Me and the C’s

A journey of discovery with a very gorgeous German Shepherd

There is a very special dog living with a very wonderful family who I have had the absolute pleasure of working alongside. Her name is Pebbles.

This story begins before Pebbles ever arrived home.

My partner has been involved with German Shepherds for many years, working them and breeding dogs who have gone on to do incredible jobs within the Police, Prison Service and Guide Dogs, alongside dogs placed into experienced family homes. Although we have not bred for some time, those lines continue through a reputable breeder who still works closely with service organisations.

One day, I received a call. A respected family in the music industry had asked for two German Shepherd puppies. They needed to be female, and they would also need two experienced puppy walkers to support them. Fast-forward through breeder visits, careful selection, and some serious logistical planning, and two puppies were collected by me at eight weeks old and placed with two exceptional puppy walkers.

From the very beginning, it was clear these puppies were completely different. Pebbles was calm, thoughtful, almost pointer-like in her energy. Bam was driven, vocal, intense, and clearly going to need a job. My brain was already quietly working through Learning, Environment, Genetics and Self. Placing two puppies with such different needs into a busy, ever-changing household felt like something that needed careful thought.

We travelled with both puppies to meet the family at their country home and spent a long time talking openly about what life with two puppies might look like. There were existing dogs in the household, a young child, and a lifestyle that required other people to step in and care for the dogs at times. There was huge potential for joy, but also real complexity.

After discussion, we agreed to place Pebbles initially and leave Bam with her puppy walker for longer, allowing us to observe her development without pressure.

From that point on, the family were completely committed to giving Pebbles the best possible start. I supported them through regular visits both in London and at the country home. As a DIAL Guide and Family Dog Mediator, I spent many happy hours working alongside Mrs C on training walks, supporting calm connection and communication, and helping their son build a joyful, safe relationship with Pebbles through shared activities they could enjoy together.

Behind the scenes, Pebbles also continued to spend time with her puppy walker when the family travelled, supported by my wonderful daycare clients who made this possible. At the same time, it became increasingly clear that Bam would not thrive in the same environment. After an open and honest conversation with Mr C, we agreed that Bam’s genetic skillset would be best supported in a working role.

I am incredibly proud to say that Bam is now a licensed and qualified general-purpose police dog.

And Pebbles. Pebbles is living her very best life. Her family adores her, and she is settled, confident, and deeply connected to the people around her. I had the privilege of supporting them for over a year, watching strong, respectful bonds grow as the family and Pebbles learned together.

This was never about one person. It was about the right team. Thoughtful breeding. Two exceptional puppy walkers. Creating the right environment with no pressure. Meeting needs for sleep, diet, enrichment, and learning. Choosing supportive, low-pressure puppy and scent classes. A household team willing to explore a different way of thinking about training. And a family who were open to discussion, reflection, change, and truly seeing the dog in front of them.

Were there challenges? Yes. Was it complex? Absolutely. Did we work with Learning, Environment, Genetics and Self for both the dog and the family? Completely.

This is what it looks like when expectations are softened, when dogs are parented rather than controlled, and when everyone is supported to thrive.

One of the best years of my life. Thank you, Simon, Lauren, Eric, and of course, Pebbles.

If you are welcoming a puppy, living with a dog whose needs feel bigger than expected, or navigating complex family dynamics, you do not have to do it alone. My work supports families to understand the dog in front of them, create the right environment, and build calm, connected relationships that last.

If you would like support that is thoughtful, ethical, and tailored to your dog and your life, you are very welcome to get in touch.