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Caring for a rescue dog

Rescue Dog Support

Ask any questions about caring for a Rescue Dog.
I offer a gentle one-hour consultation where you can talk openly about the worries, confusion, or “I don’t know what to do” moments that come with welcoming a rescue dog into your life.
Get clear guidance, emotional support, and real-life advice from someone who really gets it and understands rescue dogs deeply - without judgement, pressure, or one-size-fits-all answers.
I'm here to support you through this process.
Get Support for Your Rescue Dog
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The worries of families caring for a rescue dog:

  • Settling-in struggles: Hiding, pacing, panting, not eating, crying at night, or clinging to you.
  • Big emotions: Fear responses, reactivity, uncertainty in new spaces, or shut-down behaviours.
  • Understanding their temperament: Helping you unpack your dog, and trying to make sense of who they really are underneath it all and navigating the baggage they come with.
  • Integrating into family life: Kids, cats, other dogs, routines, boundaries… and what to prioritise first.
  • Trust-building: How to form a bond when your dog has a history you can’t see or fully understand. Creating a sense of safety where trust and relationships can be nurtured positively.
  • Feeling overwhelmed: Doubting yourself, worrying you made a mistake, or wondering if you’re “doing it wrong.”
  • Navigating the unknown: Not knowing how long it will take for them to settle, or what “settled” even looks like.
Whether your rescue dog is timid, anxious, confused, overstimulated, or simply trying to figure out their new world, you don’t have to figure this out alone.
Book A Consultation

What If You Could Understand Your Rescue Dog Better?

Imagine feeling confident about what your dog needs - instead of guessing.
Imagine having simple steps to follow, a calmer home and the reassurance that you can help your dog feel safe, secure and understood.

Your rescue dog isn’t trying to be difficult - they’re trying to communicate, maybe even shut down or don’t yet feel safe enough to show up as the dog they truly are.
With the right support, both of you can find your rhythm and connection.

Your Dog Isn’t Who They’ll Become - Yet

Those first days and weeks can be confusing:
Fear responses, shutdowns, clinginess, barking, or simply not engaging.

It’s normal.
And it will shift.

I can help you understand what you’re seeing, what might be behind it, and what gentle steps will help your dog adjust at their pace, not someone else’s timeline.

Your Everyday Routine Will Look Different

Rescue dogs need structure that feels safe, predictable and kind.

I can help you explore:

  • What routine suits your dog’s emotional needs
  • Calming environments for over-wired nervous systems
  • How to support them through overstimulation or fear
  • Integration with kids cats, and other dogs in the home
  • Navigating first walks, visitors and household changes

You don’t need perfect.
You just need a plan that fits the two of you.

Building a Village

You may need to work with vets, walkers, sitters, daycare, or behaviourists… and that’s okay.

I can help you:

  • Understand what to ask (and what’s not relevant right now)
  • Communicate your dog’s history, needs, and triggers
  • Feel confident advocating for your dog
  • Get clarity before spending money on specialists
  • Decide who belongs in your dog’s inner circle of care

You don’t need to navigate the overwhelm alone.

When Things Feel Hard

Rescue dogs can bring up doubts, frustration, sadness, or guilt.
It doesn’t mean you’re failing.
It means you care.

I can support you through:

  • “Did I make a mistake?”
  • “Why isn’t this getting easier?”
  • “What if we’re not a good match?”
  • “How do I manage my own emotions while supporting theirs?”

I’ve been there - with my own dog, the dogs I’ve supported and the families I’ve walked alongside.

How This Consultation Helps

Unlike social media groups, AI tools, or conflicting advice online, you’ll have a calm, empathetic human (that’s me, Min) to talk to.
Someone who listens, helps you make sense of what’s happening, and gives you a path forward that feels doable.
With 12+ years’ experience caring for hundreds of rescue dogs through walking, boarding and mentoring - plus training in canine communication, bonding, play, scent-work, and a background in mental health - I bring both practicality and emotional insight to every session.
No judgement.

No pressure.

Just thoughtful, compassionate advice based on real life.
Book A Consultation

Customer Testimonial

Rex’s story

I met Min many years ago, just as a dog walking acquaintance. We would chat, and that was how I discovered she was a dog behaviourist. When I took on a very distressed rescue golden retriever, I  turned to Min for help. Rex had been a home trained wheelchair assist dog.

His owner died, and with no one able to take him, Rex was put into kennels to await going to a rehoming centre. When I heard about him, he had been there for 3 weeks and was severely stressed. I have had dogs all my life and several rescues, but never a dog as disturbed as Rex. He had lost the person he loved and cared for 24/7 and then shut in a kennel for hours every day.

Then a total stranger took him to a home he didn't know. Rex didn't sleep for 3 nights, so nor did we. He stood barking at us, not with any aggression, just despair. This was when I contacted Min. My partner and I were exhausted and unable to find a way to help Rex. Her kind and gentle ways helped so much. Her ideas of giving Rex little jobs to do for which he could be given praise and rewards.

Playing hide the treat around the garden or house gave him huge pleasure. I learned about decompression for rescue dogs, how walking in long grass releases endorphins in dogs to give them pleasure and help them relax. Giving praise for doing things like rolling made Rex feel like he was doing a good thing. He had lost his feeling of being useful, so praise for any small thing helped him with that. Allowing him to rip up cardboard boxes when things got a bit overwhelming for him was another great tip

The completely calm and gentle methods used by Min helped both Rex and my partner and I. Her help has led to us having a wonderful, relaxed, loving but cheeky dog. He loves taking peoples hats off. He has to carry our keys into the lounge and put on the sofa... a throw back to his previous life perhaps?.. he carries washing to the machine, but equally, he lays in muddy puddles and rips up boxes.

We had 4 sessions with Min in our home, and they were worth every single penny. I may have had dogs all my life, but all dogs are different, and all rescue dogs are especially so. No person is ever too old or too knowledgeable to learn something new and helpful. Min knows ways to help you enjoy your dog to the fullest extent, which is surely what every good dog owner wants.

What Happens in Your Consultation...

Before we meet: You'll complete a simple questionnaire so I can understand your dog, your home, and your concerns.

Evaluate: What your dog is showing you, why it might be happening, and what they need.

Question time: Your space to ask anything, big or small, and feel truly heard.

Plan: Together we’ll create a calm, realistic action plan that fits your life.

Emotional support: A check-in for you too, because rescue journeys come with big feelings, and that matters.

After the call: You’ll receive a written summary with personalised steps and any recommendations.

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The Sooner You Seek Support, the Calmer It Becomes

Rescue dog families often describe:
  • Less overwhelm and more clarity
  • A better understanding of their dog’s emotions
  • Fewer “why is this happening?” spirals
  • More confidence handling tricky moments
  • Better integration into home life
  • A stronger relationship, gentler bond, nurturing trust
You don't need to wait until you're exhausted or doubting everything.
A little support early on can make a huge difference for both of you.
Book A Consultation

Why Work With Me

Caring for a rescue dog isn’t simple - it’s layered, emotional, and often full of unknowns. You deserve support that understands both the practical and emotional side of this journey.

I bring:

  • 12+ years of hands-on professional experience in walking, boarding and supporting rescue dogs of every temperament
  • A calm, intuitive understanding of fear, uncertainty, and emotional overwhelm in dogs
  • A professional background in mental health and life coaching, helping you feel grounded too
  • Experience supporting families through settling-in periods, regressions, trust-building and integration
  • A gentle, non-judgemental approach rooted in real life, not just theory
  • Personal insight from helping others and from caring for many dogs with big emotions and bigger stories

I’m an experienced guide who is here to help you navigate the journey ahead.
Someone who listens deeply, helps you understand what’s going on and gives you a realistic, compassionate plan to support your dog and yourself.

This work isn’t just practical for me - it’s personal. Every rescue dog I’ve met has shaped the way I support the families who love them.

Book A Consultation

Common Questions & Gentle Reassurances

What if my dog is too anxious or shut down to help?

Nothing is “too much.” We work gently and at your dog’s pace - no pressure, no expectations.

Should I be working with a trainer or behaviourist instead?

If you need specialist help, I’ll guide you - and help you prepare so your sessions are more effective.

What if this takes longer than I expected?

Completely normal. Rescue journeys aren’t linear - and that doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. I show you how time can become your friend and biggest asset as you settle into a fulfilling life together.

What if I don’t feel bonded yet?

Bonding takes time, especially with dogs carrying unknown histories. You are both learning to fit into each other’s lives - some dogs maybe learning to love and trust all over again.

Ready for Some Calm, Friendly Rescue Dog Support?

You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Let’s bring some clarity, confidence and compassion into your rescue dog journey.
Book your Rescue Dog Consultation – £65
The Dog Nonna Rescue Dog Consultations - The Dog Nonna
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