When Sarah first contacted Wildpaw Pathways, her rescue German Shepherd mix, Luna, was a beautiful but highly reactive 3-year-old. Walks were a source of extreme anxiety for both of them; Luna would lunge and bark frantically at other dogs, cyclists, and anything moving fast or unexpectedly. Sarah felt embarrassed and overwhelmed, dreading every outing. At home, Luna was restless, pacing instead of settling, leaving Sarah feeling like she was failing her beloved dog.

After a free consultation, we started with our **Calm & Connected Bundle (6 one-to-one sessions) complemented by regular 60-minute training walks. Over 3-4 months, the transformation was remarkable.

Luna went from explosive reactions at 20–30 metres to calmly noticing a trigger, checking back with Sarah for guidance, and continuing her walk with a relaxed trot. On-lead pulling dramatically reduced, replaced by loose-lead walking and happy sniffing. She learned to settle naturally, even lying calmly under a café table while Sarah enjoyed her coffee. At home, pacing gave way to quiet time, curled up on her bed or chewing a toy, as her overall arousal levels noticeably dropped.

For Sarah, walks turned from dreaded chores into something she genuinely looked forward to. She gained immense confidence, knowing exactly how to support Luna and reward her calm choices. The guilt lifted, replaced by pride as people started commenting on Luna’s calm demeanour. Their bond deepened, becoming a true team. Sarah’s message after one session summed it up: “I never thought we’d get here. Thank you for giving us our walks back — and our peace.”

This is what thriving looks like: a dog who feels safe and understood, and an owner who feels capable, proud, and connected. If your dog and you are in a similar place, our free consultation is always open. What does “thriving” look like for you and your pup? 🐾