Cate, Matt & Super Smart Jake

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

When we first found Hels, we had been struggling with Jake’s reactivity for three years, ever since we adopted him. We had already worked with three other trainers but nothing had successfully changed Jake’s behaviour. I was frustrated with the field of dog training, I was frustrated with my dog, and I was frustrated with myself. What was I doing wrong? I was so sick of running away from other dogs and hiding behind parked cars to avoid Jake’s barking and lunging on our walks. Our only glimmer of hope was a dental surgery that had seemingly improved Jake’s overall mood and demeanour. I wondered if he might be in a better state to accept training. And then, fortuitously, Hels’ face popped up on a Facebook video one day. I watched as she explained barriers to learning, and how an investigation into a dog’s medical history might help to develop a more suitable and successful approach to training. It was a perspective that I hadn’t heard before and it mirrored my own way of thinking about my dog, so I was immediately excited at the prospect of working with Hels.

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

I quickly learned that training was not a straightforward process.  We had good days but we also had many, many bad days, which often shook our confidence. And it was sometimes scary to take Jake out and try some new techniques in public, with other dog owners judging you and even telling you off. Ignoring other people and advocating for my dog was not something that came easy, but it was a necessary skill to develop.

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

This is one of the strengths of Hels’ program. She is available at all times to celebrate the wins and to comfort and analyse the losses. She may have dozens of clients at any given time but she always makes herself available to you when you need her, be it via email, social media, or a scheduled zoom call. Another perk of working with Hels is the weekly call where you will meet and build camaraderie with her other clients. This may not sound like much, but sharing experiences with other people who understand the trials and tribulations of owning a reactive dog is invaluable. It truly helps you build the confidence you need to make changes for your dog.

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

We have seen massive changes in Jake’s behaviour and demeanour since working with Hels. One of his biggest issues was trigger stacking, meaning small things would raise his stress levels throughout the day, and by the time we encountered other dogs on our walks, Jake was ready to explode. We have worked to make our home a quieter and calmer space now which has led to a quieter and calmer dog. He even sleeps better! Massively, we have also noticed an increase in trust from Jake. After years of humans failing him, he has learned to check in with us whenever we encounter a trigger and we can use that connection to lead him out of a reactive situation.

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• What have you learned about your dog?

His reactivity is not his fault! Anyone with a reactive dog will understand the frustration that comes along with it, no matter how much you love them. It is important to give your dog a break, and yourself, too. The reactivity isn’t your fault either. We have also realised that with an empathetic and individualised focus, it is possible for your dog to finally learn and to implement change. With no more dental pain, with less stress in his life, and with humans he can trust, Jake can handle seeing other dogs on his walks without terrifying feelings.

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

Frankly, everything! Hels truly sets herself apart from other behaviourists we have experienced with a compassionate, intellectual, curious, and persevering approach. While other trainers labeled Jake as a type for whom certain tactics should work, Hels wanted to get to know our little guy individually. She researched his history, his health, his quirks, and his likes and dislikes, and wanted to hear any and all stories we had to tell about him. That subjective focus was the key to unlocking Jake’s behaviour and learning barriers, and I found it truly fascinating to watch as Hels discovered clues to solve the mystery. I also have to say that the community to be found within Hels’ program is something you didn’t know you needed until you experience it. Getting to know other dog owners who understand your situation and your struggles is not only comforting, but also provides you with a forum to swap ideas and analyse your own progress.

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

When we discovered Hels, we were on the verge of making a big move from West London to Brighton and Hove. My immediate thought was that this was obviously not the right time to try another training program for Jake. Our time and finances, along with mental and emotional bandwidth, were all tied up with this move. But another beautiful thing about Hels is that she will work with you, whatever your obstacles or boundaries, with just as much individualised focus on the humans as the dogs. Looking back on it now, I honestly can’t imagine having gone through this move with a reactive dog without Hels. From the first few weeks of the program, I had developed a stronger bond with Jake and a more compassionate view of his behaviour. I had a new-found feeling of confidence that we could handle anything this upheaval would throw our way. So with Hels’ help, we managed to make the transition to a new home and Jake’s new neighbourhood smoothly. I am so grateful to Hels for all her support during such a tumultuous time.