As a fully qualified dog coach and pet sitter, with degrees in psychology and psychotherapy, you can trust me to provide expert care for your cat or dog.
About Me
My name is Dr. Arianna Corona. Originally from Northern Italy, I specialise in providing expert care and professional well-being advice to the pets and pet owners in Edinburgh’s New Town and surrounding areas. My philosophy is simple: To treat every animal as if it were my own and to provide peace of mind to an owner, so they know that their treasured pet could not be in better, or more qualified hands.
My list of services includes dog training, pet care, puppy training, practical pet advice and of course, dog walking (I’ve even been known to provide cat walking when requested!). I specialise only in one-to-one walks. These are fundamentally important because every dog deserves to feel special and I am able to put my attention solely into the specific needs of that particular pet.
Dogs fascinate me and when coaching them, one never stops learning. As someone who has invested in educating myself towards understanding their psychological needs, I am able to:
- Understand their individual emotional state and specific needs
- Control a dog properly during its walk, thus preventing it from pulling on the leash
- Manage a dog during socialisation with other dogs to avoid conflicts
- Understand the non-verbal communication with and between dogs
- Play with a dog in relation to its own unique character
- Mentally stimulate or calm a dog, depending on a particular situation
I am well versed in the essential dog trainer commands and always utilise reward based training. My approach is entirely based on gentle and ethical dog training methods.
Cats require a very different approach to their well-being and because they have their own individual idiosyncrasies, my approach has to be uniquely tailored. I allow cats to connect with me on their terms, but by having patience and adopting a calm persona I am able to:
- Understand their individual emotional state and specific needs.
- Read and interpret their body language
- Respect their boundaries
- Play with them in a mentally stimulating manner
- Pet and touch them in the right way
- Act as a secure base for them.
For both cats and dogs, I provide a far more bespoke and enjoyable alternative to a cattery or kennel. My pet sitting service enables pets to stay in the comfort of their own home whilst their owners are away. I am able to stay with them for around 90% of the time, day and night.
My aim is always, for pets to feel happy and secure whilst I am caring for them and for their owners to know their loved one is safe and being professionally cared for.
I have thorough multidisciplinary training and I can easily pass my knowledge and skills to the dog or cats’ owner. My goal is protecting and enhancing the well-being of the relationship between the owner and their treasured pet.
I work alongside a network of skilled and specialist professionals, whose expertise and knowledge provides an invaluable service These specialists include: .A veterinary nutritionist, a veterinary orthopaedic expert, a veterinary behaviourist, a veterinary physiotherapist and even an expert in dog snacks!
With my own personal analytical skills and experience as a psychologist, I quickly understand if an animal is suffering and to what extent it is an emergency. On occasion, prompt action is necessary.
Every dog and cat communicates differently and it is useful to recognise the signs of psychophysical discomfort. For this reason, I offer pet owners the tools to understand the situation.
If you have any concerns whatsoever about the well being of your pet, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Safe is always better than sorry.
Qualification:
-
British Bachelor (Honours) degree standard (Psychology) recognised by NARIC.
-
British Master of Philosophy degree (MPhil) standard (Psychotherapy) recognised by NARIC.
- I registered as a dog walker, house and pet sitter. I am accredited by NARPSUK (National Association of Registered Pet Sitters).
- I am fully insured with Petplan.
- I am fully CRB checked through Disclosure Scotland.
- I registered with Edinburgh City Council.
- Dog Coach with Thinkdog.
If you would like to view copies of my certificates please enter ‘viewcertificates’ as the password on this page or continue to view my testimonials.
Prices Training
I provide a variety of services in Edinburgh
Dog Coaching and Training
If you would like to have a happier relationship with your dog, I will help you and your pet with some specialist advice and tailored exercises. For more details, click here.
1-2-1 dog coaching session
- Initial private consultation £90 (2 hours)
- Single session £72
- Walk and training with the owner £42
- Three sessions £200
- Four sessions £280
- Five sessions £350
- Six sessions £420
The initial consultation gives you access to dog coaching sessions. We meet at your home.
An initial consultation is required to design your training plan around your goals. I consider all aspects of your dog’s life to figure out how to resolve the situation and achieve the goals you wish.
The number of sessions will be agreed upon during the initial consultation. You will receive a session report every time. Also, I will answer your questions and address any additional concern when the course has been booked and paid for.
Puppy Training
Young dogs need a lot of love and understanding and they are likely to require a specific level of care and attention. I am delighted to discuss your puppy’s individual needs and work around what is required.
If you are interested in a Puppy Training you can find more details here
1-2-1 session will be tailored to suit your needs and your puppy needs.
My puppy coaching course requires an initial consultation and a minimum of 6 hours of booking. An initial consultation is required to design your puppy education plan and prevent any bad habits.
- Pre puppy consult: I can advise you on choosing the right puppy for you and your family and what to look for in a responsible breeder. I can provide guidance on everything you will need before the new puppy arrival £80
- Initial consultation £60
- 6 coaching/training hours £360
Choke chains, check chains, prong collars, punitive methods and manhandling are not allowed
Please, read my terms & conditions for dog training here
Testimonials
I am aware that it is a great responsibility to be entrusted with the care of someone else’s pet, or their home. This awareness drives me always to give of my best, as I aim for the highest physical and mental well being of the animals in my care. Here is what some of my clients have said…
Arianna has given me a really useful foundation to build on
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Arianna for anyone wanting to better understand their dog. I really appreciated her analytical approach but also her ethos of helping a dog to feel as free and happy as possible, which drives her way of working. Arianna has given me a really useful foundation to build on and a much better understanding of how to support Ziggy as he settles into life in Scotland.
This is an excerpt of a longer review you can read here
Richard (Dog: Ziggy)
My husband called her the ‘dog whisperer’
I cannot believe how lucky I was to come across Arianna when looking for some help with puppy training. Arianna took the time to learn about me and my family, understand our wants and needs for the new puppy, and most importantly gained the immediate trust from the puppy, Alfie, almost immediately. After her first visit to the house, my husband called her the ‘dog whisperer!’ The obedience Alfie had when Arianna was around in the early days was amazing to watch and quickly helped build my confidence!
This is an excerpt of a longer review you can read here
Lynne Moyes (Dog: Alfie)
She truly loves the animals she cares for like they are her own
I have only the best things to say about Arianna. She truly loves the animals she cares for like they are her own and she goes above and beyond with the services she provides in every way possible. Arianna helped me with training and walking my dog Laika. Laika is an Egyptian street rescue and a fairly complicated dog but this did not phase her. Arianna helped me so much with techniques to work on our bond and engagement together and really helped me out in times of need, she always gives extra from a real love of what she does. On top of that Laika adores her!
Bianca Schlotterbeck (Dog: Laika)
She is undoubtedly our best find since we moved to Edinburgh
We are delighted to recommend Arianna and Mindful Pets. Arianna built a strong rapport with our pet dog Brodie – his excitement and joy at seeing her not only reassuring but wonderful to see. Arianna’s expert advice on his development was also most welcome by us as first time pet owners. Throughout we found Arianna extremely trustworthy and flexible – always going above and beyond for your pet she is undoubtedly our best find since we moved to Edinburgh.
Hector & Hannah (Dog: Brodie)
Trustworthy, capable and very kind
Arianna has looked after our house and young very lively large terrier Monty twice and we would heartily recommend her. She is very knowledgeable regarding dog behaviour and has an easy, loving way of dealing with pets and their owners. Our dog adored her and was delighted to be taken on long walks to many different places. He met lots of new friends and behaved impeccably! She can also calm dogs down when needed and is very careful to spend time observing the dog to find out how it “ticks”.
While we were away, she kept us updated with emails and videos that assured us that both she and our dog were having a good time! She also took the dog to the vet when she noticed that he had an eye infection and administered the medication. Our house was left spotless and the dog was happy and relaxed. We look forward to welcoming Arianna back again soon.
Susan Gillingham (Dog: Monty)
Arianna has taught me how to keep him calm and obedient
Arianna has been a godsend to me in helping with the training of my bulldog puppy. I have a severe form of arthritis which means that I cannot easily run after my dog to keep it under control. Arianna has taught me how to keep him calm and obedient and to mix well with other dogs, adults and children. She also looked after him over the weekend of my daughter’s wedding. I could not have left him in better hands and he had a great weekend, evident from the videos and pictures that Arianna sent me. I would have no hesitation in recommending Arianna to anyone looking for kind and patient training for their dog
Cath (Dog: Harris)
She is responsible and reliable and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her
Arianna has several times looked after our two cats who are not easy customers. But she had them eating out of her hand and cared for them very well. She is responsible and reliable and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her as a pet and house sitter. She is also great company and fun to have around.
Claire Fletcher (Cats: Cusco & Madame de Pompadour)
She has given us lots of expert advice on training and diet
Arianna has been looking after our two-year-old French bulldog, Misty, since she was a puppy. She takes Misty on walks and also house sits/pet sits for us when we are on holiday, when she also looks after our two cats. Misty absolutely adores Arianna. They have a very strong bond which has been built because of Arianna’s enthusiasm and exuberance for Misty’s well being and happiness. She is clearly passionate about the care of all animals, patient and full of knowledge. She has given us lots of expert advice on training and diet, and always has interesting insights into Misty’s personality and behaviour. When Arianna stays in our house she is very respectful and leaves it absolutely spotless and tidy. She is flexible and helpful, lovely to communicate with and we feel very lucky to have her as part of Misty’s family! We would not hesitate to recommend Arianna to other pet owners.
Rowan and John (Dog: Misty)
The dogs love her and she looks after them superbly
Arianna has looked after our two dogs (small Lurcher and black Labrador) twice. I thoroughly recommend her. The dogs love her and she looks after them superbly, I think they’re rather sad when we return. Our Labrador has been limping badly and has had x-rays, scans and heavy painkillers which have solved nothing. In addition to looking after our dogs, Arianna took the trouble to find out about an animal physio whom we might think of using. This set us on course to treatment – with vet approval – for the Lab and as a result of all this he he significantly better. We are all, dogs and humans, hugely grateful to Arianna for suggesting it.
Filly Nicol (Dogs: Albert & Ziggy)
I would have no hesitation in recommending Mindful Pets
We have a very nervous cat called Dolly, who was abused before we rescued her. We hate leaving her alone as she is so timid and afraid of strangers. Arianna has immediately bonded with Dolly and using her psychological training has helped her build up her confidence, this allowing us to go away for weekends, safe in the knowledge that our precious pet is being cared for. I would have no hesitation in recommending Mindful Pets.
David Reid (Cat: Dolly)
We have been delighted with the genuine care and affection she has shown to our animals
Arianna has looked after our dog, our cat and our house on a number of occasions. We have been delighted with the genuine care and affection she has shown to our animals. In addition, when we have returned to the house it has been in an immaculate clean condition. We would not hesitate to recommend Arianna to anyone looking for a house and pet sitter.
Elodie Jackson (Dog: Millie & Cat: Jingo)
She is one in a million
Arianna looked after my two cats, Lotte and Ruby, and my flat for six weeks and she did an amazing job. Not only did she keep me updated with little stories and pictures, but she also made sure to follow the routine my cats were used to. When I came back both of them seemed happier than before (they weren’t even upset with me) and the flat was spotless. I would recommend Arianna to everyone and I will also use her service in the future again. Her reliable and trustworthy nature struck me when I first met her for an interview. She is one in a million.
Annika Jahnke (Cats: Lotte & Ruby)
I was fully satisfied and felt that my dog was in the best hands
I have known Arianna Corona for some years. She usually was my dog sitter when I was on holiday, coming to my home, feeding my dog, taking him for walks and playing with him. I entirely trust Arianna as she is a very reliable person. You understand immediately that she is very fond of animals, dogs as well as cats. Her integrity shows in the condition of my home and the happiness and contentment of my dog when I come home. I was fully satisfied and felt that my dog was in the best hands. So I can recommend her without any hesitation.
Annette Nielsen (Dog: Rodolfo)
I only have praise for Arianna
Arianna looked after our dog and home on a regular basis for almost a year (September 2015-July 2016). She was extremely loving and kind to our dog and gave him lots of attention; he was always very happy to see her and enjoyed playing with her. Arianna is extremely reliable and always keen to help out. I only have praise for Arianna – I always knew I would come home to a well looked after dog and home. I would highly recommend her service.
Alan Meechan (Dog: Sweeney)
I would not hesitate to recommend Arianna to anyone looking for a house sitter
Arianna has looked after our house and two cats on several occasions. We have been away for up to ten days at a and have returned each time to a spotlessly clean house and two very happy cats. Arianna is a very nice and friendly person who genuinely loves the animals in her care. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone looking for a house sitter.
Rachel Hein (Cats: Mork & Mindy)
We could not have found a more caring dog walker
I was recommended Arianna by the Just Dogs shop in Stockbridge. When my husband had a motorbike accident and was unable to walk our 15 year old English Springer Spaniel, Ella, Arianna stepped in to help. Arianna quickly gained Ella’s trust, and we knew that Ella was safe in her hands.
Arianna is very kind, gentle and thoughtful and always making sure that Ella, as a more senior dog, is comfortable with the exercise she is having, and gives great attention to her. Arianna is a very trustworthy person to deal with, always cheerful and friendly. We could not have found a more caring dog walker and I cannot recommend Arianna highly enough.
Debra Milne (Dog: Ella)
We found Arianna trustworthy, reliable and super with Bracken
We made contact with Arianna when we were looking for someone to stay in our house and look after our cat Bracken for a few days. We met Arianna when she visited ahead of the stay and we were entirely happy to entrust our cat and house to her. Everything turned out well and we found Arianna trustworthy, reliable and super with Bracken. Bracken was clearly spoilt rotten and keeps asking us when Arianna is coming back! We look forward to inviting her to stay for our next trip away.
Iain and Patricia Eason (Cat: Bracken)
Each animal is treated as an individual
Why are we happy to recommend Arianna Corona for walking or house sitting your pets? Arianna is highly trained as a psychotherapist, she worked for 10 years, she has good references to that effect. She is worked for us in Stockbridge. She is honest and reliable so that we are happy to give her our keys, if we were to go away, to leave her in charge. She now uses her considerable therapeutic skills with animals. She is a vegetarian and she loves animals, she is as dedicated to them, as she was to her patients, but animals are sometimes not as stressful as working with people! Each animal is treated as an individual, she works on any behavioural problems they might have, Conrad, our dog, does not jump up as much and his recall is much better. He also has a lot of wonderful doggy fun. She is empathic and insightful and dedicated to this work. Arianna is an easy person to work with, and we could not have anyone better for our dog. We are very pleased and would happily recommend her to anyone for their pets.
Sue B. Moss (Dog: Conrad)
We had complete confidence and trust in Arianna
Arianna looked after our dog on several occasions, including staying in our house when we were away. We had complete confidence and trust in Arianna, and were delighted with the happy and well adjusted state of our dog when we returned. On the occasions when we met Arianna later by chance on a dog walk, our dog was always very pleased to see her again.
Peter (Dog: Lily)
If you would like to contact any of the above people directly for a reference they have all given me permission to give out their contact details. These are stored here in a password protected list. Please contact me for the password to access these details, many thanks. Next: View my services
Other Services
I provide a variety of services in and around the New Town area of Edinburgh
Dog Walking
I will walk your dog on or off the leash, as requested. Walks are always in safe, natural and varied environments, according to the dog’s needs. I specialise in providing mental and physical exercises for high-energy dogs. I can also look after elderly dogs, dogs with separation anxiety, or dogs which require medication or other forms of specialist care.
Sometimes the dog needs to get to know the other dog. Other times, I need to understand if the dog is suitable for the group of dogs I walk. For this reason, the owner is invited to walk his dog with me and the dogs I walk.
An initial consultation is required to design your walk plan around your goals.
- Initial Consultation £30
- Walk with the owner and his/her dog £30
- One hour walk dogs with behavioural issues £18
- One hour solo walk £15
- One hour group walk (max 4 dogs) £12
- Day care £40 (This is for a six hour slot, but a longer care sessions are also possible).
Cat Care
I will come to your home and spend time with your cat at a time that suits you. Feeding, cuddling, playing, grooming, cleaning out cat litter, kitten care and even walking are all possibilities. It is all about discussing what you feel your cat would enjoy most.
- Visit £15 (This is for one hour. Longer visits are available on request).
Pet Sitting In Your Home
I will come to your home as a house-guest when you are away and look after your pet. My exclusive house sitting service can be tailored to your needs. For more details, click here.
- £50 per day and night (I will be present with your dog or cat at least 90% of the time)
Veterinary Support
During the many years that I have been looking after animals I have experienced occasions when a pet in my care has needed to be taken to the vet. Although I always seek permission for the owner first, in many instances this has been a condition that the owner has been unaware of until my intervention.
Although I am NOT a vet, I do understand when something is not as it should be. I also know which vets in Edinburgh can provide the best care and support for your pet and which ones are not so good. Naturally I’m happy to pass on my experiences in this area.
Choke chains, prong collars, slip leads, slip lead as a figure of eight lead,
other punitive/cruel methods and manhandling are not allowed.
Please read my full terms and conditions for dog walking and pet sitting here
About Me
My name is Dr. Arianna Corona. Originally from Northern Italy, I specialise in providing expert care and professional well-being advice to the pets and pet owners in Edinburgh’s New Town and surrounding areas. My philosophy is simple: To treat every animal as if it were my own and to provide peace of mind to an owner, so they know that their treasured pet could not be in better, or more qualified hands.
My list of services includes dog training, pet care, puppy training, practical pet advice and of course, dog walking (I’ve even been known to provide cat walking when requested!). I specialise only in one-to-one walks. These are fundamentally important because every dog deserves to feel special and I am able to put my attention solely into the specific needs of that particular pet.
Dogs fascinate me and when coaching them, one never stops learning. As someone who has invested in educating myself towards understanding their psychological needs, I am able to:
- Understand their individual emotional state and specific needs
- Control a dog properly during its walk, thus preventing it from pulling on the leash
- Manage a dog during socialisation with other dogs to avoid conflicts
- Understand the non-verbal communication with and between dogs
- Play with a dog in relation to its own unique character
- Mentally stimulate or calm a dog, depending on a particular situation
I am well versed in the essential dog trainer commands and always utilise reward based training. My approach is entirely based on gentle and ethical dog training methods.
Cats require a very different approach to their well-being and because they have their own individual idiosyncrasies, my approach has to be uniquely tailored. I allow cats to connect with me on their terms, but by having patience and adopting a calm persona I am able to:
- Understand their individual emotional state and specific needs.
- Read and interpret their body language
- Respect their boundaries
- Play with them in a mentally stimulating manner
- Pet and touch them in the right way
- Act as a secure base for them.
For both cats and dogs, I provide a far more bespoke and enjoyable alternative to a cattery or kennel. My pet sitting service enables pets to stay in the comfort of their own home whilst their owners are away. I am able to stay with them for around 90% of the time, day and night.
My aim is always, for pets to feel happy and secure whilst I am caring for them and for their owners to know their loved one is safe and being professionally cared for.
I have thorough multidisciplinary training and I can easily pass my knowledge and skills to the dog or cats’ owner. My goal is protecting and enhancing the well-being of the relationship between the owner and their treasured pet.
I work alongside a network of skilled and specialist professionals, whose expertise and knowledge provides an invaluable service These specialists include: .A veterinary nutritionist, a veterinary orthopaedic expert, a veterinary behaviourist, a veterinary physiotherapist and even an expert in dog snacks!
With my own personal analytical skills and experience as a psychologist, I quickly understand if an animal is suffering and to what extent it is an emergency. On occasion, prompt action is necessary.
Every dog and cat communicates differently and it is useful to recognise the signs of psychophysical discomfort. For this reason, I offer pet owners the tools to understand the situation.
If you have any concerns whatsoever about the well being of your pet, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Safe is always better than sorry.
Qualification:
-
British Bachelor (Honours) degree standard (Psychology) recognised by NARIC.
-
British Master of Philosophy degree (MPhil) standard (Psychotherapy) recognised by NARIC.
- I registered as a dog walker, house and pet sitter. I am accredited by NARPSUK (National Association of Registered Pet Sitters).
- I am fully insured with Petplan.
- I am fully CRB checked through Disclosure Scotland.
- I registered with Edinburgh City Council.
- Dog Coach with Thinkdog.
If you would like to view copies of my certificates please enter ‘viewcertificates’ as the password on this page or continue to view my testimonials.
Why Did I Start A Pet Sitting Business?
“Most of the more complex emotions are common to the higher animals and ourselves. Everyone has seen how jealous a dog is of his master’s affection, if lavished on any other creature; and I have observed the same fact with monkeys. This shows that animals not only love, but have desire to be loved.”
(Charles Darwin: “The Descent of Man” 1871)
As a qualified psychotherapist, I have had a great many years of experience in caring for people with anxiety and depression. During this time, I have helped people to achieve their personal goals, overcome challenges and accept the wonder of living without anxiety. Through my work, I also discovered that I am able to understand the emotional needs of animals, especially dogs and cats. Applying my human experiences, with my personal interest in animals it seems that I am quite gifted at being able to help improve the relationship between a person and their pets.
Here is my story.
I lived with my cat Matisse for 13 years. She was a gift from the sky – literally! In August 2001, she had been ejected from a moving car and whilst travelling through the air she collided with a female cyclist who was travelling behind the car. This woman saved her. At that time I didn’t particularly love cats, and certainly wasn’t looking for one, but a friend of mine, who knew the cyclist, insisted that I should come and see the poor thing.
The moment I saw this scared little creature and our eyes met, it was love at first sight! She was a very frightened thing and trembled a lot. I decided that she needed a place where she could feel safe, so for the next month, every night she slept in my bed, in the hollow of my tummy. It seemed like a dream to me, almost as if she had been sent to me for a purpose. I took care of this little vulnerable cat, and as I did so, the quality of her life improved immeasurably. At that time I assumed, quite presumptuously, that any progress in my own life then was due to myself. It was only years later that I realised this was untrue – any improvements to my life were due to Matisse, my little cat.
Through Matisse, I discovered a lot of things. Most of all, I discovered myself. At that time I was working as a psychotherapist, and I encountered many people whose minds seemed to be a prison of fear, sadness and anger. I am very grateful to the people who asked me to help them because, through them, I learned a great deal about life. However, with Matisse and the other animals I have worked with, I discovered something even more precious – my own true nature.
I am fascinated with how, in unspoken ways, a human can interact synergistically with the psyche of an animal, cooperating without speech only through eye contact and body language. Through my observations I have come to the conclusion that, if we are able to relate to animals with love, then through that very special relationship we are also able to love ourselves. Every time I returned home, Matisse would run to me and rub her forehead against mine which, in cat language, means, “I consider you as a member of my family”. It didn’t matter whether I returned home once or ten times a day, her reaction was always the same. I, in from my own side, felt affirmed by this loving welcome, and completely at home and a peace with the world.
I noticed that in those moments with Matisse, my brain experienced a release of endorphins, the hormone to which we owe our sense of well-being. Endorphins provide us with feelings of satisfaction, pleasure and happiness, they are a veritable cure-all for mind and body. They are also released when we listen to music, are playing sport, eat chocolate, come into contact with nature, meditate, and when we fall in love. Unfortunately however, many of these endorphin-releasing circumstances occur in our lives only occasionally! When we relate positively to animals on the other hand, there are multiple opportunities in our daily lives to experience this sense of well-being, and for us to take care of ourselves in a holistic way.
Meeting Matisse has set me off on a wonderful journey of discovery of the love that exists between humans and animals. I hope that soon I can share some of that love with your very own precious pet.
TAKE A BREAK DURING ACTIVITIES
Hello everybody and welcome to Arianna Tips.
Today, I would like to talk about taking breaks during the dog’s activities. When I look after a dog, I always check his/her emotional arousal levels. High arousal levels in dogs can become problematic if the dog is allowed to rehearse aroused behaviours over and over. When the dog gets out, it has to be calm, it has to avoid over-excitement, and it has to avoid playing ball for too many days in a row.
The secret is to change activity every day and to do metal exercise for dog.
An exercised body and a stimulated mind can help lower arousal levels. The most important thing to do during any activity is to take a break. It’s relax-time. Dogs should take natural breaks during play. However, if a break does not present itself naturally, it’s important to create breaks by offering a distraction.
This could happen three or four times or just once, it depends on the dog, the breed, the temperature, the environment and so on. A dog with correct emotional balance is a happy dog, because it has a more flexible attitude. It can live a time of great enthusiasm while enjoying rest-time.
When I speak of emotional balance, I am referring to the ability of a living being that can offer appropriate emotional responses within dog’s environment. For example, they adapt to different environments.
All the Best,
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