Finally Getting My Own Dog
I was quite young, only 21 years old, when I finally got my own dog. I had walked with every dog I found on the streets back home and loved it, but I longed for my very own dog. Most importantly – I gained a lot of dog knowledge and developed an interest in dog behavior and dog psychology.
Needed a Dog to Practice On
That’s why I wanted to educate myself about dogs and needed my own dog to practice with. At least that’s my version of the story. But it didn’t go that way, as I took a university degree in communication and psychology before I (finally) became a certified Dog Listener (Jan Fennell Dog Listener).
But I still needed my own dog, so I went to Bornholm to look at Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies that were 10 weeks old and for sale. I was still living at home, so I couldn’t get a Rottweiler, and that’s why I fell in love with the Ridgeback instead – a fantastic breed, as it turned out.
Chose the Puppy Who Was Hiding
I chose the puppy that was hiding. Yes, exactly what you’re not supposed to do, but she was beautiful, and I have a soft spot for vulnerable animals. She also defeated her sister outside, so I thought it would probably be fine. We went home by boat to Copenhagen, and our life together began – Sheevas and I.
She was a cautious and determined female who wasn’t interested in all the people. This suited me well, as I was a student and wanted to bring her to my friends without her drooling on the coffee table the whole time.
Rhodesian Ridgeback – The Perfect Breed for Me
An amazing dog who basically had all the qualities I was looking for – we both tried lure coursing and blood tracking. Since I had a lot of dog experience from childhood, the Ridgeback was the perfect breed for me. But I wouldn’t recommend this breed to first-time dog owners without experience. It’s a very smart breed with a lot of integrity, which can easily be perceived as reserved, but once you look beyond the surface, there’s much more to read. A breed that always weighs risks against what it’s presented with, and you can almost always trust them. Then I learned that it’s often about the dog’s personality and not just the breed.
Moved 7 Times with My Dog
Sheevas and I lived a bit like nomads. In nearly 13 years, we moved 7 times, and she was fantastic at adapting. We even moved to Stockholm and traveled by train to Copenhagen many times. She kept me calm, and vice versa – we were a perfect match.
Learned a Lot About Dog Communication and Psychology
It was when Sheevas was 8 years old and I had my first child that I started dreaming of working with dogs and dog owners again. She had taught me so much, and now I was ready to get answers to the last questions I had. I was looking for the perfect dog training, but it didn’t exist…
Jan Fennell – Dog Listener
Then one day, I read about Jan Fennell and how her method is inspired by Monty Roberts, who works with horses. I was sold and took both the first and second courses within a few months and became a certified Dog Listener. I was overjoyed when I saw the results with my Sheevas, especially her anxiety over fireworks. After giving her medication for 10 years, watching her shake and pant on New Year’s Eve, and then spending New Year’s Eve with her lying down without medication, looking out the window – that’s when I knew I wanted to help others with this. To find harmony with their dogs.
The Day I Told My Dog: You Won’t Be Coming Home With Me
It was here that the ideas for Doglass.se and now Lovinadogs.se began to take shape. Sheevas made my dream possible and showed me that it’s never too late to make dreams come true. When she became sick at nearly 13 years old, I took her in the car to drive to the vet and told her that she wouldn’t be coming home with me. And she didn’t. It felt like a pact we had. It was time. I lost a dear friend, but I know she is always with me, and she was truly special.
From Rhodesian Ridgeback to Irish Red Setter
Today, I help dog owners find harmony with their dogs, no matter what challenges they may face. I’m back in the classroom with our new rescue dog, Mojo, an Irish Red Setter, and it’s wonderful to gain a lot of new knowledge. Of course, Mojo is the opposite of Sheevas, so I can continue to develop myself in my dog ownership journey.
Humbled to Speak the Dog’s Language
It gives me great humility to work with Mojo, as I can more easily understand the dog owners I speak to and help. I’m not the perfect dog owner, but I have tools that help me, such as never saying “no” to my dog – I show it through silent signals. Silent signals that belong to the dog and are on her frequency.
Do you want to know more and have questions about your dog and your relationship? I look forward to hearing from you – big or small.