MENTEE SESSION 28TH OCT 2025

0:00 Part 1 — The session covered personal and professional challenges in dog behaviour and training. Michelle Walker described aggression issues affecting her household; Danielle Beck offered support. The group celebrated academic successes and reviewed a 2½-year-old rescue case with guarding, phantom pregnancy and electric collar use, noting limited owner commitment and health concerns. Training safety, realistic goals, lowering arousal and building positive human associations were emphasised. Broader discussions covered client engagement and understanding their barriers to change. Jessie and Lucy shared frustrations about behaviour cycles and specific cases, ending with shared struggles around technology in their work.
Part two From 51.24 summary — Discussion on balancing work, social life and mental health. Danielle encouraged extra income options like writing, case studies, vet collaboration or subscription services. Michelle mentioned developing a dog parkour course. Marketing, networking and the pressures of dog walking were discussed alongside community support and alternative income.
0:29 Challenges with Dog Behaviour and Celebrating Achievements — Michelle described aggression frustrations; Danielle encouraged case-sharing. Congratulations to Hannah (Master’s distinction) and Pauline.
9:12 Client Concerns and Dog Behaviour Challenges — Pauline presented the rescue dog from Macedonia showing guarding and anxiety after phantom pregnancy and electric collar use; clients seemed sceptical.
13:37 Discussion on Dog Behaviour and Training Strategies — Pauline recommended village-hall training or secure outdoor areas; Danielle stressed patience and long-term acclimatisation.
17:45 Discussion on Dog Behaviour and Owner Goals — Owners should clarify aims for visitors and reduce arousal for realistic behaviour change.
20:04 Discussion on Phantom Pregnancies and Spaying in Dogs — Collie improved after treatment; timing of spaying and symptom control discussed.
25:06 Challenges in Canine Behaviour Management — Danielle described managing adolescent behaviour with gradual exposure; client dismissiveness and medical issues complicate cases.
29:30 Client Behaviour Assessment Techniques — Danielle assesses clients’ stage in the behaviour-change cycle with Suzanne Rogers’ question gauging commitment.
31:08 Discussion on Behaviour Change Cycle and Client Challenges — Jessie criticised oversimplification; motivation varies with personal context.
37:45 Observations on Dog Chewing Behaviour — Lucy noted an odd chewing posture; Danielle said it could reflect preference or chew type.
42:25 Updates on Client Cases — Lucy W reported improved client interactions and optimism for sessions with children.
47:54 Technology Troubles and Password Woes — Anne’s webinar faced tech issues; Lucy W had server failure; Hannah struggled with passwords, showing common digital hurdles.
51:24 Exploring Side Business Opportunities in Animal Behaviour — Danielle urged exploring new income: writing, case studies, vet collaboration or subscription clubs to grow community and revenue.
56:35 Challenges in Dog Walking and Marketing — Michelle described physical and financial strain; Danielle advised breaks and support networks to avoid burnout.
1:02:04 Marketing Strategies and Networking with Veterinary Practices — Danielle recommended visiting vets for referrals; Hannah is finalising business cards and focus.
1:04:59 Strategies for Client Engagement and Referral Processes — Leaflets often ignored; business cards or QR codes preferred for hygiene and accessibility.
1:11:58 Client Expectations and Veterinary Consultations — Jessie shared a case of mixed advice; vets rarely dismiss referrals but personal illness complicates client management.
1:17:39 Challenges in Dog Behaviour Consultation — Clients prefer trends over expert advice; raw feeding and elimination trials meet resistance; relationships unpredictable.
1:20:59 Understanding Client Dynamics in Animal Care — Clients’ personal issues may affect follow-through; professionals must protect mental health.
1:28:54 Reflections on Stress and Group Dynamics — Danielle encouraged rest and self-compassion; Jessie shared her struggles with an eating disorder and stress in group settings.
1:31:31 Legal Challenges in Dog Rehoming — Michelle described rehoming barriers under current law; deregistration slow and risky.
1:37:49 Challenges with Dog Behaviour and Welfare — Michelle’s dog shows worsening aggression and mouthiness; Danielle stressed considering the welfare of all dogs involved.