The Dog Mum

In this episode, Aneka sits down with James Davies, a premier osteopath who has worked with stars like David Beckham and Pink, dive into his transition from a professional 100m runner to a ‘magic-handed’ healer for both humans and dogs. James shares his heartwarming ‘convert story’ of going from a dog-skeptic to a devoted ‘dog dad’ to his miniature poodle, Justin Bobby. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Dogs offer a unique, non-verbal communication of love and energy that can significantly improve mental health and provide emotional grounding during low moments.

The principles of healing, muscles, ligaments, and bones, apply to both humans and dogs; therapeutic touch and palpation can help pets recover from physical discomfort just as they help people.

Frequent dog walking often leads to lower back, neck, and shoulder pain due to improper posture, looking down, or being pulled on a lead.

Health doesn't require hours at the gym; focusing on your body for just 10 minutes a day (even in small 20-second bursts) can prevent chronic tension from escalating into a physical crisis.

Walking on hard city streets requires supportive trainers with good shock absorbers; wearing flat shoes like Converse for long walks can lead to significant lower back and calf pain.

BEST MOMENTS

"I never realised that I could have so much love and affection for a dog. I’m a full convert now."

"If you're good at the palpation skills, you can be therapeutic to any type of tissue. Dogs have muscles, human beings have muscles."

"I feel we're all athletes, and we need to have a warm-up. Even to walk our dogs, we need to stretch."

"Touch is safety and it's trust. I go into someone's house I've never met, I place my hands on an area, and they can see that I care."

"Stress is a silent killer. We need to get out of the fight or flight at the end of the day and do a rest and digest, calm the body down."

ABOUT THE GUEST

Book: Back in Ten: The 10-Minute Method to Transform Your Back and Eliminate Pain https://amzn.eu/d/bzHWWSk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesdhealth/ 

Website: www.jamesdhealth.com

VALUABLE LINKS

@anekajohnsonofficial

https://thecuddleclubuk.com/

ABOUT THE HOST

Aneka Johnson, founder of The Cuddle Club and co-founder of London Dog Week, is a purpose-driven entrepreneur and devoted dog mum to her French bulldog, Chubbs. Her journey as a ‘pet-preneur’ began while battling health challenges, anxiety, and depression - until Chubbs changed her life. Aneka now inspires others through her relatable, uplifting approach to dog parenthood and therapy. Under Aneka's guidance, the Cuddle Club has been featured in prominent media outlets like London Live, The Lorraine Show, Forbes, Evening Standard, Marie Claire, Daily Mail, and BBC Radio London.

In this episode, Aneka dives deep into the essential foundation of pet ownership: truly knowing your dog. Moving beyond basic needs and commands, Aneka reflects on her nine-year journey with her Frenchie, Chubs, sharing how their relationship evolved from ‘chaos’ to a profound, intuitive connection. She offers listeners practical advice on decoding body language, aligning energy levels, and establishing meaningful routines that build trust. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Understanding who your dog is, rather than just what they are ‘supposed’ to do, is the foundation for successful training and a deeper bond.

Body language is complex; for instance, a wagging tail can signal nervous excitement rather than happiness, and a yawn can be a sign of stress rather than tiredness.

Pay attention to how your dog responds to your mood; matching your energy to what they need, whether it’s high praise or calm stability, is vital for their sense of safety.

Bonding isn't about being together 24/7; it’s about intentional quality time, such as let-the-dog-lead walks and consistent morning rituals.

Being intimately familiar with your dog's physical quirks and typical temperament allows you to spot subtle changes early, which can be life-saving in medical situations.

BEST MOMENTS

"It all works better when you actually understand who your dog is, not just what they're supposed to be doing, but what they're actually trying to tell you."

"Once you really understand your dog, everything just clicks."

"A wagging tail isn't always happy, a yawn isn't always tiredness. The more you notice, the more you'll understand."

"Bonding is quality time, not just quantity. It's not about being with him 24/7, it's about how you spend the time."

"Those subtle changes can only be spotted when you really know what your dog's normal is."

ABOUT THE HOST

Aneka Johnson, founder of The Cuddle Club and co-founder of London Dog Week, is a purpose-driven entrepreneur and devoted dog mum to her French bulldog, Chubbs. Her journey as a ‘pet-preneur’ began while battling health challenges, anxiety, and depression - until Chubbs changed her life. Aneka now inspires others through her relatable, uplifting approach to dog parenthood and therapy. Under Aneka's guidance, the Cuddle Club has been featured in prominent media outlets like London Live, The Lorraine Show, Forbes, Evening Standard, Marie Claire, Daily Mail, and BBC Radio London.

www.thecuddleclubuk.com

@anekajohnsonofficial

In this heartwarming episode, Aneka sits down with broadcaster and fellow dog mom Abbie Dewhurst to discuss her journey rescuing Ruby, a 7-year-old French Bulldog. Abbie opens up about the serendipitous timing of Ruby’s arrival just before the pandemic, the unique joys and challenges of adopting a senior dog with health issues, and how Ruby transformed from a breeding dog into a beloved family member. They dive deep into the vetting process of rescue charities, the guilt dog moms feel about their pets' happiness, and why Abbie believes rescuing an older dog was the best decision she ever made.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

While many people want puppies, adopting a senior dog like Ruby (who was 7 at the time) can mean getting a pet that is already calm, toilet-trained, and perfectly suited to a busy lifestyle.

Rigorous vetting by charities is essential to ensure a dog fits your lifestyle. Abby emphasises that while the process can be lengthy, it ensures a successful match for both the dog and the owner.

Ruby’s transition wasn’t instant; it took patience and understanding of her past trauma. Abby advises that you shouldn’t expect immediate fireworks of love, building a bond takes time.

Adopting older breeds like Frenchies often comes with health complications (e.g., spinal issues). Abby highlights the importance of having comprehensive pet insurance immediately upon adoption.

Abby discusses the common guilt owners feel when their dogs aren't doing enough. She learned to accept that Ruby is happiest just being near her humans, sleeping, and doing absolutely nothing.

BEST MOMENTS

"We drove to Milton Keynes and just walked through the door, and this little bundle of joy, Ruby, ran straight up to me. I sat down, and she just put her little bottom on my knee, and I nearly burst into tears."

"In hindsight, that was perfect. We both have really busy lives. We don't have the time to puppy train. Actually, a 7-year-old was perfect. She was already calm."

"It's madness that you can go and just buy a puppy and nobody's checked what your garden's like. I think the rigorous process that you have to go through for a charity is absolutely suitable."

"Don't panic if you're not immediately in love with that dog. It wasn't immediate love, it was sussing each other out. Trust the process, the relationship will blossom.”

"I feel very proud that we've shown her the world. We've taken her to Wales, the Cotswolds, Scotland... I feel like we have given her a lot of love, and a lot of other people who love her."

ABOUT THE HOST

Aneka Johnson, founder of The Cuddle Club and co-founder of London Dog Week, is a purpose-driven entrepreneur and devoted dog mum to her French bulldog, Chubbs. Her journey as a ‘pet-preneur’ began while battling health challenges, anxiety, and depression - until Chubbs changed her life. Aneka now inspires others through her relatable, uplifting approach to dog parenthood and therapy. Under Aneka's guidance, the Cuddle Club has been featured in prominent media outlets like London Live, The Lorraine Show, Forbes, Evening Standard, Marie Claire, Daily Mail, and BBC Radio London.

www.thecuddleclubuk.com

@anekajohnsonofficial

In this episode, Aneka sits down with Mahny Djahanguiri, the UK founder of Doga (Dog Yoga) and author of ‘Doga: Yoga for You and Your Dog’. Mahny shares her incredible journey, starting from her transformative experience volunteering with children at Kids Company to the serendipitous moment she discovered the healing power of yoga with dogs while living in Los Angeles. She opens up about how her rescue dog, Robbie, became the catalyst for Doga in the UK, leading to international media attention and an appearance on Britain's Got Talent. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Doga wasn't just a business idea; it was born out of Mahny's personal need for healing and her discovery that dogs, like children, respond profoundly to calmness and consistency rather than forced control.

Mahny’s dog Robbie came into her life in an extraordinary way, rescued from a difficult situation in the Middle East and essentially smuggled to safety, proving that the bond between human and dog often defies logic and borders.

True Doga is about the owner and dog bonding in a calm, shared space. It is not about forcing dogs into poses or using them as props for social media, but rather about "passive activism" and mutual relaxation.

Mahny strongly distinguishes her practice from the trendy "Puppy Yoga" classes, which often involve breeders, unvaccinated puppies, and stressful environments. She highlights the ethical concerns regarding animal welfare and treating living beings as commodities.

Despite facing backlash or silence from some institutions, Mahny continues to speak out against unethical animal practices, using her platform to educate dog owners on the importance of verifying the source and welfare of animals in any ‘pet service’.

BEST MOMENTS

"I always said, 'Well, if I break it down and just work with one, then slowly just become me, become yoga, become calm. If I can become calm, it somehow starts working. There's a divine glue, there's a divine connection in that calmness.'"

"It was all about being authentic and not trying too hard to create something or achieve something. The more you try to achieve something and get people involved, the less it would work."

"You earn their respect that they felt safe with you. And how do you get that? Through consistency. Beginning, middle to end. Time. Show up, show up, show up."

"I tell you why the UK government hasn't stopped it, because they're making money. It is very difficult to legislate for stupidity."

"Puppy Yoga came from Ontario. It was clearly a platform to present breeds. It's a showcase. This is not about lifting puppies, they were showcasing them properly in Canada."

ABOUT THE HOST

Aneka Johnson, founder of The Cuddle Club and co-founder of London Dog Week, is a purpose-driven entrepreneur and devoted dog mum to her French bulldog, Chubbs. Her journey as a ‘pet-preneur’ began while battling health challenges, anxiety, and depression - until Chubbs changed her life. Aneka now inspires others through her relatable, uplifting approach to dog parenthood and therapy. Under Aneka's guidance, the Cuddle Club has been featured in prominent media outlets like London Live, The Lorraine Show, Forbes, Evening Standard, Marie Claire, Daily Mail, and BBC Radio London.

www.thecuddleclubuk.com

@anekajohnsonofficial

In this episode, Aneka is joined by fellow dog mum and influencer Sarah Gillis for a relatable chat about the highs, lows, and unexpected lessons of dog parenting, especially during lockdown. Sarah opens up about how she became the proud owner of two Cavapoos, Peanut and Pablo, and how they’ve been a constant source of comfort, companionship, and laughter through life’s twists and turns. Together, they explore the deep emotional bond between dogs and their humans, the importance of choosing a breed that truly fits your lifestyle, and what it’s like navigating dog parenthood in both London and Newcastle. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Dogs provide unconditional love and companionship, significantly impacting their owners' mental health and well-being. They can help individuals through tough times, offering comfort and a sense of purpose.

The rise of dog-friendly venues and activities has transformed how dog parents engage with their pets. Many dog owners prioritise places that welcome their dogs, enhancing their experiences and adventures together.

The journey of creating dog-related content began during lockdown, driven by a desire to share the joy of having a puppy. This led to unexpected growth and opportunities, including collaborations with brands and invitations to dog-friendly events.

When dating, it's crucial to ensure that potential partners are dog-friendly and willing to embrace the role of a "dog dad." The compatibility between the partner and the dogs is essential for a successful relationship.

Building a community around dog parenting can lead to meaningful connections with others who share similar experiences. Engaging with followers and receiving positive feedback fosters a supportive environment for both the creator and their audience.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think it's just that companionship; there's something about dogs. I didn't realise how good it was having a dog until I actually got a dog."

"You really have to select the right breed for your lifestyle. And then you've got to have that longevity and that happiness together."

"I feel like Peanut and Pablo have been by my side through various parts of my life. They're that consistent, like they have literally been there."

"If it's not dog-friendly, it's almost like it doesn't exist to me. Can I just bring my dog?"

“I think it breaks my heart that people got them for the wrong reasons. A dog's not just for Christmas, it's for life."

ABOUT THE HOST

Aneka Johnson, founder of The Cuddle Club and co-founder of London Dog Week, is a purpose-driven entrepreneur and devoted dog mum to her French bulldog, Chubbs. Her journey as a ‘pet-preneur’ began while battling health challenges, anxiety, and depression - until Chubbs changed her life. Aneka now inspires others through her relatable, uplifting approach to dog parenthood and therapy. Under Aneka's guidance, the Cuddle Club has been featured in prominent media outlets like London Live, The Lorraine Show, Forbes, Evening Standard, Marie Claire, Daily Mail, and BBC Radio London.

www.thecuddleclubuk.com

@anekajohnsonofficial