by Sasha Riess | 11.03.26. | Wellbeing
The English Bulldog would not survive in nature. Few people truly ask themselves which dogs would not survive in nature and what that means for us who choose to breed or adopt certain breeds. Once a human steps into canine genetics and begins deciding what will be combined, they take on enormous responsibility for the life that is created. Nature is simple. It does not forgive weaknesses and it does not preserve mutations that make survival difficult.
Which dogs would not survive in nature and why
Some breeds were created as a result of human choice rather than natural selection. This means that without humans they would not be able to survive even for a few days.
The most well known examples include:
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English Bulldog: Cannot breathe properly, cannot run, has difficulty regulating body temperature, and often cannot give birth naturally.
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Dachshund: Extremely short legs and a long torso would make it an easy target for predators. In the wild it could neither escape nor defend itself.
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Pug, French Bulldog, Pekingese: All brachycephalic breeds suffer from breathing difficulties, problems with heat regulation, and limited physical endurance.
In nature, natural selection would simply remove such individuals.
The Dachshund and short legs as a genetic mutation
The Dachshund is an example of a breed whose short legs represent a genetic trait that would be a serious handicap in nature.
Genetic mutations like short legs would make survival in the wild nearly impossible.
Genetic mutations: what happens when humans help nature
Genetic mutations occur in all species, but in nature only those that enable life survive. In domestic dog breeds, the problem arises when humans take a mutation such as short legs or a flattened nose, consider it cute, and then deliberately breed that same mutation further. The result is dogs that would not be able to survive even a few hours without our care, medical assistance, and controlled environment. At that point, the breeder must be extremely responsible, because they take on the role of nature itself.
Why mothers sometimes reject puppies with mutations
In the wild, a mother immediately recognizes which puppy will not survive. This is not cruelty. It is biology. If a puppy has a severe mutation, difficulty walking, inability to nurse, or congenital diseases, the mother will not care for it. She knows what humans often do not want to see: that puppy is not capable of life. But when a human intervenes and saves every puppy without reflection, the mutation is preserved and passed on.
Which dogs would not survive in nature and what that means for us
Breeds such as the English Bulldog, Pug, Dachshund, and many others would not be able to survive in nature. They survive because of us. That means the responsibility lies entirely with humans:
If we create life, we must be ready to protect it.
At Integrative and Holistic Grooming Education, we believe that communication is felt, not forced. We teach you how to listen to your dog’s soul instead of just commanding their body. Explore our philosophy: Linktree Sasha Riess
by Sasha Riess | 04.03.26. | Wellbeing
Why You Should Not Pet Your Dog While Firecrackers Are Going Off
Many dog owners try to comfort their pets during the holiday season when the noise of firecrackers begins. However, what seems like love and care can actually deepen fear and create a larger problem. Here is what you should never do and how to truly help your dog.
Petting Your Dog While They Are Afraid Only Confirms Their Fear
When a dog begins to show signs of fear—trembling, hiding, whining, or looking around in panic—it is natural to want to comfort them. However, experts warn that in moments like these you should not pet your dog, sing to them, or speak softly, because the dog interprets this as confirmation that their fear is justified.
Your reaction, even if it is filled with kindness, signals to the dog that something is truly wrong. They assume that you also find the situation unsettling, and that you are not able to “lead” or take control. As a result, the next time they will be even more frightened and will seek the same kind of comfort, which unfortunately does not help them.
Why Fear of Firecrackers Can Be Dangerous
Fear of firecrackers is not harmless. Some dogs experience extreme stress, run away from home, or even die from the shock and panic. Dogs feel lost and unsafe because they do not trust that their owner can protect them.
In these moments, it is essential for you to remain calm and steady, without overreacting. Do not show that their behavior disturbs you. What they need is your stability, not your sympathy.
Instead of petting and comforting, a dog needs the calm and security that comes from a steady owner.
Stay Calm and Give Your Dog a Sense of Safety Instead of Comforting Them
There is a simple and effective way to help your dog feel safe during firecracker noise: the wrapping technique. If you do not have a special anti-anxiety vest, you can use a soft cotton bandage or a piece of cloth.
Wrap the dog gently so that the fabric applies light pressure to specific points on the body, creating a sensation similar to a gentle hug. This gives the dog a physical sense of security while you remain composed and do not focus on their fear.
When the dog sees that you are calm and going about your day, they begin to rely on you and understand that there is no real danger. Over time, the fear becomes significantly weaker and may even disappear entirely.
A Calm Owner Creates a Calm Dog
Dogs absorb our energy and behavior. If you panic, sing, pet, or try to comfort your dog during moments of fear, they believe the situation is dangerous. Instead, show calmness, consistency, and steady leadership. This is what truly helps the dog overcome their fear of firecrackers.
At Integrative and Holistic Grooming Education, we teach you how to read your dog’s signals and lead with love and stability. True care is knowing when to act and when to remain a calm anchor for your pet. Explore our resources: Linktree Sasha Riess
by Sasha Riess | 04.03.26. | Wellbeing
“Dog Friendly” – The Hidden Cost of Emotional Marketing
In recent years, around the world and in our region, we increasingly see signs and advertisements proudly stating “dog friendly.” Owners of shops, restaurants, cafes, and even certain Western churches open their doors to dogs, sincerely believing they are making a gesture of love and inclusion. At first glance, it appears to be a sign of progress and greater respect for animals.
However, when we look at this phenomenon through a deeper, systemic understanding of the human-dog relationship, beneath the sentimental facade lies a painful truth and a profound misunderstanding of a dog’s nature. What humans perceive as freedom and togetherness, dogs often experience as stress, confusion, and loss of safety.
At the same time, dog-themed cafes, birthday spaces, special menus, and emotional marketing concepts appear everywhere. It seems devoted to the love of dogs, but in reality, it is a sophisticated way to extract more money from owners who are emotionally attached to their pets. The dog, who should be honored for its nature and uniqueness, is increasingly reduced to a marketing prop and a tool for profit.
The “Dog Friendly” Chaos – The Stress of Dogs in Human Spaces
The inspiration for this column came a few days ago when I witnessed a scene inside a store. On the surface everything looked pleasant, people walked in with their dogs, smiling and enjoying the idea of being welcome. But the dogs quickly showed another picture.
A couple entered the space with two dogs, while another couple passed by the entrance with their own dog. That brief moment of encounter was enough for one of the smaller dogs to begin barking uncontrollably. The owners became nervous and embarrassed. They tried to calm him with words and petting, but every attempt only intensified the dog’s excitement. Their eyes looked at me as if asking, “What do we do now?”
Barking Is a Symptom – Not a Dog’s Problem, but a Family Imbalance
What seemed to people like a simple behavioral issue was, to me, an obvious sign of deeper imbalance. That dog had taken on the role of leader, decision-maker, and protector within its family. His barking was not “bad behavior” but the natural consequence of occupying a role that does not belong to him. When a dog feels responsible for making decisions and protecting the household, his nervous system stays on high alert.
I said aloud, “Poor dogs.” The woman replied, “But at home he is perfect. He never barks, he is calm and obedient.” I gently responded: if everything were truly in balance at home, the dog would carry that balance into the world. If problems appear outside, this is a sign of hidden imbalance inside the home, something people often overlook or consider normal.
Public barking is a symptom of taking on the leadership role, not just a bad habit.
The Illusion of “Rescued Dogs”
The man added that “nothing can be done” because both dogs were rescued, as if this were a permanent obstacle. I explained that rescued dogs are often the easiest to guide into a new, secure emotional structure. Dogs who lived on the street already understand the value of order and hierarchy. They know how to follow the one who shows stability and responsibility. Problems more often arise in dogs who have lived only in human households, where boundaries between human and canine worlds become blurred.
The Method of Love and Order – How to Be a True Leader, Not Only a Friend
I explained the principles from the Harmony Guide. Nothing I ask of people are tricks or obedience techniques. They are natural patterns dogs already understand. Kindness, calm presence, clarity in decisions—these create harmony. When the human becomes a leader through love and responsibility, the dog steps out of the role of protector and finally relaxes.
I suggested they avoid taking their dogs to cafes, churches, or busy places for the next two weeks. Instead, they should create a new structure at home. They were ready to learn, and that brought me joy. The problem is never the dog. The problem is the human misunderstanding of what “being welcome” means to a dog.
The Forgotten Truth – A Dog Does Not Understand the Concept of “Going Out”
One of the most important truths people forget is that dogs do not understand the human concept of leaving and returning. For a dog, every new place is a new world. When we take a dog into a church, café, or restaurant, he does not experience it as a short visit. He steps into a completely new environment with new scents, dogs, and people. He immediately has to determine where he belongs and what role he must take.
This is a huge task for an animal living entirely in the present moment. While we drink coffee imagining we are giving the dog joy, the dog is silently evaluating danger, boundaries, and responsibility.
Profit Over Wellbeing – When Love Becomes a Marketing Tool
Why then do shops, churches, and institutions promote themselves as “dog friendly”? The answer is simple: profit. People love their dogs, and where dogs are welcome, more customers come. Owners of these spaces rarely intend harm, but few truly understand what it means to bring an animal into a human-designed environment that is unnatural for them. Humans feel pleasure. Dogs feel subtle stress.
Calm presence, love, and order – this is what a dog truly needs, not an outing.
The Path to Harmony – Respecting the Dog for What It Truly Is
If we want a real relationship with dogs, we must respect who they are. This means stopping the projection of human roles onto them: child, angel, emotional companion for outings.
A dog is a dog. Its place is beside humans, but not inside human rituals that overwhelm its instincts.
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Love is not taking the dog everywhere.
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Love is providing structure, calm, and safety.
When we take responsibility for decisions, when we become leaders through love, the dog no longer needs to bark, control, or decide. He can finally be what he is meant to be.
“Dog Friendly” as a Mirror – A Call to Re-examine Ourselves
The “dog-friendly” trend is more than a cultural shift. It is a mirror showing how humans project their emotional needs onto animals. We call it love, but often it is the extension of our own ego. This pattern spreads into human relationships, shaping how we treat our children, partners, and friends. Perhaps the greatest proof of maturity is the ability to see another being as they truly are. Only then can harmony begin.
At Integrative and Holistic Grooming Education, we believe that every physical symptom is a message. Understanding these signals and addressing them through a holistic lens—understanding the true nature of the animal—is at the heart of everything we teach. Learn more and join our community: Linktree Sasha Riess
by Sasha Riess | 03.03.26. | Wellbeing
Spaying and neutering are topics that often spark controversy among dog owners and veterinarians. The question of do dogs develop tumors if not spayed or neutered comes up frequently, but the answer is not simple. It is essential to understand not only the medical aspects but also the hormonal, ecological, and biological factors that shape a dog’s life.
When to Spay or Neuter and Why This Question Exists
Sterilization is often viewed as a preventive measure against unwanted litters and certain diseases, such as tumors of the reproductive organs. However, the decision on when to spay or neuter depends on the physiological and mental maturity of the dog. Premature sterilization can disrupt normal hormonal and physical development.
Veterinary experts generally recommend spaying or neutering only after the dog has reached sexual maturity, usually between 18 and 24 months. Before this period, sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone are not yet fully developed and cannot properly support other bodily and mental functions.
The Risk of Tumors in Intact Dogs
Many dogs who are not spayed or neutered and have never had offspring can develop certain types of tumors. The most common are mammary tumors in females and testicular and prostate tumors in males, as well as uterine infections such as pyometra.
The cause is not only genetic. The deeper issue is that the reproductive organs lose their natural function when the reproductive drive is present but never expressed. This can lead to systemic imbalance and increase the risk of cancer.
How Hormones Influence Tumor Risk
Hormones play a crucial role in maintaining balance within the body. In dogs that are sterilized too early or never have the opportunity to express their reproductive function, hormonal imbalance may occur.
Properly timed sterilization reduces the risk of tumors and supports hormonal health.
Why Dogs Without Offspring May Face More Problems
Dogs who never use their reproductive organs may develop what can be described as an “energetic blockage.” When the body cannot properly utilize the natural function of these organs, it can increase the likelihood of tumors, especially in middle-aged and older dogs. Therefore, while sterilization reduces certain risks, its timing must be based on individual development.
The Mistake of Early Sterilization Policies
In the nineties, policies used for feral cats (Trap-Neuter-Return) were applied to dogs in the US to reduce stray populations. However, studies show that sterilization alone does not resolve overpopulation unless the population is first reduced to an ecological minimum. Nature does not tolerate a vacuum; removing dogs often just creates space for new animals from surrounding areas.
The Energetic Mechanism and Proper Timing
When a dog feels the need to reproduce but never has the opportunity, stress and hormonal imbalance can appear. Unexpressed reproductive energy can contribute to the development of cancer. This is why properly timed sterilization—after 18 to 24 months—is so critical. Sterilizing before full maturity can disrupt the development of bones, muscles, and hormonal balance.
Is It Better for a Female to Have a Litter?
Naturally, reproduction can reduce the risk of certain tumors in females as the organs fulfill their biological purpose. However, the decision to have offspring must be responsible. Every litter creates new lives that require care, time, and space.
The right decision about sterilization should be calm, thoughtful, and based on the dog’s physiological development, not merely on social or political pressure.
At Integrative and Holistic Grooming Education, we believe that every physical symptom is a message. Understanding these signals and addressing them through a holistic lens is at the heart of everything we teach to ensure the well-being of every dog in our care. Learn more and join our community: Linktree Sasha Riess
by Sasha Riess | 02.03.26. | Wellbeing
More and more often, I hear from owners who describe their dogs as anxious, reactive, fearful, or overly sensitive — and no one seems to know why. Behind these behaviors often lies a hidden mineral imbalance: too much copper and not enough magnesium. This delicate relationship profoundly affects both the health and behavior of dogs, yet it’s rarely discussed.
The Link Between Copper Toxicity and Magnesium Deficiency
Over the years, I’ve seen how excess copper can deplete magnesium — in both humans and dogs. You can give your dog the best supplements, but if the body is overloaded with copper, magnesium simply won’t stay. That’s why copper detoxification is the first step — but it must be done slowly and safely, never abruptly. Copper toxicity in dogs acts as a silent saboteur of mineral balance.
Estrogen Imbalance and the Role of the Adrenal Glands
In spayed female dogs, the adrenal glands take over a small part of hormone production — estrogen in females, testosterone in males. However, when the body is burdened with copper, hormones can’t function properly. The result is a dog that appears nervous, fearful, or reactive — and owners often misinterpret this as a behavior issue, when in fact it’s biochemical.
Behavioral Changes Caused by Excess Copper
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) shows that hyper-reactive dogs often have elevated copper and low levels of magnesium and zinc. These dogs are not simply ‘difficult’ — they are struggling with a physiological imbalance that affects their nervous system, heart, and energy levels.
There’s no magic pill that fixes this overnight. What we can do is gradually help the dog eliminate excess copper through lifestyle changes and natural nutrition. Only when that balance is restored can the body retain minerals where they’re needed.
The Hidden Epidemic of Copper Overload
Scientists now speak of a silent epidemic — copper toxicity in dogs and magnesium deficiency. Copper is everywhere: in water, food, and even supplements. Deficiency is almost impossible today, but overload is very real and dangerous.
Excess copper pushes magnesium out of the body, directly affecting heart function, the nervous system, and energy. This imbalance is linked to increased cardiovascular problems, fatigue, and hyperreactivity.
The diagram shows how minerals interconnect and impact a dog’s health and behavior.
How to Help Your Dog — A Step-by-Step Approach
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Never remove copper abruptly: Copper is essential, but too much creates imbalance. It works in partnership with zinc to regulate brain function. The goal is balance, not elimination.
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Avoid food enriched with copper: Most dry kibble contains added copper, increasing the toxic load.
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Include natural mineral sources: To neutralize copper toxicity in dogs, use zinc, magnesium, manganese, and vitamin A. These are best from whole foods: red meat, egg yolks, pumpkin seeds, and leafy greens. Note: Avoid liver for reactive dogs as it is very high in copper.
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Support the liver: Herbs like milk thistle (silymarin), dandelion root, and artichoke root support the liver’s detox process.
Balance Is the Key to Health
Copper isn’t the enemy — it’s vital for life. But when it builds up, it becomes a silent saboteur. Balance between copper, zinc, and magnesium is essential. If your dog seems reactive, anxious, or restless, the issue may not be behavioral — it may be biochemical. With proper nutrition, a calm environment, and patience, the body can restore its natural balance.
At Integrative and Holistic Grooming Education, we believe that every physical symptom is a message. Understanding these signals and addressing them through a holistic lens is at the heart of everything we teach to ensure the well-being of every dog in our care. Learn more about our Holistic Approach.
by Sasha Riess | 09.02.26. | Wellbeing
A stuffy nose in dogs often worries owners, but it is important to understand that this symptom can actually be the body’s way of trying to correct an internal imbalance. When a dog breathes heavily or seems congested, the most common cause is allergies. These can be triggered by dust, pollen, detergents, or inappropriate food.
Everything a dog inhales, eats, or absorbs through the skin must be processed into energy. When the body fails to recognize certain substances, it reacts, and that reaction appears as an allergy.
Allergies in Dogs – How to Recognize Them
In some dogs, allergic reactions appear externally through the skin, with itching, redness, or rashes. This is actually a positive sign because it shows the body is able to expel what is bothering it.
However, when the reaction is not visible externally, the problem may appear in the respiratory system. The dog may breathe with difficulty or have a constantly stuffy nose in dogs. These are called internal allergies and can be triggered by food, parasites, or stress.
Allergies and the Respiratory Tract
When allergies affect the respiratory organs, the dog may snort, breathe heavily, or have nasal discharge. It is important not to ignore this symptom because it may indicate that the body is unable to fight off toxins on its own.
Careful care and a natural approach help a dog breathe easier.
Parasites – The Hidden Cause of a Stuffy Nose
Parasite larvae sometimes travel through the bloodstream to the sinuses, as nasal passages provide a favorable environment for them to settle. For this reason, it is helpful to occasionally carry out a natural parasite cleanse.
A combination of green black walnut, wormwood, parsley, and clove works effectively against adult parasites and their larvae. This approach not only helps breathing but also strengthens the dog’s immune system and supports overall detoxification.
When the Problem Persists
In rare cases, a stuffy nose in dogs may indicate the presence of growths in the sinuses, which can be benign or malignant. If the problem persists for a longer period, a veterinary examination is necessary to check the condition of the respiratory tract.
A Holistic Approach to a Dog’s Health and Breathing
It is also important to pay attention to everyday habits, such as what you use to wash your dog’s bed, which detergents you apply, and what kinds of treats you offer. Often, it is these small details that trigger allergic reactions.
A holistic approach means looking at the bigger picture, including what the dog breathes in, what it eats, and what kind of energy it feels at home. Only then can a dog truly breathe freely and feel calm, both physically and emotionally.
At Integrative and Holistic Grooming Education, we believe that every physical symptom is a message. Understanding these signals and addressing them through a holistic lens is at the heart of everything we teach to ensure the well-being of every dog in our care.
