The rescue dog that encouraged me to become a separation anxiety specialist and definitely tested my dog training skills. 

I rehomed Murphy from a rescue that I volunteered in. When I saw his photo pop up on the Facebook page me and the family knew straight away that I needed to get to know him. The next day I asked to meet him and straight away started the rehoming application... yes even if you volunteer you still need home checks  etc!

I already had two dogs at home, two teenagers and a visiting child so it was important that the meets went well and that we would all get on. I also seem to have always had an open house when it came to dogs so friends would bring theirs over and it wasn't unusual for me to have four or five dogs in the home sometimes. It could have gone so wrong but I was confident in my training and behaviour  knowledge, education and abilities so I gave it a go.

We did a long neutral walk and gradually got closer while assessing the body language at all times. 

There were some initial difficulties between Murphy and my bullmastiff male, mainly Murphy having boxer in him and being what can only be described as hyper but Max was good, gave good communication and let me know when I had to let him have his space. 

For the first few days Murphy was soooo good. Quiet, calm, assessing the new situation. And then he started to settle in with full force Murphy.

If I left the house I was greeted when I got home to not only a pile of poop but three or four piles that had been jumped in, flicked up the walls, trampled over the sofa. Don't worry, I won't add any pictures of that. Separation anxiety training here I come!

Murphy started to resource guard me and when Max went near me Murphy would snap at him or jump off the sofa and boxer punch him. Resource guarding training get to work.

I spent many days feeling trapped because I couldn't see progress. I cried. I had long moments thinking I had made a mistake and wasn't the right home for him. I thought about how Max was feeling and hoping that he wasn't suffering because of my choices. 

There was no way I could walk all the dogs together either as Murphy was so full on - trying to pull my shoulder out of its socket, I had a few pulled muscles. Bouncing on the end of his lead to see other dogs, jumping on and bounding into them. He had no dog manners at all!

The work I put in was time consuming. Trying to prioritise which behaviour needed working on first was almost impossible as they all seemed so important. It had to be making the environment calmer and more relaxed so the resource guarding was action number one while making sure his other needs were being met - secure fields for energy releasing, enrichment, finding a well fitting harness. 

I began separation training with him and he can now be left for 3 hours (possibly more but I don't try) without an accident.

Then it was the loose lead walking so we weren't confined to the secure fields. 

I added in impulse control exercises to redirect his boundless energy when near other dogs, distraction techniques and very high value treats.

Canine massage with a bit of Tellington TTouch to help Murphy reduce his tension and have a calmer demeanour. 

Now, with the help of my teenager (a little dog trainer in the making I think), we are able to walk Murphy and one of the other dogs together with few difficulties on the lead. 

Next, to add in dog number 3 and be able to do joyous walks in the countryside all together. 

Murphy is the reason I decided to become a separation anxiety specialist. He gave me a focus for my dog training and ensured I enrolled on all the courses I could to become a recognised specialist. He tested my education, practical and theoretical courses and experience in dog communication, dog behaviour, dog training and patience. 

We still have bits to work on but together I know that we will get there.

If you need the emotional support of someone who has been in your shoes, felt the feelings you feel and managed to work though it to guide you then reach out and I will be here. Ready to share my experience, my knowledge and my empathy.