When Sam walked into our lives at around nine months old, he wasn’t just another dog—he was a dog with a past full of fear and anxiety. His previous owners, though well-meaning, couldn’t cope with his exuberance and deep need to protect himself. After being re-homed twice in a short period, Sam arrived at a border collie rescue centre, where he struggled to trust anyone. It was clear that Sam needed more help than we realised, and little did I know that he would become the reason I pursued a career in dog training.
The journey with Sam has been anything but easy, yet it has been the most rewarding. He has taught me invaluable lessons about patience, understanding, and the importance of seeing the world from a dog’s perspective. These lessons have not only shaped my approach to dog training but have also influenced every aspect of my life. In this blog, I want to share how Sam’s journey has shaped mine and why I’m so passionate about helping others understand and support their dogs.
Sam’s Early Life and Struggles:
Sam’s early life was marked by uncertainty and fear. After being rehomed twice in quick succession—first by an older couple who couldn’t manage his high energy, and then by a young family who returned him after just 24 hours due to his fear-driven aggression—Sam found himself at a border collie rescue centre. The move from his first home to the rescue was traumatic, and it took several days before he would allow anyone near him.
When Sam finally came home with us, his behaviour was manic. He would race around the house, bouncing off furniture in a state of near-constant anxiety. Any attempt to touch him was met with wariness unless he initiated the contact himself. He’d often retreat to a corner, growling to keep us at bay, especially when it came time to put on his lead. These early days were incredibly challenging, and we were woefully unprepared for the task at hand.
Sam’s anxiety manifested in a variety of ways—he’d steal food and guard it fiercely, bark at anyone who walked past the house, and pull us along on walks, slinking close to walls as if he were trying to disappear into them. He was terrified of the world around him, and we, in our inexperience, made many mistakes that only served to exacerbate his fears. Looking back, it’s clear that we were the wrong home and the wrong people for Sam at that time. We lacked the knowledge and experience to give him the support he so desperately needed.
The Turning Points:
The first major turning point came when we began to understand that Sam’s behaviour wasn’t rooted in defiance or aggression—it was driven by fear. Realizing this changed everything. We sought help from a qualified behaviourist who helped us see Sam’s actions through his eyes. We learned to give him space, to let him decompress, and to approach him with patience and understanding rather than frustration.
One of the most significant discoveries during this time was scent work and tracking. These activities gave Sam a sense of purpose and control in a world that often felt overwhelming to him. Through scent work, Sam learned to focus his energy in a positive way, and it became a powerful tool for managing his anxiety. Slowly but surely, we began to see changes in Sam. He became more confident, more trusting, and most importantly, he started to feel safe.
These turning points were not quick fixes, but rather the result of consistent, thoughtful work. We learned to go at Sam’s pace, to listen to his needs, and to celebrate the small victories. It was a long road, but with time, we built a relationship based on mutual trust and understanding.
Lessons Learned and Evolving as a Trainer:
Sam’s journey has taught me more about dog training—and life—than any book or course ever could. He showed me the importance of being gentle, patient, and kind. Through him, I learned that every dog has its own pace and that rushing the process only leads to setbacks.
One of the most important lessons Sam taught me is the value of seeing the world from a dog’s perspective. He reminded me that dogs don’t think the way we do—they don’t have the same motivations or understandings. By learning to see the world as Sam saw it, I was able to better meet his needs and help him navigate his fears.
These lessons have become the foundation of my approach to dog training. I focus on building trust, understanding, and communication between dogs and their owners. My goal is to help others avoid the mistakes I made with Sam by giving them the tools they need to understand and support their dogs from the very beginning.
The Contrast with Ness and Lochy:
Sam’s journey stands in stark contrast to the experiences I’ve had with my other dogs, Ness and Lochy. Ness was a joy from the start—full of energy, playfulness, and a love of life. She would bounce around with a happy, bouncy energy, nipping at our clothes in a playful way and giving a funny howly bark to get our attention. She was easy to like and love, always ready for fun and eager to explore the world with us.
Lochy, too, has been a delight. She’s a social butterfly, full of the joys of spring, and loves everyone she meets. Lochy is the kind of dog who makes everything feel easy—she’s fun, easy company, and a joy to be around.
Sam, on the other hand, has always been more complex. He’s intelligent, funny, and inquisitive, but he also demands a lot from those around him. He loves attention and cuddles, but only on his terms. If things don’t go the way he expects, he can quickly become anxious, growling to express his discomfort. With Sam, you always have to be on your toes, watching him closely and managing his interactions carefully.
The differences between Sam, Ness, and Lochy have highlighted the incredible diversity in dog personalities and needs. They’ve also reinforced the importance of understanding each dog as an individual and tailoring our approach to meet their unique needs.
Advice for Other Dog Owners:
Through my experience with Sam, I’ve learned a great deal that I now share with other dog owners. My first piece of advice is to seek help from a qualified behaviourist as soon as you notice your dog is struggling. It’s important to understand that your dog isn’t being difficult on purpose—they’re likely scared or anxious, and they need your help to feel safe.
Learning about dog body language is crucial. Understanding how to read your dog’s signals can help you prevent issues before they escalate. Providing for your dog’s mental and physical well-being is also key to building confidence and preventing future behavioural challenges.
It’s also important to know the breed you’re getting and to ensure you have the time, ability, and desire to meet their needs. While nurturing, raising, and training your dog has a significant impact on their behaviour, it’s not the whole picture—genetics and life experiences also play a role.
Finally, choose a reputable breeder or rescue, and make sure to attend a good puppy class that focuses on understanding your dog, not just teaching commands. The early days with your dog are critical, and setting a strong foundation will pay off in the long run.
Personal Growth and Impact:
Sam’s presence in my life has not only shaped my career but also my personal growth. He’s taught me to be kinder to myself and others, to listen more carefully, and to be patient. Through Sam, I’ve developed a deep love for studying and learning—something I hadn’t discovered until I found my passion for working with dogs.
Working with Sam also led me to build a community of like-minded people. I’ve made lifelong friends through our shared experiences, and I’ve found immense satisfaction in helping others navigate the challenges of dog ownership.
Sam’s journey was the catalyst for a major career shift. Although I had just completed a degree and qualified as a social worker, it was my experience with Sam that led me to work in a rescue centre. This experience confirmed that working with dogs was the right path for me, and I’ve never looked back.
Conclusion: A Life Changed by a Dog:
Sam has had a profound impact on my life and career. He’s taught me lessons that I carry with me every day, both in my work and in my personal life. Through Sam, I’ve learned the importance of understanding, patience, and kindness. He’s shown me the value of seeing the world through a dog’s eyes and the power of building trust and communication.
My journey with Sam has shaped my philosophy on dog training and inspired me to help others avoid the struggles we faced. I’m deeply grateful for the path he’s ledWhen Sam walked into our lives at around nine months old, he wasn’t just another dog—he was a dog with a past full of fear and anxiety. His previous owners, though well-meaning, couldn’t cope with his exuberance and deep need to protect himself. After being re-homed twice in a short period, Sam arrived at a border collie rescue centre, where he struggled to trust anyone. It was clear that Sam needed more help than we realised, and little did I know that he would become the reason I pursued a career in dog training.
The journey with Sam has been anything but easy, yet it has been the most rewarding. He has taught me invaluable lessons about patience, understanding, and the importance of seeing the world from a dog’s perspective. These lessons have not only shaped my approach to dog training but have also influenced every aspect of my life. In this blog, I want to share how Sam’s journey has shaped mine and why I’m so passionate about helping others understand and support their dogs.
Sam’s Early Life and Struggles:
Sam’s early life was marked by uncertainty and fear. After being rehomed twice in quick succession—first by an older couple who couldn’t manage his high energy, and then by a young family who returned him after just 24 hours due to his fear-driven aggression—Sam found himself at a border collie rescue centre. The move from his first home to the rescue was traumatic, and it took several days before he would allow anyone near him.
When Sam finally came home with us, his behaviour was manic. He would race around the house, bouncing off furniture in a state of near-constant anxiety. Any attempt to touch him was met with wariness unless he initiated the contact himself. He’d often retreat to a corner, growling to keep us at bay, especially when it came time to put on his lead. These early days were incredibly challenging, and we were woefully unprepared for the task at hand.
Sam’s anxiety manifested in a variety of ways—he’d steal food and guard it fiercely, bark at anyone who walked past the house, and pull us along on walks, slinking close to walls as if he were trying to disappear into them. He was terrified of the world around him, and we, in our inexperience, made many mistakes that only served to exacerbate his fears. Looking back, it’s clear that we were the wrong home and the wrong people for Sam at that time. We lacked the knowledge and experience to give him the support he so desperately needed.
The Turning Points:
The first major turning point came when we began to understand that Sam’s behaviour wasn’t rooted in defiance or aggression—it was driven by fear. Realizing this changed everything. We sought help from a qualified behaviourist who helped us see Sam’s actions through his eyes. We learned to give him space, to let him decompress, and to approach him with patience and understanding rather than frustration.
One of the most significant discoveries during this time was scent work and tracking. These activities gave Sam a sense of purpose and control in a world that often felt overwhelming to him. Through scent work, Sam learned to focus his energy in a positive way, and it became a powerful tool for managing his anxiety. Slowly but surely, we began to see changes in Sam. He became more confident, more trusting, and most importantly, he started to feel safe.
These turning points were not quick fixes, but rather the result of consistent, thoughtful work. We learned to go at Sam’s pace, to listen to his needs, and to celebrate the small victories. It was a long road, but with time, we built a relationship based on mutual trust and understanding.
Lessons Learned and Evolving as a Trainer:
Sam’s journey has taught me more about dog training—and life—than any book or course ever could. He showed me the importance of being gentle, patient, and kind. Through him, I learned that every dog has its own pace and that rushing the process only leads to setbacks.
One of the most important lessons Sam taught me is the value of seeing the world from a dog’s perspective. He reminded me that dogs don’t think the way we do—they don’t have the same motivations or understandings. By learning to see the world as Sam saw it, I was able to better meet his needs and help him navigate his fears.
These lessons have become the foundation of my approach to dog training. I focus on building trust, understanding, and communication between dogs and their owners. My goal is to help others avoid the mistakes I made with Sam by giving them the tools they need to understand and support their dogs from the very beginning.
The Contrast with Ness and Lochy:
Sam’s journey stands in stark contrast to the experiences I’ve had with my other dogs, Ness and Lochy. Ness was a joy from the start—full of energy, playfulness, and a love of life. She would bounce around with a happy, bouncy energy, nipping at our clothes in a playful way and giving a funny howly bark to get our attention. She was easy to like and love, always ready for fun and eager to explore the world with us.
Lochy, too, has been a delight. She’s a social butterfly, full of the joys of spring, and loves everyone she meets. Lochy is the kind of dog who makes everything feel easy—she’s fun, easy company, and a joy to be around.
Sam, on the other hand, has always been more complex. He’s intelligent, funny, and inquisitive, but he also demands a lot from those around him. He loves attention and cuddles, but only on his terms. If things don’t go the way he expects, he can quickly become anxious, growling to express his discomfort. With Sam, you always have to be on your toes, watching him closely and managing his interactions carefully.
The differences between Sam, Ness, and Lochy have highlighted the incredible diversity in dog personalities and needs. They’ve also reinforced the importance of understanding each dog as an individual and tailoring our approach to meet their unique needs.
Advice for Other Dog Owners:
Through my experience with Sam, I’ve learned a great deal that I now share with other dog owners. My first piece of advice is to seek help from a qualified behaviourist as soon as you notice your dog is struggling. It’s important to understand that your dog isn’t being difficult on purpose—they’re likely scared or anxious, and they need your help to feel safe.
Learning about dog body language is crucial. Understanding how to read your dog’s signals can help you prevent issues before they escalate. Providing for your dog’s mental and physical well-being is also key to building confidence and preventing future behavioural challenges.
It’s also important to know the breed you’re getting and to ensure you have the time, ability, and desire to meet their needs. While nurturing, raising, and training your dog has a significant impact on their behaviour, it’s not the whole picture—genetics and life experiences also play a role.
Finally, choose a reputable breeder or rescue, and make sure to attend a good puppy class that focuses on understanding your dog, not just teaching commands. The early days with your dog are critical, and setting a strong foundation will pay off in the long run.
Personal Growth and Impact:
Sam’s presence in my life has not only shaped my career but also my personal growth. He’s taught me to be kinder to myself and others, to listen more carefully, and to be patient. Through Sam, I’ve developed a deep love for studying and learning—something I hadn’t discovered until I found my passion for working with dogs.
Working with Sam also led me to build a community of like-minded people. I’ve made lifelong friends through our shared experiences, and I’ve found immense satisfaction in helping others navigate the challenges of dog ownership.
Sam’s journey was the catalyst for a major career shift. Although I had just completed a degree and qualified as a social worker, it was my experience with Sam that led me to work in a rescue centre. This experience confirmed that working with dogs was the right path for me, and I’ve never looked back.
Conclusion: A Life Changed by a Dog:
Sam has had a profound impact on my life and career. He’s taught me lessons that I carry with me every day, both in my work and in my personal life. Through Sam, I’ve learned the importance of understanding, patience, and kindness. He’s shown me the value of seeing the world through a dog’s eyes and the power of building trust and communication.
My journey with Sam has shaped my philosophy on dog training and inspired me to help others avoid the struggles we faced. I’m deeply grateful for the path he’s led me down, and I’m committed to sharing what I’ve learned to help other dogs and their owners build strong, trusting relationships.
Has a dog ever changed your life? I’d love to hear your story.
