Peanut

We contacted Walk and Train Edinburgh in the hope of finding some support with our lovely dog Peanut who struggled with some situations, such as when seeing kids rushing around, or hearing a skateboard whiz by.  Peanut's response was to be reactive, and this was something that we wanted to address in a meaningful way - that is, by first understanding what was wrong and, then, by learning of ways to make positive changes.

Meeting Linnea was wonderful for our little family of three (my husband, Peanut and I).  She quickly addressed how things that we had been doing, such as focussing on high intensity exercise, was perhaps contributing to Peanut's high levels of anxiety and vigilance - this, then, making Peanut less able to concentrate on us during walks and, instead, being easily stressed by what was around him.  Linnea taught us how to integrate focus training during our walks, for example, by bringing Peanut's breakfast with us and creating opportunities for him to remain attuned to us, rather than the environment.  In addition, Linnea gave us some great exercises for at home, for example, playing tug and letting Peanut get out his play, before helping him to calm down and regulate his emotions. 

Taken together, we learned that perhaps we had been making the world a little too hectic for Peanut, through making things so fast-paced, without realising that this was not what he needed.  Instead, we've made changes that allow for him to enjoy being outside, running with me in the mornings instead of chasing the ball, or going for hikes (he even completed the 90+ mile hike from Ullapool to Sandwood Bay this summer).  Breakfast is always provided through search games out in the open, and this gives Peanut the opportunity to explore and use his sense of smell.  There was so much help in what Linnea provided, and it's really made for a meaningful change in Peanut's behaviour when out and about.  He is far less reactive to others and far more attentive towards us.  He seems to be a happy, and less anxious dog, which makes us all very happy.

Thanks so much!

- Sarah & Nate