When we first adopted Maru—a nervous and reactive rescue dog—we knew we were taking on a challenge, but also that she deserved the chance to feel safe and happy. Early on, we worked with Emma through 1-2-1 sessions, and that was a turning point for us. Her kind, science-based approach helped us understand Maru in a completely different way, and we began to see real progress.
From there, we went on to join mantrailing, scent work, and trail hunt sessions. These activities gave Maru an outlet, helped build her confidence, and allowed her to engage with the world in a way that felt safe and natural to her. They made a huge difference—she started to enjoy herself, to trust more, and to grow.
Then Emma introduced something new: an online wellbeing group for people with reactive dogs.
This wasn’t just another dog training course—it was something far more holistic. From the start, the focus wasn’t on “fixing” Maru, but on supporting both of us as individuals navigating stress, anxiety, and reactivity together. Each week, we meet online and explore a wide range of topics that blend human and canine wellbeing in a way we hadn’t experienced before.
We’ve learned mindfulness and breathing techniques that helped us stay calm in challenging moments. We’ve explored canine nutrition, confidence-building exercises, and practical strategies to help dogs regulate their emotions. One of the most fascinating aspects was learning about dog self-selection for botanicals—giving Maru the choice to engage with natural scents and observing how she responds based on what she needs.
The monthly guest speakers add even more depth, bringing new perspectives and knowledge that we could apply in our day-to-day lives. It feels like being part of a learning community, not just a course.
Over time, we started to notice changes—not just in Maru, but in ourselves too.
Maru is still reactive, and we accept that this is part of who she is. But now, she’s much better able to regulate her emotions. One of the biggest milestones for us has been her ability to tolerate people standing outside the car while she’s inside—something that would have been completely unmanageable before. It might seem like a small thing to others, but for us, it represents huge progress.
More importantly, she’s a happier dog. She seems more at ease in herself, more capable of coping with the world around her.
And for me, this course has had an unexpected impact. The tools and techniques we’ve learned haven’t just helped Maru—they’ve helped me manage my own anxiety too. I feel more grounded, more aware, and better equipped to support both of us.
Emma has created something really special with this group. It’s a space that recognises the deep connection between human and dog wellbeing, and supports both with compassion, knowledge, and respect.