Essential Oils & Your Anxious Dog Workshop

A journey of love, anxiety, and healing — one paw at a time. I’ve always been an animal lover. From cats and rabbits to frogs, reptiles, birds, and fish — you name it, I’ve probably cared for it. But deep down, I’d always longed for a dog. So when our boys were getting older and I was working from home, it felt like the perfect time to welcome one into our family. Enter Barney, our gorgeous Cockapoo — bouncy, bright-eyed, and full of potential. But just as we brought him home, the world shut down. Lockdown hit, and with it came so many challenges none of us could have predicted. Like many lockdown puppies, Barney missed out on essential socialisation — both with visitors in our home and out in the wider world. And slowly, it became clear that he was struggling. His anxiety outside became overwhelming — he would shake and bark just stepping out the front door. Walks became impossible. A traumatic encounter with an off-lead, out-of-control dog made everything worse, and Barney began showing reactive behaviours that broke our hearts. But it wasn’t just Barney who suffered. I did too. The dream of joyful family walks disappeared. I became anxious, constantly on edge, dreading the reactions, the judgement from others, and the strain of trying to manage his fear. My own nervous system was in overdrive — and of course, that tension travelled straight down the lead. Yes, we’ve worked with trainers and behaviourists before, with limited results. But now, we’re working with an incredible behaviourist who truly understands Barney and is helping us approach things with care, patience, and compassion. This, alongside the natural support of essential oils — my area of expertise as a certified aromatherapist — is finally helping us make some headway. While I’m not sure we’ll ever have those carefree, calm walks I once imagined, we’ve found something even more meaningful: deep understanding, acceptance, and love for the dog we have. I’ve used essential oils to create calm and build confidence for both Barney and myself — in our home, on walks, and in daily life. And I’d love to share what I’ve learned with you. If you’re walking a similar path — if you’re feeling anxious, isolated, or heartbroken by your dog’s anxiety or reactivity — I want you to know you’re not alone. There are gentle, effective tools that can support you both. Come and join me. Let’s walk this path together — one paw, one step, one drop at a time.