All About Dogs!

Healing & Communication – Your Dog is Your Mirror

If you have spent any time exploring this website, you will probably already know that dogs have played a huge role in both my personal life and my work. I have worked with dogs and their owners since the early 1990s, helping with training, behaviour and emotional wellbeing. Over the years they have taught me so much about trust, communication, loyalty and the deep emotional connection that exists between humans and animals.

It is perhaps no surprise then that working with dogs through Reiki and intuitive healing feels completely natural to me. In many ways, it feels like giving something back to animals that have brought so much joy, wisdom and companionship into my life.

My background in canine behaviour, combined with time spent working within veterinary practice, gives me a grounded and practical understanding alongside my intuitive work. Although I work energetically and intuitively, I am also highly aware of subtle canine body language and behavioural changes, which can often provide important clues about a dog’s emotional or physical wellbeing.

Dogs are incredibly sensitive beings and often mirror the emotions, stress levels and energy of the people around them. Many behavioural or emotional issues can arise from anxiety, trauma, environmental stress or changes within the family dynamic. This is why I often say that your dog can become your mirror, reflecting things that may be happening beneath the surface within the household itself.

Every dog is different and sessions are always guided by the individual animal. Some dogs are happy to receive Reiki through gentle hands-on contact, whilst others prefer hands-off work with space around them. For dogs who are anxious, reactive, elderly or living further away, distant Reiki sessions is extremely effective.

Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that works beautifully alongside conventional veterinary care and behavioural support programmes. It can help create a sense of calm and balance, supporting the body and mind in a natural and compassionate way.

Over the years I have seen Reiki support dogs experiencing many different issues including:

• Joint pain and stiffness
• Muscle tension
• Anxiety and nervousness
• Emotional trauma in rescue dogs
• Recovery after surgery or illness
• Stress-related behavioural issues
• Autoimmune conditions
• End-of-life comfort and support

One experience that has always stayed with me involved a six-month-old German Shepherd puppy that I was visiting to help with training. During a casual energetic scan, I became aware of an intense “hot spot” around one of his hips. Although there were no outward signs at the time, I mentioned it to his guardian, who thankfully was open-minded enough to pursue further investigation. After some time persuading the vet, the puppy was x-rayed and early signs of hip dysplasia were discovered.

Because the issue had been identified so early, supportive measures were put into place straight away, including supplements, carefully controlled exercise and Reiki support. Thankfully, the progression of symptoms was significantly slowed and the dog was able to remain comfortable and active.

Reiki is not a miracle cure, nor is it a replacement for veterinary treatment. It should always be viewed as a complementary therapy that supports the animal as a whole: physically, emotionally and energetically. Its role is to encourage relaxation, reduce stress and help the body access its own natural healing ability.

Perhaps one of the greatest privileges of this work has been helping dogs during the final stages of life. Reiki can bring a profound sense of peace and calm to animals who are nearing transition and I have been honoured to support many beloved companions in passing gently and peacefully from this world to the next.