In Debbie's own words...

•  What made you decide to start working with me, and where were you at with your dog when we first began working together?

I followed Hels on Instagram and saw that she was running a free 5 day walk reset. At this point with Babe on walks we were struggling with her becoming frustrated on lead when she saw other dogs. This looked like fixating, lunging and mouthing at the other dog when she knew she couldn’t get to see them. She would also stalk other dogs that were oncoming to her. The 5 day reset was so useful and gave a great insight into what working with Hels could be like and I decided to join the 90 day mentorship to gain a deeper understanding of Babe’s behaviour and help her to manage her emotions when seeing other dogs on lead. 

• What were some of the biggest hurdles during the process?

The main hurdle we had to overcome was reducing the tension on the lead. We realised quite quickly that Babe was very sensitive to any tension being put on the lead. When I saw other dogs close to us I would tighten the lead which would make Babe pull and fuel her frustration.  This meant a huge change in my behaviour was needed! Through the course Hels gave us the tools to become a master at reading dog body language and strategies for managing arousal which were vital to help Babe overcome her lead frustration. Another hurdle was really working on Babe’s loose lead walking but specifically teaching a solid heel position. We were seeing that Babe would ‘yo-yo’ out of the heel position so re-teaching this took a little time but is now invaluable. 

• How did you find the support and guidance during the mentorship?

Hels really does care about your dog and wants you to progress. The weekly zoom calls were a great safe-space to debrief and discuss the previous week. There were never any silly questions.  Hels would set specific goals for each dog for the following week which allowed progression. The course isn’t a ‘one-size fits all’. It is tailored to you and your dogs needs. Hels would give constructive feedback on videos of Babe’s walks which allowed me to tailor my approach to ensure that we could progress. I also really enjoyed learning from the other members on the course and applying their learning and feedback to Babe’s learning also. 

• Have you seen any changes in your dog’s behaviour since working together?

A huge difference, Babe and I now have the skills to able to walk by other dogs. She is needing ever decreasing re-enforcement in achieving this and can greet dogs that I know will be a good match for her on lead. I am now not creating masses of distance whenever I see a dog, Babe can walk by like she has never struggled with this.  Babe’s loose lead walking is amazing and she looks to me for reassurance when she is unsure of something. A huge difference to before where Babe would have managed the situation in any way that she saw fit herself! 

• ⁠What have you learned about your dog?

I have learnt that Babe loves to learn patterns and thrives on predictability. For example, now when she sees a dog, she gets by my right side and she checks in with me in the heel position. This behaviour is now so responsive to her that I rarely use my marker word to get her attention. I will use my marker word where the other dog is excitable or staring at her to help her to navigate situations which I know she finds more difficult. I have also learnt that where Babe has the freedom to make decisions, she often makes good ones. 

• ⁠What’s been your favourite part about working together?

My favourite part was the fact that this is not about ‘training’. This is about understanding your dog on a deeper level. Why are they doing what they are doing? What are they trying to achieve when they are showing certain behaviours? What can we do to help them manage these emotions? Thinking this way has meant that the relationship that we have with Babe is one built on understanding and trust. Babe looks to us for reassurance when she is unsure and we have the knowledge on how to help her through most situations using kind, ethical methods. For people that really love knowing the detail of a topic Hels is great at delivering and teaching this.  The support and encouragement that Hels gives you really empowers you to keep going, every small win is celebrated. 

• ⁠What would you say to someone considering the mentorship but not quite sure if it’s the right time or investment?

I would say that if you are truly willing to invest the time into your dog’s progress and your future relationship then go for it. Hels is so knowledgeable and supportive and really does think outside the box to tailor the mentorship to meet yours and your dogs needs.  It has completely changed our walks with Babe from isolating to a joy. Now I just clip on her lead and off we go.