Anxiety and stress can look different for every animal. Some cats hide, some hiss and swipe, some toilet outside the litter box. Others become clingy, vocal or aggressive when overwhelmed. Dogs may shut down, refuse to leave their crate, avoid walks, react to people or other dogs, pull on lead, or struggle with separation or noise sensitivity. Every behaviour has a reason, and every pet is trying to communicate something.
The same behaviour - barking, refusing food, peeing outside the litter box, shutting down - can come from completely different emotions or causes. A cat may urinate outside the litter tray because they feel unsafe, stressed or simply dislike the litter. A dog may refuse to walk because they are frightened, confused or in pain. Behaviour is communication, and trying to understand what your pet is trying to say is the first step toward helping them to feel safe.
At Ravenwood Pet Services, I take a holistic behaviour-informed approach. Instead of focusing only on the behaviour you see and trying to "fix it", I help you understand the emotion and function behind it. When we understand why a behaviour is happening, we can respond with compassion rather than frustration.
I support both pets and owners. Together, we look at your pet's needs, their environment, their emotional safety, and their daily routines. We build confidence, resilience and predictability. We create a realistic plan that fits your lifestyle, without judgement or pressure. My aim is to help you feel supported, informed, and connected to your pet - while helping your pet feel safe, understood, and able to thrive.
This approach grew from my own experience with my Romanian rescue dog, Raven. When I adopted her, she was terrified of almost everything - movement, noise, people, dogs, even eye contact. A slight noise would make her pant, shake and soil herself. Supporting her through her journey of recovery taught me patience, empathy, and importance of safety before progress. That experience inspired me to deepen my trauma-informed approach to behaviour and create a service for anxious and sensitive pets - and for owners who feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start.
If your dog or cat needs a calmer, more thoughtful approach, Ravenwood may be the right fit for you.
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