Bob’s Story – From Chaos to Calm

Breed: Labrador/Collie Cross
Age: 3 Years
Challenges: Separation anxiety, destructive behaviour, escape attempts

Meet Bob

Bob was rescued at just eight weeks old, a fluffy bundle of love who instantly captured the hearts of his new family. 

But the real bond bloomed between Bob and the teenage daughter of the house, they were inseparable. 

Long walks, belly rubs, and endless affection, it was the kind of connection that transforms both dog and human.

Then, life shifted.

University started. A part-time job followed. Suddenly, Bob’s favourite person wasn’t around as much, and his world started to unravel.

When Love Isn’t Enough

With his anchor gone for long stretches, Bob became anxious. Then distressed, he began destroying things around the house, lost interest in his food, and ran off whenever a door or gate gave him the chance.

Holidays were especially hard, whether staying with family or in kennels, Bob would try to escape, sometimes succeeding. 

The family were at their wits’ end. And Bob? He was often labelled “naughty.”

But here’s the truth:
Bob wasn’t misbehaving—he was grieving. Confused. Desperate.
And his family, like so many others, just didn’t know what he was trying to tell them.

Enter The Dog Witch

When I arrived, Bob was a tangled ball of stress and sadness. 

But beneath that – A loving, sensitive soul waiting to be heard.

Together, we got to work – no gimmicks, no harsh training, just deep understanding and practical, holistic support.

The Dog Witch Approach

 Sound Therapy
Bob responded beautifully to music; his human used to sing to him.

 So, we introduced calming sound therapy to ease his separation anxiety – meditation music played softly when he was alone helped soothe his nervous system.

A Safe Space
We created a dedicated den filled with soft, cosy blankets where Bob could burrow and decompress. 

We added items of clothing from his family, familiar scents that grounded and reassured him.

Aromatherapy
A bespoke essential oil blend was diffused on a timer to gently regulate Bob’s mood and reinforce his sense of safety when home alone.

Canine Massage
Touch was powerful for Bob; I taught his family simple massage techniques that became part of their daily routine.

Not only did this calm his nervous system, but it strengthened the bond between them and taught Bob to self-soothe.

Enrichment for Holidays
Granny, who often cared for Bob during holidays, couldn’t walk him far due to arthritis, so we introduced mentally enriching games they could play together – stimulating, fun, and gentle enough for both of them.

 The Transformation

The results weren’t instant. But they were lasting.

• No more destruction.
• No more runaway escapes.
• A calmer, happier dog who feels safe, no matter who’s home.

There were no drastic changes to Bob’s routine – just thoughtful, personalised support that helped him understand the world around him again. 

Most importantly, Bob now knows this:

When his people leave… they always come back.