 'Puppy Prozac', otherwise known as the human antidepressant fluoxetine. Dr Dan O'Neill, an associate professor at the Royal Veterinary College, found that nearly one in 500 dogs were taking fluoxetine for behaviour such as whining, barking or chewing furniture. A similar study in 2013 found that only one in 10,000 dogs were on the drug. From depressed Dachshunds to panicking Pomeranians, life can be miserable for our mutts. A 2022 poll by the Guide Dogs charity found nearly three out of four dogs display signs of anxiety or depression. And now that Britain is home to a record 13million pooches, the problem is pressing. This is why leading dog behaviourist Louise Glazebrook, author of Everything Your Puppy Wants You To Know, has launched The Anxious Dog Course, a six-week online programme with pre-recorded lessons and live support to help owners transform anxious pets into calmer companions. 'While medication can be crucial for some dogs, this is not required for the majority of my clients,' she says. 'There can be many causes for stressed dogs. 'As owners we have to figure out what, why, how – and then we can create kind solutions. Covid saw a rise in ownership, which led to a rise in people choosing unsuitable dogs for their lifestyle and badly bred ones.' It's asking for trouble to pick a pet without considering their needs – for example, treating working dogs like lapdogs, or expecting breeds that need hours of exercise to be happy with a trot around the block. A major factor in the rise of canine anxiety, says Louise, is that 'we expect dogs to fit into our lives, dragging them to shops and cafes when they'd rather be running outside or sleeping at home'. If your dog barks, won't sit still, pants or jumps up at you when you go to certain places, stop taking them there, as Louise says these are 'clear signs of anxiety'. But while a dog's stress signals might be obvious to an expert, research shows nearly 90 per cent of owners fail to recognise basic symptoms such as lip-licking and yawning. Anxious pets are more prone to illness and have shorter lifespans as well as being more likely to show destructive and aggressive behaviour. Instead of rushing to the vet for a pharmaceutical cure, Louise says understanding your dog's behaviour can help spot early signs of anxiety. Here she explains the ways stress manifests itself in some of our most popular breeds. Border Collies Stressed Collies are prone to compulsive staring and 'fly snapping', where they appear to bite in mid-air. They may also chase shadows or reflections, or engage in obsessive tail chasing and excessive barking. 'As highly intelligent and active herding and working dogs, Border Collies need ample mental and physical stimulation,' explains Louise. 'When forced into environments that contradict their instincts, they may chase cars or try to herd bikes. It's a sign they need proper outlets. Originally bred to work and round up animals for hours, it's essential to engage them in agility and field training, puzzles and frequent walks.' Find out more at French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs These are affectionate breeds but susceptible to skin allergies, hot spots and itchiness, which can cause stress. 'Skin allergies make interactions painful, so if people constantly touch a sore spot, the dog may begin associating humans with discomfort.' Signs of stress include panting, pacing and excessive licking. Addressing allergies rather than relying on immuno-suppressants is crucial for the dog's wellbeing. Dachshunds These are prone to separation anxiety and can become frustrated by lack of stimulation. 'Dachshunds were bred to go down holes hunting for badgers,' says Louise. 'Dachshund is German for 'badger hound'. Treating them like lapdogs leads to dissatisfaction.' They may express anxiety through excessive barking, trembling or, when stressed by other dogs, rolling on to their backs. This is often a sign of intimidation, especially if on a lead, rather than an invitation for a belly rub. 'They thrive on companionship, a consistent routine, and activities such as playing hide and seek games with treats.' Cocker and Springer Spaniels Energetic and affectionate, Spaniels may develop anxiety if not given direction and provided with outlets. 'Working Cocker Spaniels, in particular, are bred without an off switch,' says Louise. 'Without sufficient stimulation, they become frantic and hyper-alert. 'Using scent work, swimming and 'find it' games are crucial. Lobbing a ball repeatedly will not just ruin their joints in the long term, but turn them into demanding adrenaline junkies. Instead, throw balls into long grass so they have to sniff it out, which helps them relax.' There are different kinds of Spaniel, and figuring out what yours was bred to do is imperative. A Springer Spaniel is not the same as a Cavalier King Charles, which has only moderate exercise needs – up to an hour daily – but is prone to separation anxiety. Cockapoos This mixed breed is derived from two different working dogs, which means they require plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Signs of stress include destructive behaviour, excessive barking and pacing. Training games that you play with your dog, edible chews that last at least 30 minutes (and not the nylon ones) and a daily routine can prevent anxiety. Staffordshire Bull Terriers Stressed Staffies exhibit compulsive behaviour, hyperactivity, inability to pay attention to commands, tail chasing and 'surface licking' of furniture and floors. They are a sociable breed and need a few outings a day to let off steam, play with toys and enjoy interactive games with you. Scent games like treat-finding offer essential stimulation. Staffies are prone to separation anxiety, with vet charity PDSA cautioning that 'no dog should be left alone for more than four hours, but Staffies may struggle with even shorter periods'. German Shepherds Like the Border Collie this is a highly intelligent working dog designed to guard, jump and run. When their needs aren't met, German Shepherds can become hyperactive, pace and drink excessively. 'They may become overly vocal and physical – using lunging, jumping up at, pulling on the lead to try to access what they need which is input, training, and human interaction,' says Louise. Exercise is vital. 'Shepherds suffer with hip issues and this pain often goes undiagnosed, increasing anxiety and lowering their tolerance.' Labrador Retrievers Labradors are friendly and easygoing, but they experience stress from boredom, lack of exercise or separation anxiety. Signs include excessive chewing, whining and restlessness. Provide plenty of outings for sniffing, visit new locations for walks, and supply mental stimulation and toys. Miniature Schnauzers Lively and characterful, Schnauzers were originally bred as rat-catchers and guard dogs. When stressed, they may become reactive and chase everything. Signs may include straining at the lead to get away and barking at everything from people to other dogs. They may panic when left alone. Focus on making your dog feel secure at home but don't be tempted to use crates if they dislike being in one. Despite their small size, they require significant exercise, ideally two walks daily. TOP TIPS TO REDUCED YOUR PET'S ANXIETY Regular Exercise The right amount of activity helps release pent-up energy and reduces stress. If your dog was bred to pull sleighs in the snow, a lap around the park isn't going to cut it. We need to think of the dog rather than ourselves. Mental Stimulation Puzzle toys, scent games and training exercises keep their minds engaged. Consistent Routine Dogs thrive on routine, so feeding, walks and bedtime should stick to a regime. Safe Spaces Creating a quiet, comfortable space where yours can retreat is vital. This can vary for each dog. Look at where they gravitate to. Creating An Exit Plan Help them escape tricky situations with people or other dogs, as this can prevent anxiety from escalating into reactivity, such as barking and lunging. If your dog is showing signs of feeling unsure, walk away with them or let them hide behind your legs. Dogs need us to understand them, help them and be their voice.
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Animal welfare activists criticize dog show over flat-faced breeds policy
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Ahead of the Scottish Kennel Club Championship Show (May 15–18), the event has come under criticism from animal welfare activists for its inclusion of brachycephalic, or flat-faced, dog breeds. PETA has led the calls for breeds, including pugs and French Bulldogs, to be disqualified from the competition, citing a study from the Royal Veterinary College that found some brachycephalic breeds cannot be considered 'normal dogs' due to the health issues they face, making it more difficult to breathe. PETA Senior Campaigns Manager Kate Werner said in a statement, 'It's time to stop promoting breeds with deformities that make it difficult for many of them to breathe – let alone chase a ball – without gasping for air. 'PETA is calling on flat-faced breeds to be kept out of the Scottish Kennel Club Championship Show and encourages the public to instead champion healthy mutts – many are waiting in shelters right now, hoping someone will take them home.' The controversy comes just weeks after mandatory health testing for flat-faced dogs was introduced at Crufts for the first time. Brachycephalic dog breeds were required to pass a new breathing test to take part in the contest. Jane Ladlow, European and Royal College Specialist in small animal surgery, worked with Dr. Nai-Chieh Lui to develop a non-invasive method of assessing airway function in brachycephalic dogs, which led to the The Kennel Club/University of Cambridge Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFG), licensed in 15 countries. RFG assesses dogs for brachycephalic obstructive airway disease, a breathing condition, with dogs at grade three not being allowed to take part. The welfare of brachycephalic dogs has long been a controversial issue due to their increased risk of developing numerous health conditions. In December last year, members of the UK Legal Advisory Group on Extreme Conformation in Dogs (LAGECDogs) said that dog parents breeding from moderately or severely brachycephalic dogs could be committing animal welfare offences in England. In 2022, the Oslo District Court in Norway ruled that breeding English Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels was a violation of the Norwegian Animal Welfare Act. The Netherlands has also introduced legislation to prevent people breeding brachycephalic dogs, with vets in the country encouraging people to stop. Did you know that dogs aren't the only animals that can be brachycephalic? To find out more about other flat-faced breeds, take a look at our list of brachycephalic animal breeds
Telegraph
17-04-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
‘Animals have feelings too': Why dogs are being put on anxiety medication
With 8.7 million Britons currently taking antidepressants, it's evident that modern life can be a struggle. And increasingly, it's not just humans who need help, but our hounds too. Over the past decade, the number of dogs prescribed 'puppy Prozac' has risen dramatically. Usually suggested for dogs suffering separation anxiety or uncontrolled aggression, the drug is intended to raise serotonin levels in the animal's brain, increasing feelings of calm and contentment. It could be a godsend – as pets with unmanaged behavioural issues are not only stressed and stressful for owners, they also stand a far higher chance of being rehomed. A study by the Royal Veterinary College in February found that owners of 'pandemic puppies' reported higher costs and more negative impact on their own lives. Those owners whose dogs displayed 'problem behaviours' such as anxiety or aggression reported feeling 'burdened', although after 18 months of ownership, 98 per cent had kept the dog. Dr Rowena Packer, the senior author of the study, said, 'Impulsive acquisition of dogs based on short-term circumstances is an enduring challenge for the canine welfare sector.' During Covid lockdowns, a common source of companionship was a puppy. According to the RSPCA, 3.2 million were acquired as 'pandemic puppies', with a marked increase in younger people owning one. Since the cost-of-living crisis, however, far more owners have been forced into giving up their pets for financial reasons, leading to overstretched animal charities and rescue dogs that lack social skills or experience with families. The RSPCA disclosed last November that over the previous three years, the number of animals abandoned in England and Wales had increased by 51 per cent. For the lucky ones that manage to find a new home, many of these dogs will develop separation anxiety, a condition that their rescuers, should they arrive, will then need to manage. According to a new study of 2.3 million dogs from the Royal Veterinary College, one in 500 is now on the drugs compared with only one in 10,000 according to a similar analysis a decade ago. Breeds forced into lifestyles that don't suit their nature, or that have a tendency towards anxiety, particularly border collies and lurchers, are more likely to be prescribed fluoxetine. Caroline Allen is the chief veterinary officer of the RSPCA, and owns a rescue dog – a bull lurcher, two, that is also on 'dog Prozac'. 'We have got a lot better at recognising that animals have feelings too,' she says. Medications have also improved, and more are now licensed for animal use. 'Unfortunately, there is also more need, as more dogs are struggling. Not everyone can meet a dog's specific needs,' she warns. 'They don't want to be left all day, they are social animals, they need routines – they aren't here to entertain us.' Vets are predominantly focused on animals' physical health, Allen explains, so often, a qualified dog behaviourist should be the first port of call. 'They will work with your vet to decide on the best path. Drugs on their own are not a panacea, it's about using them alongside positive behavioural and training techniques.' The reason that antidepressants are so helpful, she adds, is the breathing space they offer the dog. 'My rescue dog had very severe anxiety,' says Allen. 'They can't learn when they are in that reactive state. If they can pause those feelings, they can start to learn, build relationships, and we can address training. The drugs helped her to be less reactive and fearful so we could get some building blocks in place. People do tend to think the drugs will fix behavioural problems, but in fact, they may simply be needed to help with that work.' Vets will generally advise tapering the dose once the dog is responding to gentle training and has learnt new techniques to deal with emotional stress. 'Animals have a whole remit of feelings,' Allen says. 'They can't tell us, and that's where a behaviourist is fantastic and can interpret body language. Sometimes, it's as simple as not being allowed to sniff – perhaps they're taken on a long run daily, but they never get the chance to engage in really important dog behaviours.' Understanding what dogs need is key, she says. 'Medication can be useful, but it's just part of the process of helping the dog.' But as more meds are doled out, some professionals are worried that vets are overprescribing, at the urging of anxious or lazy owners. Joe Nutkins is a Kennel Club-accredited trainer and canine behaviourist, and is alarmed by the dramatic rise in medicating canine concerns. 'Putting puppies on to anti-anxiety medication without first looking into the cause of the anxiety means the dog is likely to be on tablets for life, without its owners ever tackling the triggers.' Anxiety in dogs can often be misdiagnosed, adds Nutkins. 'I've seen a herding dog who kept lying down on walls. The owner assumed he was scared of traffic, but that's normal herding and chasing behaviour!' While Nutkins supports medication for advanced anxiety, 'it shouldn't become the instant answer to any type of worry a dog or puppy exhibits,' she says. 'There are so many ways to help boost a shy or under-confident dog, using play and positive training.' Over-medicating can also mean side effects – 'and some kinds can dampen a dog's personality,' she adds. 'You don't want to take away a curious nature or natural instinct to interact.' It's also possible that the drugs won't work. Lynsey Bleakley, who owns Bumble & Goose bakehouse in London, explains: 'My seven-year-old labrador, Rose, has cataracts and her eyesight is deteriorating. She started to display some anxious behaviours: crying and whimpering, being fussy with food, refusing to walk around certain parts of the house and stressing about going outside for a wee.' Their vet suggested Prozac to help Rose cope, but Bleakley recalls, 'Although the crying and whimpering stopped, she was just so out of it, and seemed 'stoned' on the tablets. She lost her appetite and wasn't like our bouncy dog at all.' Bleakley tapered Rose off the meds and tried longer walks and calming pheromone collars instead. 'So far, it seems to be working.' But sometimes, says veterinary physiotherapist Lucy Miller, of Step Ahead Veterinary Physiotherapy in Cheshire, medication is needed for serious cases. 'I prescribe antidepressants for dogs whose behavioural problems are very severe and long-lasting,' she explains. 'Normally, it's fluoxetine or clomipramine, marketed as Clomicalm. They're routinely used in animals with separation anxiety, phobias of fireworks or thunderstorms, compulsive behaviours such as tail chasing, and generalised anxiety disorders,' adds Miller. 'These are not 'happy pills' – they redress neurochemical imbalance in the brain.' Like Allen, she advocates a full behavioural assessment too, and a four-to-six-week course of pills. 'During this phase, we closely monitor for side effects such as lethargy, gastrointestinal upset or changes in appetite. Long-term use could be required,' she adds, 'when a long history of issues is present. My aim is always to help the animal feel safe and secure.' For some animals, the change wrought by the drugs is miraculous, observes Heather Scott, who runs the Pug Snug, a 'doggy daycare and boarding house' in Bury St Edmunds. 'Rudie is a regular client,' she says. 'Three years ago, out with his owners, he was attacked by a much larger dog and lost most of his sight in one eye. He went from a very happy, cheeky pug to a reactive, frightened, barky dog who suffered terribly from separation anxiety.' During his first stay with her in 2023, Heather noted that Rudie was 'a bundle of nerves, extremely shy, would panic the moment I left the room and developed a horrendous urinary infection through stress'. When his owners returned, Heather suggested the pug was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. 'They mentioned that his reactive nature at home had become a problem, and decided to try the fluoxetine the vet had suggested.' The next time Heather saw him, a few months later, 'It was a complete transformation. Rudie had become confident, played with the other pugs, he enjoyed being independent in the house and garden, he stopped panicking if I left the room, his barking had lessened and he thoroughly enjoyed his holidays.' He remains on medication, and is much happier as a result, she adds. Seemingly, while Prozac won't change many behavioural issues, it's often a miracle drug for dogs that are traumatised or suffering severe separation anxiety – a symptom for many dogs post-pandemic, when owners returned to work. 'In my experience, progress towards the dog feeling relaxed when home alone increases much more quickly with these drugs, alongside behavioural support,' says Jo Sellers, a certified separation anxiety specialist at Pippin Pets Dog Training in Surrey. Her own dog, Reba, is a nine-year-old cocker spaniel/bichon frisé cross, and is not on anxiety drugs. 'She's so placid and gentle, and has been a visiting therapy dog for most of her life,' says Sellers. 'I don't need meds to keep her calm when she's home alone, as the behaviour modification plan I use teaches the dog to feel calm.' Some dogs, however, are in greater need of support, which is when Sellers will suggest a combination of behavioural training and fluoxetine. 'Many of my clients are reluctant to try it, as they are worried that it will change their dog's personality,' she says. 'But what I see is that their dog is the same animal, but a less anxious, stressed version. In fact, they can finally become their full selves.'
