Episode Details

The Opposable Thumbs Behind Jess The Worried Whippet

Episode 17 Published 2 years, 1 month ago

Description

In this episode, Jo & Vicky talk about dog training from a client's perspective. They are sitting down with Jess Bolton, who is an author, podcaster and content creator who mostly works on Instagram. Through these mediums, she has been telling the story of Jess her very anxious 10-year-old whippet and their new anxious dog Otto. Sharing her experiences and those of other owners of anxious pets.

Jess explains how specialist trainers have helped her and her husband to understand their anxious dogs. Enabling them to help both dogs, while looking after their own mental health.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Most dog owners are not well equipped to look after an anxious dog.
Learn how to read your dog´s body language.
Overcoming separation anxiety takes a while, so you have to be really committed.
Jess first got help over Zoom, during the pandemic. Not all anxious dog training has to be done in person.
Some of the behaviours are brought on by medical conditions, which need to be addressed first.
Owning an anxious dog can limit where you can go and when which can negatively impact your mental health. Be aware of this and be strategic about tackling this issue.
Sighthounds are predisposed to anxiety.

BEST MOMENTS

‘She's worried about leaving the house, meeting new people and being anywhere near the edge of her comfort zone. ´

‘With anxious dogs, you have to go straight to the professionals and get yourself some really robust support.’

‘Manage those expectations up front.’

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.worriedwhippet.co.uk/

Worried Whippet by Jess Bolton - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Worried-Whippet-Book-Bravery-Bolton/dp/1400242126

https://www.instagram.com/worriedwhippet/

Brave Little Podcast - https://shows.acast.com/brave-little-podcast

https://www.tiktok.com/@worriedwhippet

SOCIALS AND IMPORTANT LINKS

https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness