I was delighted to receive this review from Richard (Ziggy’s owner):-

“I fostered and then adopted a Spanish rescue dog – Ziggy – about a year ago. He’s a lovely dog but has had a difficult past, including spending time as a stray. I approached Arianna for help in reducing his anxiety and his tendency to run off when I let him off his lead and not always wanting to come back. She carried out a thorough assessment of us both at home and then joined us for a series of walks, filming Ziggy on her phone. After our walks Arianna analysed the film and played backs excerpts for me explaining aspects of Ziggy’s behaviour that I hadn’t either noticed or properly understood. It really helped me get a clearer picture of Ziggy’s situation and the occasions when he was feeling less comfortable and things are a lot better as a result.

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”

Richard Ward

DOG TRAINING AND CAT EXPERT CARE DURING THE HOUSE SITTER SERVICE

I regularly provide expert care and training for dogs and cats when the owner is in holiday.

After a chat with the owner I create a plan centred around the owner’s requests and my own advice. If the situation is not immediately clear I usually check the pet during their absence and I talk with the them when they return home. I only ever contact the owner during the holiday if I have to bring their pets to the vet.

I have a good opportunity to assess the dog or cat during my house sitting service. I spend a lot of time with the pet in their own home, their garden or preferred park . I can look at their habits and routine, how they eat, how they walk, how they communicates and many other facets of their behaviour. When I see that something that isn’t working as well as it might, I can take appropriate remedial action.

A couple of examples

I was looking after a very energetic dog. I walked with him for the first time and discovered that he pulled a lot. I checked the situation and when I understood the reason of this behaviour, I made some changes and the dog stopped to pull on the lead after just three days. Here’s a loose lead walking.

I was looking after an excited dog and she chewed a lot (Everything and anything!) When I understood the reason, she stopped chewing. The problem was simply the position of his bowl food. Here’s the adorable excited dog!

Walking your dog is very important. It doesn’t only have physical benefit.
There are plenty of physiological benefit for your dog, especially if you bring your dog in many different places.

Your furry friends will be happier, because they can sniff new smells, they can meet new dogs, they can walk on different grounds and other alternative forms of mental stimulation.

I am looking after Juno & Surprise(they live together) every day of the week. We walk in a different place every day. If I don’t do it, they are bored. It’s important to keep their enthusiasm alive.
I feel so happy when Surprise jumps for joy and Juno runs 30mph, because we are in a different place! I understand that I am doing the right thing in this way.

I love dogs and cats, but I always wonder if their needs are satisfied. Are they living rewarding experiences and am I good company for them?
The ability to read their needs and their emotions has helped me to have a satisfying relationship with the pets. Empathy is a crucial skill for that.

All the Best,

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