Negative influence on a dog is rarely the result of intentional cruelty. Much more often, it comes from the unconscious transfer of emotions, trauma, and inner conflicts from the owner. Dogs do not understand words the way humans do, but they deeply sense the emotional state of the person they live with. When a dog becomes a place where unresolved problems are discharged, the consequences inevitably appear in the dog’s behavior.
When a Dog Becomes an Emotional Support
Many owners unconsciously project their trauma onto their dog. They talk to the dog as if it were a therapist, confide their problems, and expect understanding. The dog does not respond with words, but it absorbs the emotional burden that does not belong to it.
Such a relationship does not heal the human, but it deeply burdens the dog.
Transferring Trauma Across Generations
If a person grew up in an environment of violence, emotional coldness, or manipulation, those same patterns are often transferred to the dog, usually in a milder form. There may be no physical violence, but there is control, emotional pressure, passive aggression, or constant tension. This is a negative influence on the dog that often goes unnoticed until it becomes serious.
How a Dog Shows That It Is Carrying Your Burden
Dogs clearly signal when they are under emotional pressure:
Constant tension or withdrawal
Excessive attachment to the owner
Fear without a clear cause
Digestive or skin problems
Unexplained aggression or apathy
These are not “bad dogs.” These are dogs carrying emotions that are not theirs
Dogs feel and absorb the inner conflicts of their owners.
Love Is Not Projection
If we only know how to love through control, fear, or pain, the dog becomes a victim of our patterns. Loving a dog does not mean transferring our wounds onto it. It means taking responsibility for our own inner state.
A dog is not therapy. A dog is a living being that reacts to the truth we live. Recognizing that you are negatively affecting your dog requires an honest look inward. A dog does not need a perfect owner, but a stable human being. When you begin to carry your own emotions, the dog will be the first to show relief.
At Integrative and Holistic Grooming Education, we believe that the mirror of a dog’s soul reflects the clarity of its owner’s heart. True well-being starts with emotional responsibility. Explore our philosophy: Linktree Sasha Riess
Homemade apple cider vinegar is a natural product that was once a staple in every household. It was made from apples that were not beautiful enough to eat, but were still healthy and usable. This vinegar was not just a seasoning, but also a remedy, a preservative, and the foundation of a healthy diet. Unlike industrial apple cider vinegar, homemade vinegar does not contain additives, fermentation accelerators, or artificial acids. It is created through a slow, natural fermentation process and retains all the benefits of that process.
Which Apples Are Best for Vinegar
For homemade apple cider vinegar, you can use:
old apples
apples that are not suitable for eating
apples damaged by long storage
Important notes:
all rotten parts must be removed
apples must be healthy on the inside
sweetness and size are not important
Ingredients
old apples, amount as desired
1 liter of water
2 tablespoons of sugar
cheesecloth or gauze
a glass or ceramic container
How to Make Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar – Step by Step
1. Preparing the Apples
Cut the apples into quarters or eighths. There is no need to peel them. The skin and seeds are an important part of the natural fermentation process.
2. Adding Water and Sugar
Place the chopped apples into the container. Add about 1 liter of water and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Sugar serves as food for the natural bacteria that will, over time, create vinegar.
3. Fermentation
Once the apples are submerged in water, they will begin to soften and break down. This is a normal and desired process. Do not close the container with a lid. Cover it with cheesecloth and secure it with a rubber band. The cloth is important because it allows airflow and protects the mixture from insects.
4. Fermentation Time
The vinegar should sit for a minimum of 10 days, but most often 2–3 weeks. The exact time depends on the ripeness of the apples and the room temperature. You may gently stir the mixture occasionally using a wooden spoon.
How to Know When the Vinegar Is Ready
Homemade apple cider vinegar is ready when it has a pleasant, sour smell, there is no odor of rot, and the liquid is cloudy (which is completely normal). Once ready, strain the liquid and store it in a glass bottle.
The natural fermentation process of apple cider vinegar.
Most Common Mistakes
using completely rotten apples
sealing the container airtight
using metal containers
adding too much sugar
Final Note
Homemade apple cider vinegar is not made quickly, but it is made simply. What our grandmothers knew is that nature does not demand perfection, only patience. Apples that are no longer good for eating can become an extremely valuable product. That is the essence of homemade preparation and respect for natural processes.
At Integrative and Holistic Grooming Education, we believe that respecting nature’s slow processes yields the best results for your well-being. Explore our philosophy: Linktree Sasha Riess
Many dog owners want to switch to cooked or homemade food but worry about one thing: how can they manage to cook when they work, rush, and barely have time for themselves? The truth is that preparing meals for your dog does not need to be complicated, slow, or demanding. Below is a simple system that allows you to feed your dog with high quality, healthy, homemade meals without cooking every day.
Quick Cooking: A Complete Meal in One Pot
You do not need anything special to prepare homemade dog food.
Chop the ingredients in a food processor, including meat, vegetables, and optionally rice or buckwheat.
Place everything in a single pot.
Add water to cover and cook for about thirty minutes.
That is all. No special techniques, no complicated recipes, just simple cooking that results in a nutritious meal.
How Much Food Does a Dog Need
The amount is very easy to calculate. Give your dog three percent of his body weight per day.
Example: A dog weighing twenty kilograms eats about six hundred grams of food per day. This amount can be divided into one or two meals depending on the dog’s routine.
Batch cooking — the perfect solution for busy dog owners.
You Do Not Need to Cook Every Day
If you cook a larger batch, you can feed your dog for several days in advance. Homemade food can:
Stay in the refrigerator for three to four days
Be reheated and sterilized if you want it to last longer
Be frozen for one to two weeks
This means you do not cook every day, but once every few days.
Why Kibble Is Not a Good Alternative
Kibble often looks like small pieces of meat, but in reality it is:
A concentrate
An industrially processed mixture of ingredients
A type of feed also given to livestock
Large corporations make it look attractive, but that does not make it natural food. This is why many owners feel that kibble is not the right choice, and there is no brand I can genuinely recommend as ideal.
Is Homemade Food Sustainable
Absolutely yes. If you can set aside thirty minutes once every two or three days, one pot, and a few basic ingredients, then you already have everything you need to feed your dog healthy, real food. Cooking for your dog does not have to be a time consuming task. On the contrary, with simple preparation, cooking in advance, and basic ingredients, homemade dog food becomes the most practical and healthiest option.
At Integrative and Holistic Grooming Education, we believe that providing fresh, nutrient-dense food is the greatest act of love an owner can perform. Your dog’s vitality starts in the kitchen. Explore our philosophy: Linktree Sasha Riess
If your dog is afraid of fireworks and firecrackers, there is a simple and completely natural way to help them feel safer. This method requires no special equipment, only a little patience and the correct placement of a light elastic band underneath a fitted shirt.
The holiday season brings joy to many owners, but for their dogs it often brings serious stress. Sudden sounds, explosions, and unfamiliar smells can trigger fear, panic, and the dog’s instinct to hide or run away. Before the noisiest part of the year begins, it is important to prepare your dog so they feel more grounded and protected.
Understanding the Pressure Wrap Technique
One easy way to support them is the calming “pressure wrap” technique, a gentle form of wrapping the body. It does not replace the rituals and preparations you already know are essential, but it is an excellent additional tool.
How to Apply the Elastic Band
The first thing you need is an elastic band. A pilates band works perfectly, but you can use any soft, flexible band that does not rub or tighten too much. What matters most is that it is wide enough to distribute pressure evenly. The band is first placed under the dog’s armpits, crossing over the front of the chest. Then it is brought up over the back and crossed in an X shape. After that, it is brought under the belly and tied so that it rests comfortably without restricting breathing. The purpose is for the dog to feel light, steady pressure, something like a long, gentle embrace.
Many dogs experience severe stress during fireworks and firecrackers.
Locking in Stability with a Fitted Shirt
Once the band is positioned correctly, put a fitted shirt or light garment on top. This adds another layer of security and helps “lock in” the sensation of stability. Many owners notice that within minutes their dog relaxes, lies down, or at least stops trembling.
A Natural Step Toward Better Control
This technique is quick, simple, and can be used anytime your dog shows signs of tension. It will not eliminate noise anxiety entirely, but it is a wonderful step that restores a sense of control in your dog’s body.
At Integrative and Holistic Grooming Education, we understand that physical security is deeply linked to emotional peace. A grounded dog is a resilient dog. Explore our philosophy:Linktree Sasha Riess
As someone who has been sharing advice on dog care for years through social media and now through my blog, I constantly look for ways to help owners make their dogs feel better. Allergies in dogs such as itching, redness, and restlessness can be very uncomfortable, and natural solutions are often what my followers ask for. One recipe that has proven effective includes broth, local honey, pollen, and spirulina. Here is how I prepare it and why I believe it can help.
A Simple Recipe to Help with Allergies
This recipe is simple, and the ingredients are carefully chosen to support the dog’s immune system and reduce allergy symptoms.
1.5 cups of vegetable and bone broth
3.5 tablespoons of local honey
2.5 teaspoons of local pollen
2 teaspoons of spirulina powder
Mix all the ingredients well and pour into molds. After a few hours in the refrigerator, the cubes are ready.
Dosage
One cube per day, about 20 grams, for every 10 kilograms of the dog’s body weight. It can be given daily for a month or until allergy symptoms disappear.
Why These Ingredients Work
Local honey and pollen help the dog adapt to environmental allergens such as pollen, acting as natural immune modulators. Bone and vegetable broth nourish the skin and coat, while spirulina, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, reduces itching and irritation. This recipe is not only healthy but also appealing to most dogs.
Natural remedies can help soothe allergy symptoms from the inside out.
When a Dog Refuses This Recipe
Sometimes I hear from followers that their dog will not even approach such a recipe. From my experience, this is often a matter of trust. Dogs usually eat what we give them when they are calm and trust us. If your dog hesitates, patiently introduce the recipe, perhaps mixed with familiar food.
Natural Care for Happier Dogs
Natural recipes like this one can be a great alternative to medication, but it is important to monitor your dog’s reactions and adjust the diet to its needs. Over the years of conversations with my followers, I have realized how important it is to share practical advice. Try this recipe and help your dog get relief from itching in a natural way.
At Integrative and Holistic Grooming Education, we believe that true well-being comes from honoring the dog’s natural needs. By choosing natural remedies, you are not just treating symptoms; you are strengthening your dog’s entire system from within. Explore our philosophy here: Linktree Sasha Riess
Did you know that your dog’s stomach acid can dissolve bones, but that its imbalance can lead to serious health problems? As someone who loves dogs and cares deeply about their well-being, I often think about what happens in their stomach while they gnaw on bones or swallow food.
A dog’s stomach acid plays a crucial role in digestion, and its strength can significantly affect your pet’s health. I want to share what I know about this topic, based on an understanding of canine stomach pH and the problems that arise when that acidity is out of balance.
Why Is a Dog’s Stomach Acid So Strong?
A dog’s stomach has an extremely low pH, between 1 and 1.5, which means it is very acidic. This acidity allows dogs to break down even hard materials such as bones, turning them into a soft, paste-like mass. Unlike humans, dogs rarely chew thoroughly. They swallow food in large chunks, and thanks to the strength of their stomach acid, those chunks are dissolved so the body can absorb nutrients.
However, problems appear when the acid is not strong enough. If the acid becomes diluted, food remains in large pieces, which can damage the stomach lining and cause ulcers. This raises an important question: what weakens stomach acid, and how does that affect our dogs?
A dog’s health begins in the stomach with proper nutrition and low pH.
What Weakens Stomach Acid?
Poor nutrition can greatly affect stomach acidity. Foods high in carbohydrates, fizzy drinks, or even excessive water intake during meals can dilute stomach acid. When the acid loses its strength, it cannot properly break down food. As a result, poorly digested pieces irritate the stomach, causing discomfort or more serious problems such as ulcers.
Dogs also do not naturally chew their food thoroughly. While humans chew to support digestion, dogs tend to gulp down their meals almost whole. If the stomach acid is not strong enough, it cannot process these large pieces, placing additional strain on the digestive system.
How Can We Support Our Dogs?
I try to give my dog the best possible conditions for a healthy stomach. Here are the things I do to help maintain balanced stomach acidity:
Quality nutrition: I choose food rich in protein and adapted to canine needs, avoiding processed carbohydrates that can dilute stomach acid.
Limiting water intake during meals: I make sure my dog does not drink too much water while eating, because this can weaken the acid.
Regular veterinary checkups: If I notice digestive issues, I consult my veterinarian to check the condition of my dog’s stomach.
Caution with bones: Even though dogs love bones, I give them in moderation and always under supervision, because excessive consumption can burden the stomach.
Why This Matters for Us and Our Dogs
Our dog’s health begins in the stomach. Watching my dog enjoy his meals every day reminds me how important it is that his stomach acid functions properly. Proper acidity not only supports digestion but also protects the dog from problems like ulcers or infections caused by poorly digested food.
Next time you watch your dog eat, remember how important that invisible acid in his stomach really is. With a bit of attention and the right nutrition, we can help them live healthier and happier lives.
At Integrative and Holistic Grooming Education, we know that external beauty is a reflection of internal health. A strong digestive system is the foundation of a vibrant coat and a happy spirit. Explore our philosophy:Linktree Sasha Riess
A hyperactive dog can be a real challenge for any owner. Their endless energy, jumping, and impulsive reactions often create stress and make daily life difficult. But there is a solution — with the right techniques, patience, and understanding, it’s possible to teach your dog calmness and build a stronger relationship.
Why Does a Dog Become Hyperactive?
A dog that seems hyperactive is usually reacting to external stimuli rather than learning how to respond to them. When a dog is in a reactive state, his brain is fully occupied with outside impressions — he jumps, pulls the leash, barks at other dogs or people, all depending on his perception of the world. In other words, the dog isn’t thinking — he’s reacting.
Our task as owners is to help him move from reaction to response, from impulse to awareness.
How to Teach Calmness
1. Don’t Reward Hyperactivity The most common mistake owners make is reacting right away when the dog gets too excited. For example, the dog jumps up when he sees the leash, overjoyed because he’s going for a walk. If you head out immediately, you’re actually rewarding his hyperactivity.
2. Leash Exercises One of the most effective techniques is to use the leash as a training tool, not just a signal for a walk.
Take the leash and move it from one hand to the other.
Clip it onto your dog, then remove it.
Repeat this several times.
That way, the dog can’t predict what will happen next and learns that being calm is the only way to actually get what he wants — to go outside.
The leash is a training tool, not just a signal for a walk.
3. Teach Your Dog to Think, Not React The goal of this approach is to develop the dog’s ability to think instead of acting on instinct. When a dog learns not to anticipate your moves, he enters a state of learning. This is a physiological process — a dialogue between neurons — where every impulse can become action, but doesn’t have to. Through these small exercises, the dog becomes more stable, less reactive, and more willing to cooperate with his owner.
The Key: Patience and Consistency
Calming a hyperactive dog doesn’t happen overnight. It takes repetition, patience, and consistency. Over time, the dog learns that only calm behavior leads to reward — whether it’s a walk, playtime, or your attention. Through this process, the dog starts to rely on you, seeing you as the leader of the pack — and that gives him both security and peace.
At Integrative and Holistic Grooming Education, we teach that a calm mind leads to a calm body. Training is not about control, but about creating a shared language of peace. Explore our philosophy: Linktree Sasha Riess
Building trust with a dog does not always mean petting or playing. True trust is revealed in moments when a dog has to experience something it does not enjoy: nail trimming, paw washing, or body care. In those moments, the way we behave determines whether we strengthen the relationship or create resistance and stress.
How to Build Trust With a Dog When Something Feels Unpleasant
When you need to do something your dog does not enjoy, it is important that you approach the dog, rather than calling the dog to you. Calling a dog to come and then exposing it to an unpleasant experience can seriously damage trust and later weaken the dog’s response to recall.
Prepare everything in advance: scissors, towel, reward.
Approach the dog calmly, without announcing what will happen and without talking.
Take the dog gently, but decisively.
This way, the dog does not enter a state of anticipation and fear, because there is no verbal buildup signaling that something unpleasant is coming.
Why Silence Builds Trust With a Dog
Many owners make the same mistake: they talk to the dog during an unpleasant procedure. “Good boy,” “Sweetheart,” “It will be okay.” Although it sounds gentle, this actually increases tension. Silence sends a clear message to the dog: this is normal, nothing dramatic is happening. Calmness and a short duration of the procedure help prevent the development of negative emotional reactions.
Nail Trimming and Trust With a Dog
Nail trimming is one of the most common reasons trust is lost. Instead of cutting all nails at once, it is much healthier to work gradually:
One nail
Short pause
Reward
Finish
The next day, another nail. There is no rush. The dog has lived with those nails for months or even years, a few more days will not cause harm. This approach builds trust without creating trauma.
Silence and consistency help a dog accept unpleasant procedures.
How to Build Trust With a Dog During Paw Washing
The same rule applies to paw washing. Do not call the dog to come so you can wash its paws. You approach the dog. Without words. Without explanations. Quick, gentle, and clear. This is especially important with puppies, whose brains are highly plastic. How they experience care now can shape their relationship with these situations for life.
Reward Comes After, Not During
The reward should come after the procedure is finished, not during it. This helps the dog associate calm acceptance with a positive outcome, rather than constant emotional stimulation. Trust with a dog is not built through words, but through consistent, calm behavior.
At Integrative and Holistic Grooming Education, we believe that true connection is built in silence. When you approach a dog with calm intent, you become their source of safety. Explore our philosophy:Linktree Sasha Riess
One wrong sentence, spoken without bad intention, can leave a mark that lasts a lifetime. This is the story of Luka, a boy who lost trust in school and in adults after a teacher publicly called him a falsifier.
How It All Began
Luka was in elementary school when a moment occurred that forever changed his view of school and authority. He brought a doctor’s note that said laryngitis, inflammation of the throat. When the teacher asked him in front of the entire class: “How are you now?” Luka answered: “Good, my stomach does not hurt anymore.”
The teacher laughed and said: “Then how does the note say throat inflammation if your stomach hurt. You are a little falsifier. But you did a good job, it looks like a real doctor’s handwriting.”
The Moment Everything Changed
Luka loved that teacher very much. Those words were a huge shock for him, a feeling of betrayal from a person he trusted deeply. He closed himself off. He became a child who no longer speaks up, who does not ask for attention, and who fears making mistakes.
One single sentence, spoken lightly, marked his childhood and shaped the way he experiences school, trust, and authority.
How Heavy Our Words Really Are
The words of adults have the power to lift a child up or to break him. One moment of carelessness can leave a trace deeper than any grade. The next time we want to correct a child with words, we should remember that he hears much more than we think.
Every child remembers tone, expression, and the sentence that was spoken. Sometimes a simple “I believe you” is enough to heal what someone once hurt without intention.
At Integrative and Holistic Grooming Education, we believe that every being—child or animal—reacts to the energy behind our words. True education starts with safety and trust. Explore our philosophy: Linktree Sasha Riess
Have you ever wondered how much sleep your dog truly needs? Experts explain that the amount and quality of a dog’s sleep can be one of the clearest reflections of their overall health and emotional balance.
If your dog sleeps a lot, that doesn’t mean they’re lazy — quite the opposite. It often means that nothing is wrong — that they feel safe, content, and fully at ease.
How Many Hours of Sleep Do Dogs Need?
Dogs sleep much more than humans — on average between 12 and 16 hours per day. Puppies and senior dogs can sleep even longer, while active adults tend to rest in several shorter cycles throughout the day. Unlike people, dogs don’t have one long block of deep sleep. Their rest consists of many light naps and quick recovery phases — moments when their body restores energy, balance, and calm. When they’re not eating, walking, or playing — they sleep. It’s not laziness. It’s nature.
Sleep as a Sign of Safety and Happiness
A calm, well-balanced dog doesn’t feel the need to be constantly active. If your dog sleeps peacefully and takes frequent naps, it’s usually a beautiful sign that they feel safe and loved. Dogs with a consistent rhythm — regular meals, walks, and gentle human presence — rest deeply because their nervous system trusts the environment. Even stray dogs, who live in uncertainty, will nap as soon as they find a quiet and sunny spot. Sleep is their way to save energy and survive.
Even a stray dog knows peace — the strength of a simple life.
When Too Much Sleep Might Be a Warning
While sleep is a sign of security, excessive or unusual sleep can sometimes point to a problem. Pay attention if your dog:
struggles to get up,
shows little interest in walks or play,
sleeps more than usual or doesn’t react to familiar sounds.
These can indicate underlying issues such as joint pain, anemia, hormonal imbalance, or even depression. In such cases, a veterinary check-up is essential.
How to Help Your Dog Sleep Better
Provide a quiet, comfortable sleeping area away from noise, drafts, and constant movement.
Keep feeding and walking routines consistent — dogs find peace in predictability.
Avoid waking them suddenly — interrupted sleep affects their mood and immune system.
Sleep as the Mirror of Trust
If your dog sleeps a lot, it’s usually not a problem — it’s a compliment. A sleeping dog is a trusting dog. Their rest is proof that they feel protected, understood, and free from fear. A healthy, happy dog doesn’t need to stay alert — because they know one simple truth: you are there, watching over them.
At Integrative and Holistic Grooming Education, we believe that rest is a sacred state of recovery. When a dog sleeps in your presence, they are giving you their ultimate trust. Explore our philosophy:Linktree Sasha Riess
