Case Study: Nellie
Helping Nellie Feel Safer, Softer and More Confident
Nellie’s session took place in the comfort of her own home, yet despite the familiar surroundings she arrived visibly nervous. When she entered the room she was shaking, suggesting anxiety around new experiences and unfamiliar situations.
We began the session very gently, offering rose water sprayed into the air and onto my hand. Just as Nellie was about to leave the room, she caught the scent, stopped, and chose to return. She sat with me, inhaling deeply and yawning — a clear sign of relaxation — before indicating that she wanted the rose water applied to her head and stroked down her body. As the application continued, her body language softened and she began to settle, showing growing curiosity and enjoyment.
Given Nellie’s background as a brood bitch and her initial nervousness, vitex (vitus agnus castus) water was also offered and accepted. She then chose to sit close to her mum on the sofa, a meaningful sign of increased comfort and emotional safety. Geranium and carrot seed were inhaled briefly but not strongly favoured, while violet leaf was enthusiastically and repeatedly chosen. Although Nellie declined topical application of these oils, she clearly requested more rose water, which continued to bring her visible reassurance.
As the session progressed, Nellie’s housemate Norman joined, and the two settled together peacefully. Later, Nellie explored a selection of natural supports, showing interest in all but choosing only a small amount of coconut oil — another example of her clear and confident self-selection.
Toward the end of the session, Nellie’s demeanour shifted noticeably. She became more animated and playful, accepting sandalwood with enthusiasm. She trotted around the room, exploring her surroundings, frequently returning for further inhalation of sandalwood and additional rose water application. We ended the session once Nellie indicated she had received enough, at which point she appeared bright, relaxed and far more confident than when she began.
That evening, Nellie’s family reported a subtle but meaningful change. She chose to spend more time downstairs with others rather than retreating early to her usual sleeping spot, showing increased sociability and ease.
Outcome and Ongoing Support
Nellie consistently selected rose water as her primary source of comfort, with additional support from violet leaf and sandalwood. These are oils often chosen by bitches seeking hormonal balance, by sensitive dogs who struggle with change, and by those who need emotional reassurance. Sandalwood’s selection was also noteworthy given its traditional association with urinary and emotional support.
Nellie responded beautifully to the session and demonstrated that, when given time and choice, even very sensitive dogs can begin to relax, connect and explore more confidently. Ongoing sessions could help build on this progress, offering her continued reassurance and strengthening her bond with her human companions.
If your dog is nervous, sensitive or finds new experiences overwhelming, a session like Nellie’s can offer a gentle, respectful way to support their emotional wellbeing — allowing them to choose what helps, at their own pace, in their own space.
I’d love to welcome you and your dog to a session and help them feel calmer, safer and more at ease.
