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Renae at work as puppy preschool trainer Supporting a puppy to be calm and attentive
Teaching come when called in puppy school Renae with a puppy at work in puppy class

Who is The Mindful Dog?

Hi, I'm Renae, and I teach a kinder way to raise a puppy.

I've been a professional "dog nerd" for over a decade, but my journey really began when my husband and I welcomed our rescue dog, Nero, into our home. Like many of you, I wanted to give him the best life possible. And, I quickly realized that the common obedience training approach, did not support a young puppy's needs, nor did it align with my values of compassion and connection.

That's when I discovered a modern, mindful, and ethology-based approach to puppy parenting. My mission is to share that dog knowledge with you - the progressive, eco-conscious puppy parent - who wants to build a deep, trusting relationship with their dog, not just teach them to do behaviours on cue.

Applied Ethology & Family Dog Mediation® Professional

Beyond "Sit" and "Stay": Our Mindful Dog Approach

You've probably heard a lot of conflicting advice on how best to raise your puppy. So, how are The Mindful Dog's methods different compared with common, cookie-cutter puppy "obedience" classes? We don't just teach you how to "train" your puppy; we help you understand your puppy on a much deeper level - as a unique individual of an extraordinary species.

My coaching is grounded in applied ethology and Family Dog Mediation®, which is a fancy way of saying we look at the whole picture. All four L.E.G.S.® that influence your puppy's emotional experience and behaviour:

  • Learning: How your puppy thinks and learns.
  • Environment: How their surroundings shape their behaviour.
  • Genetics: Their breed and innate instincts.
  • Self: Their unique personality and emotional state.

This holistic perspective helps us get to the root of the issue, whether it's chewing, nipping, or separation anxiety. The result? A stronger bond, less stress for both of you, and a happy, confident dog who trusts you and wants to listen.

 

Earthwise Dog Welfare & Wellbeing

Eco Mindful Puppy Parenting: Becoming Dog Aware and Earthwise

If, for you, caring for your puppy goes hand-in-hand with caring for life on Earth, then we are on the same page. I'm also dedicated to a more eco-conscious way of life with dogs.

So, we'll not only focus on kinder, fear-free methods that build your puppy's confidence and support their wellbeing. We'll also explore more sustainable practices to reduce our dog's environmental pawprints - from non-plastic toy choices and eco-friendlier enrichment options, to low-impact ways to manage puppy messes.

Because a mindful relationship with your dog isn't just about what you do, but how you do it. It's a conscious choice to raise a happy, well-adjusted family dog, while also living in harmony with the rest of the living world around us.

Ready to start your mindful puppy parenting journey? Book a Private Coaching session, or enrol for Puppy School, and let's work together to give your puppy the best possible start in life.

Renae at work on puppy recall in puppy class 1
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