Dog Guidance

Honest Dog Guidance, from a Real Human, Who Gets It

Confused about your dog’s behaviour or worried you’re doing something wrong? Just ask Min.
Whether it’s “my dog is chewing everything” or “my dog is scared of strangers”, The Dog Nonna offers quick, friendly guidance you can trust - through a simple Zoom chat designed to bring calm and clarity back into life with your dog. 
Book your one hour zoom call for £65 today.

Feeling lost with your dog?

You’re not alone - sometimes you just need to talk it through.

Whether it’s a tiny worry or a complete “I don’t know what to do” moment, The Dog Nonna offers calm, practical dog guidance, that helps you make sense of what’s going on, feel more confident, and come up with a plan that puts you back into control.

Whatever the question, we can map it out together and figure out the next steps.

Hi, I’m Min, The Dog Nonna.

Think of me as your calm, judgement-free grandma (Nonna) here to help with all things ‘life with dogs’.

With years of hands-on experience caring for all kinds of dogs and a professional background in mental health and parenting support, I bring both empathy and practicality to every chat. 

I’m here to listen, guide and help you unscramble the thoughts you have, so you and your dog can feel more balanced, connected, and understood.

3 Ways You Can Work With Me

Accessible, friendly, dog guidance, whenever and whenever you need it.

1

Ask Min Anything

Book a relaxed, 1hour video call where you can ask anything... whether it's how to make walks easier or planning a vet visit.
Ask Min anything - the dog nonna - dog advice

2

Online Help & Support

Support packages and training for every stage of your dog’s life - Playful pups, Rescues and those golden oldies.
Online dog advice - just ask the dog nonna

3

In-Person Support

For dogs and their humans in Exeter, Devon and the surrounding areas. Walk and talk style advice.
In person help - Dog advice in Exeter

I've been exactly where you are

I’ve been exactly where you are.
When Sky, my heart dog, came into my life, I thought love would be enough. But I soon learned that great relationships between humans and dogs take more than good intentions. They need patience, understanding and the right kind of guidance at the moments that matter most.

My background gives me a unique perspective:

  • Accredited Mental Health First Aid, Accredited Life Coach, specialising in canine communication and behaviour mentoring
  • Over 10 years supporting dog families through every challenge imaginable

I’ve walked, boarded and cared for a multitude of dogs - some reactive or fearful, some prolific chewers, barkers and others that are lead pullers. Then there have been some with health conditions requiring extra care. I have completed mentorships with international and UK based trainers and behaviourists, also completed training in canine communication, scent work, canine bonding and play, elderly dog care, loose lead walking and canine first aid. I am currently conducting my own study in canine and human interspecies relationships

I understand the struggle because I’ve lived it - from feeling overwhelmed to finding confidence with my own dog. I don’t just focus on dog training. I support both ends of the lead - you, your dog and your lifestyle together- because when you feel calmer and more confident, your dog does too.

Does this sound familiar?

You’ve asked Facebook, Reddit and other platforms, about your doggy dilemmas, but are often faced with conflicting advice or even trolls. 
You’ve Googled until your eyes hurt and you’re still left confused. Turned to ChatGPT only to receive generic and untrustworthy advice. Well, I provide that human voice in an AI world. I hear you...
  • Maybe your dog never seems to settle.
  • Perhaps walks have become a nightmare.
  • Maybe your neighbours would prefer it if you’d got a goldfish.
  • Maybe your neighbours would prefer it if you’d got a goldfish.
  • And your guests are afraid to wear shorts or tights and always leave with paw prints on their shoulders
  • You’ve read all the advice, tried all the tips… and still feel stuck.

You just need a human, who gets it, to ask the odd question and understand your frustration

...and here I am. 

Customer Testimonials

We are incredibly grateful to have Min in our lives! She is a natural with animals and treats our dog Auri as part of her own family with so much love and care.
Min is an amazing, thoughtful and compassionate person, who we feel lucky to know.
Her level of care is unmatched and unsurprisingly shes become an indespensible part of our family.

Dr Natalie Chalmers

It is such a pleasure to be a client of Min's.
She is someone I know I can trust completely to help care for my dog. I knew very quickly that due to her kindness and determination to always do her very best - that my dog was in the safest of hands.
Over the years, we have learnt many things from Min, but one off the most important was, the joy of slowing down, embracing the outdoors and scentwork

Linda

Min is amazing with dogs and has lots of patience.

Gail Randell

What People Ask

There’s no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your dog. Whether you’re googling “why does my dog…?” for the hundredth time or worrying about something that just doesn’t feel right, The Dog Nonna is here to help you make sense of it all. 
Sometimes you just need a calm, human chat - to get some clarity and that’s exactly what an Ask Min call is for.

Should I take my dog to the vet?

While I can’t diagnose health concerns, I’m here to help you feel calm, confident, and well prepared - from understanding what to share with your vet and how to describe symptoms clearly, to exploring costs, follow-up care, and what comes next for you.

My dog pulls on the lead constantly.

Having walked many dogs of all shapes, sizes and stubborn streaks, I’ve got plenty of practical tips to make walkies less of a workout and more of a calm, connected stroll.

My dog’s scared of everything - what can I do?

Traffic, the bin man, hoovers… yep they’re all a bit scary! I’ll help you understand what your dog might be feeling, how to build their confidence and when to seek extra support from a behaviourist if needed.

Why does my dog ignore me sometimes?

It’s not personal (I promise). Together we’ll explore what might be going on and how you can improve your communication with each other in everyday life.

My rescue dog won’t settle at home.

Adapting to a new life can be overwhelming for rescue dogs. I’ll share ways to create a calm environment and realistic routines, helping your new family member feel safe and secure.

I feel like I’m failing my dog.

You’re not! I’ve heard this so many times! Everyone has wobbly moments. I’ll help you pause, reframe and find a simple plan that brings back calm, confidence and joy - for both of you.

Is my dog bored, anxious, or just lazy?

Let’s talk about your dog’s day-to-day - their health, routine, enrichment, and environment. Let’s figure out what they actually need to feel happy and fulfilled.

I think I’m losing my best friend

The end of a dog’s life is heart wrenching, I know I’ve been there myself. I’m here to listen to your worries, make sense of the decisions you might have to make and ensure you are not alone through this emotional time. I’ll bring some empathy and my listening ear! 

What The Dog Nonna Isn’t

The Dog Nonna isn’t cold, automated advice, nor a flood of conflicting, judgemental comments online. It’s not a rigid, “join for 12 weeks” programme - although you can book more than one session if you need extra support.

It is at its heart, a human, tailored, dog guidance service, the place you come to when you don’t know who else to turn to. 

Plus it’s always a safe space no matter the subject – If, for example, you need practical advice on what to do if you’re thinking about rehoming your dog - You won’t get a lecture from some ‘Know-it-all’ like you do on Facebook - you’ll get clear steps and reassurance to help you feel okay with the emotionally charged decision you are about to make.

Where to find the Dog Nonna

You’ve found me! I’m based in Exeter in Devon, in the UK.
But you can access the Dog Nonna service from anywhere in the world – All of our advice sessions are done via a video link (on zoom) so whenever you need to talk, just book in and I will be ready and waiting on the other end of the “phone” (or screen as we do these days.)
If, however, we are already neighbours, and you happen to based in Exeter or nearby and need some face to face help, drop me a message below and let’s see what we can arrange.

Supporting dog families across the UK through every stage of life together. Every dog deserves a future and every human deserves a plan.

For Rescue Dogs
For Elderly Dogs