Molly, Lani, and Sunny, three new facility dogs, are joining the National Court Dog Program at the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1 and Division 2).

Swearing in ceremonies will be held on 9 and 10 July 2025 for Molly, Lani and Sunny in the Parramatta, Sydney and Newcastle registries.

The purchase of the dogs has been funded by the Law Society of New South Wales, and the dogs were expertly trained and supplied by Guide Dogs Australia. 

A video will be played at each swearing in ceremony to introduce the new dogs and celebrate the progress of the Court Dog Program to date.

The National Court Dog Program has made real and significant improvements to the experiences of many litigants since its introduction in the Melbourne and Hobart registries of the Courts. Trained facility dogs, Poppy and Zoey quickly gained popularity and significantly improved the experience of vulnerable litigants and children, helping them to feel happy, safe, calm and able to fully engage with court proceedings.

The Chief Justice of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, the Honourable William Alstergren AO, said the investment by the Law Society of New South Wales goes a long way towards helping vulnerable court users in the state.

"It's a credit to the Law Society of New South Wales and its members that they've decided to fund the three new dogs for our registries in Sydney, Parramatta and Newcastle. We've been overwhelmed at the positive reception our Court Dog Program has received in Melbourne and Hobart, so we're beyond excited to see the impact these new additions will make in New South Wales."

President of the Law Society of NSW Jennifer Ball said the proven benefits of specially trained dogs in a court environment makes the investment in this program a positive step for justice.

"Lawyers involved in court proceedings rely on their witnesses giving the best evidence possible. Whether they be adults or children, witnesses who feel less anxious, and more comfortable and supported, are shown to produce more reliable evidence, have better factual recall, speak more clearly and coherently, and exhibit fewer signs of distress."


Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Therapy Dog Program Team Leader Samantha O'Keeffe said Molly, Lani and Sunny have been carefully chosen for the role.

"We're so proud to see Molly, Lani and Sunny officially sworn in as Court Dogs and take their place at Sydney, Parramatta and Newcastle registries where they will play a vital role. Each dog has been carefully selected for their calm, gentle and affectionate temperament and highly trained to provide comfort and emotional support in high-stress court settings."

The dogs to be based in the Courts' Newcastle, Parramatta and Sydney registries will be 'sworn in' and commence duty this month.

For more information on the NSW Canine Court Companion Program, visit https://nsw.guidedogs.com.au/our-dogs/canine-court-companion

Background to the Court Dog Program

The National Court Dog Program originated from the efforts of Judge Amanda Mansini, based in the Courts' Melbourne registry, and Deputy Registrar Jordan Di Carlo, who were both early, passionate advocates of the introduction of Poppy (the Melbourne based court dog) and the expansion of the program nationwide. The objectives of the Court Dog Program are:

✔️ to help litigants and children find their voice and tell their stories;
✔️ to make the court experience more trauma-sensitive for court users; and
✔️ to facilitate participation in the court process and further the administration of justice.

Court Dogs are highly skilled facility dogs, identified for their ability to provide emotional support and stability in court environments. Backed by nearly 70 years of world-class breeding and training expertise, Guide Dogs Australia applies the same rigorous standards used in preparing Guide Dogs to ensure Court Dogs possess the calm temperament, resilience, and focus required for this important role.

Each dog is carefully matched to each registry to support victims of crime during legal proceedings, offering comfort and confidence in often challenging circumstances.

One of the fundamental principles to utilising Court Dogs is that they enhance the legal process and maintain its integrity, not distract from it.

The use of assistance animals in facilities is widely acknowledged as having positive therapeutic benefits on individuals. In the justice setting, Court Dogs are increasingly being utilised as a trauma-informed support for vulnerable litigants, witnesses and children, and to reduce the stress of engaging with court processes.

The research behind Court Dogs indicates that the dogs help to reduce the effects of cortisol, the stress hormone that increases a human's heart rate and blood pressure. Court Dogs also increase oxytocin, which reduces anxiety and improves a person's clarity of thought and sense of calm.

The Courts have surveyed users of the Court Dog Program, finding that:

✔️ 100 percent of court users think that having a Court Dog in their court registry is positive;
✔️ 100 percent of court users felt supported by the presence of a Court Dog;
✔️ When describing how Poppy or Zoey made them feel, survey respondents most commonly answered that the Court Dog helped them to:

• Feel relaxed (78 percent of survey respondents).
• Feel less nervous (77 percent of survey respondents).
• Feel happy (66 percent of survey respondents).
• Feel safe (52 percent of survey respondents).
• Think more clearly (40 percent of survey respondents).
• Express themselves better (35 percent of survey respondents).

Anonymous quotes from users of the Court Dog Program in Melbourne and Hobart include the following:

"Having Zoey in court is extremely helpful. She was a good distraction during a very stressful time. It's a great program and Zoey is a fabulous ambassador. I'm very thankful to have had Zoey there with me."

"Having the Court Dog, Zoey, present and the incidental interactions I had with her, breaks through a layer of tension that rests upon solicitors, counsel and parties' shoulders, even before entering the court building. Seeing Zoey sitting from afar or at the top of the stairs, brings your mind to the present and a smile on your face. When dealing with children's matters in particular, it is important that you are not internally focused and can focus on those around you and those that are impacted by the proceedings. Zoey reminds everyone what the real world is about."

"I had Poppy three times this year with me through a court trial, it really was the best way to take my mind off the stressful situation l was in, giving me a more relaxed and comforting approach to being there. I feel that this program of having a Court Dog, should apply in all courts across Australia."

"My child has special needs and attended an appointment for child report and interview. Poppy definitely helped them to reduce their anxiety and made the beginning of interview easier. Poppy helped me with my stress while I was waiting as well. It would be very helpful to have Poppy in court to assist children and adults, especially those with traumas and special needs. Poppy is an absolute delight!"

MEDIA RELEASE, 9th July 2025

Valerie the Dachshund Leads the Way For Lost Pet Prevention

Learn how to prevent pet escapes with tips from dog behaviourist Lara Shannon

July marks National Lost Pet Prevention Month and there’s no more inspiring messenger for the cause than Valerie the Dachshund, who was lost on South Australia’s Kangaroo Island for 529 days before her remarkable rescue in April by wildlife charity Kangala Wildlife Rescue.

Now, as official ambassador for purpose-driven Aussie pet furniture brand The Paws Room, Valerie is using her platform to raise awareness for lost pets, crate training and the importance of providing lost or adopted pets with a calm, safe space to support their transition back to home life.

Josh, Valerie & Georgia with Lara

Valerie’s separation anxiety was a key factor in her going missing, which is why this campaign is so close to the hearts of her humans, Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock. 

They’ve teamed up with dog behaviourist and TV presenter Lara Shannon to share expert advice for pet parents on preventing escapes and helping anxious pets feel safe at home.

“Lara helped Valerie feel at ease from her very first day home, showing us how to use the crate as a positive space where she could decompress and adjust to being back in a safe environment,” said Georgia. Watch the video here.

Valerie got lost during a camping holiday on Kangaroo Island in November 2023. On the second day of the trip, Georgia and Josh had just finished setting up their camp and decided to go fishing. They settled Valerie into her usual pen with her bed, water, treats and toys. But when they returned just 30 minutes later, she was gone.

“We set Valerie up just like we always did in her pen, as well as an AirTag on her collar,” said Georgia. “But she still managed to escape in the short time we were gone. It was devastating, and honestly, we never thought something like that could happen to us. Now we just want to help others avoid going through what we did.”

Josh and Georgia have been asked by many people why the tracking device didn't help.

“The truth is, AirTags rely on nearby iPhones to update their location," said Josh. "They only work if your moving pet comes into range of a device connected to the Find My network, which isn’t reliable in remote areas or places with limited signal. That’s something we didn’t fully understand at the time."

Safe at home: Dorothy, Valerie & Mason

Valerie is also microchipped with contact information up-to-date.

“We brought her microchip papers with us on holidays,” said Georgia. “When she disappeared, we contacted the microchip records to say she was missing and when we got her back, they scanned her microchip number to confirm it was her. So, we knew she hadn’t been in contact with the vet throughout the 529 days.”

Now, Josh and Georgia are focused on creating a safe, secure environment for Valerie and her fur-siblings, Lucy the rescue cat, Dorothy the Dachshund and Mason the Red Heeler.

Top tips for preventing lost pets

As part of Valerie’s awareness campaign for National Lost Pet Prevention Month, Lara Shannon shares her expert tips to help prevent pets from getting lost:

✔️ Secure your home and yard: Check fences, gates and screen doors regularly.
“Look for loose panels, digging spots or gaps underneath,” says Lara. “Even small gaps can be an escape route for a determined dog. They can also burst through flyscreens, sneak out during deliveries and use anything placed close enough to the fence or gates as leverage to get over and out.”

✔️ Ensure proper identification: Microchips, collars with ID tags and up-to-date contact info are critical for safe reunions! Consider a GPS tracker/collar for added peace of mind, especially useful for newly adopted dogs or when travelling.

Dachshund Valerie relaxing in her Teddy Crate - Credit: The Paws Room

✔️ Use crates for calm and safety: “A crate isn’t a cage, it’s a safe haven,” says Lara, who is a big advocate of crate training dogs. “When crate training is done right, it provides your dog with a secure and happy place they can go to when they want a rest or are feeling anxious. 

Valerie’s separation anxiety played a big role in why she went missing. Especially for new or anxious pets, a crate can prevent bolting and provide much-needed comfort.”

✔️ Be cautious with new or nervous pets: “Rescue dogs may be flight risks,” adds Lara. “Keep them leashed or supervised when outside until they’ve fully settled, which can take many months. Gradual exposure to things like storms, traffic or loud noises can help reduce flighty behaviour.”

✔️ Train for recall and calm behaviour: Ongoing training builds trust and responsiveness, even under stress. Even the most obedient dogs can bolt when startled!
“Practice in different environments to ensure reliability,” says Lara. 

“Bored or anxious dogs are more likely to try to escape. Occupiers like puzzle toys, scenting, scatter feeding and long lasting chews, provide mental and physical enrichment. A tired dog is a good dog!”

Dachshunds Valerie and Dorothy keeping busy in their crate - Credit: The Paws Room

✔️ Take extra precautions during holidays and travelling: Always secure your pet with a harness or crate and avoid opening car doors until you’re sure they’re restrained.

“Loud celebrations, such as fireworks, can significantly increase the risk of dogs fleeing in fear,” says Lara. “Ask visitors to be cautious with doors and gates, especially around rescue pets or fosters.”

From Prevention to Purpose: Valerie's campaign continues

Valerie’s first public meet and greet at Pound Paws Dog Day in Sydney on August 31.

Valerie’s awareness campaign doesn’t end with lost pet prevention tips. It also celebrates the organisations working to rehome pets and support their emotional wellbeing – a mission shared by The Paws Room and their official charity partner, Pound Paws, which is dedicated to rehoming rescue pets from shelters and pounds across the country.

The Paws Room matches every donation made at checkout, helping to find loving homes for pets, raise awareness about adoption and show the world the paw-some power of compassion.

Valerie’s first public meet and greet since disappearing on Kangaroo Island will be at the Pound Paws Dog Day at The Sheaf in Double Bay (Sydney, NSW) on August 31. For more details and registration for this free event here.

For behind-the-scenes pawsomeness, you can follow Valerie social media:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/valerie_dachshund 
• Tik Tok www.tiktok.com/@thepawsroomcrates 

She's one of the faces behind The Real House Wags of Australia, a charming new series launched by The Paws Room.

MEDIA RELEASE, 8th July 2025

Related Stories:

Dog Microchipped but missing? The Critical Step Too Many Pet Owners Forget

Beyond Meds: Addressing Dog Anxiety Causes

Dachshund Valerie reunites with her family at Kangala Wildlife Rescue

Valerie the Dachshund turns three at home!

Narwal Z10 Robot Vacuum and Mop: A Pet Parent's Perspective

Let's face it, keeping our home clean with pets can feel like a never-ending battle. The fur tumbleweeds, the muddy paw prints, the rogue litter tracking – it's a daily reality for many of us. 

So, when the chance arose to test out the Narwal Freo Z10 robot vacuum and mop, we were eager to see if it could truly make a difference in our perpetually pet-blessed (and often messy) home.

Unboxing and Getting Started: Easier Than Expected

New gadgets can sometimes feel intimidating, but setting up the Narwal Freo Z10 and its substantial auto-empty base station was surprisingly straightforward. 

It only took a few minutes to clip two side brushes (under the robot), insert the Cleaning Tray, place the Disinfection Dust Bag and Detergent Canister inside the Base Station, fill a tank with clean water (under the top lid) and then pair our robot with the Narwal app.

After pushing the robot into the base station, the command centre beeped once to indicate charging was successful and we heard its voice for the first time: it was now ready for some action!

We found the unit worked pretty well straight out of the box for our main kitchen/dining area, which is all tiled and where the base station sits.

Consider the placement of your base station carefully for maximum efficiency, allowing an open space of at least 45cm long in front for the robot to enter and leave. Remember that if you move the base station after the mapping is created or large furniture in your home is rearranged, it is recommended to create a new map.

If you have pets (like Arya our cat who loves to perch on top of the unit when on standby) or young children keen on pressing buttons, remember to turn the child lock on to avoid incidents!

 Vacuuming Power: Taming the Fur Beast

For pet owners, a robot vacuum's ability to handle fur is paramount. The Freo Z10 boasts a robust 15,000Pa suction power, and in practice, it genuinely impressed us during its cleaning sessions in our main kitchen/dining areas where it efficiently sucked up pet hair, dust, and general crumbs.

One of its standout features is the "DualFlow Tangle-Free System." This design, combining dynamic side brushes with a floating main brush, effectively guides hair into the suction path. We consistently found the roller brush to be remarkably free of tangled pet hair, a common frustration with other vacuums. While it struggled with a single, rigid toothpick, its overall performance against pet hair was a clear win. No more wrestling clumps of fur off the roller!

Mopping Marvel: Tackling Mud and Spills

Where the Narwal Freo Z10 truly shines for us is its mopping capability, especially with our two large dogs tracking in dirt and mud. Its dual spinning mops apply a significant 8N of downward pressure, meaning they don't just glide over dirt – they scrub it. On our tiled floors, it tackled muddy paw prints and dried kitchen spills with surprising effectiveness.

The "DirtSense" technology was a genuine "aha!" moment; the robot seemed to intelligently detect dirty spots and would return for additional passes, almost as if it had a tiny brain dedicated to spotless floors. 

The "MopExtend" and "EdgeSwing" features were also a huge bonus, allowing the robot to clean right up to baseboards and into corners that often get missed. While it can't squeeze into every tiny crevice, it achieved an estimated 95% cleaning completion rate in our kitchen/dining area – an A+ in our book!

And let's not forget the automated hot water mop washing and hot air drying in the base station. This is a game-changer, especially during this wet winter. No more dealing with damp, potentially smelly mop pads. The drying process is also surprisingly quiet.

If the robot is set for multiple mopping runs or the area for cleaning is large, the robot will automatically return to the base station for mop washing.
If the robot is not within the Main Map (different level of the house), the app sends you a message and the base station a voice prompt asking for manual assistance.

Navigation: Smart Moves, A Few Quirks

The Narwal Freo Z10 uses LiDAR 4.0 and advanced 3D mapping to navigate, creating detailed maps of your home. It handled uneven floor levels well and generally moved around and under furniture without forceful bumps. Its "millimetre-precise obstacle avoidance" was evident for larger items. It only got tangled on an electric cord once under a bookcase, sending an alert for us to rescue our "suspended in the air" little Freo (it did call for help!), which made for a few laughs. (We'd actually love to hear the robot speak in its own voice, but we digress.)

It mapped our space quickly and intuitively, getting it up and running faster than we anticipated. We initially found the App a little difficult to navigate, be it creating new rooms or selecting what surfaces to clean. Where we had the most difficulty was mapping extra rooms where the base station was not accessible, such as bedrooms or our home office on a different level. We'd have to pick up and place the unit in the desired room.

After a fair bit of trial and error and reviewing online chat forums for help, we worked out how to achieve most of what we wanted. There are quite a few steps to setting up a new room: firstly, you must create a new map in the App, then place the unit in that room to map it. Once mapped (which is very quick, only a few minutes), you have to make sure you've selected the whole room to clean by dragging a selection box to cover the entire map; otherwise, it will just do a 1m x 1m square where you set the unit down.

The next hurdle was getting it to clean rugs. During mapping, the unit correctly recognised rugs, but mysteriously it consistently skipped them during cleaning!

Again, after some trial and error, we discovered the default on a new map is to skip rugs. There is a secondary set-up menu for each map that allows you to select or skip rugs. Once we discovered the idiosyncrasies of the App and all the necessary menu parts to completely set up a room, the unit really started to make sense.

We can now easily change maps, place the unit in rooms away from the base station, select or not select surfaces to mop or vacuum, and walk away until the unit asks for help. 

Actually, that's one of the best parts of this whole system: if it needs help (which is not that often), such as being taken back to the base station to self-clean the mops or empty the dust container, it will quite loudly ask. No need to keep an eye on the App; it will also announce when the job is done and ask to be taken home. Now this is truly hands-off cleaning.

However, we did encounter a consistent challenge with our low-pile rugs and mats. The robot sometimes bypassed them, leaving them uncleaned. Our simple solution was to remove them during cleaning sessions. For multi-storey homes, remember to set a no-go zone for stairs. This is where there’s a bit of a learning curve with all the settings in the app. We decided to put a physical obstacle at the top of the stairs so we could turn our "staircase mode" off; yes, the unit will stop recognising stairs, but it will climb better over obstacles (e.g., uneven levels between rooms).

The ability to create up to 4 separate maps and name sections of the house is fantastic for targeted cleaning, as we’re unlikely to set the robot to clean the entire house at once. While our home's eclectic layout sometimes limited the robot's reach in smaller, cluttered rooms, this felt more like a limitation of our space than the Z10 itself. 

The mobile app is taking us a little getting used to, but with some patience, we’re getting better at navigating its features. For smart home enthusiasts, it pairs with Alexa, Google, and Siri for voice control – though we're still perfecting our "Hey Narwal, make my floors magically less hairy!" command.

The Self-Sufficient Base Station: Your New Home Boss

This is where the Narwal Freo Z10 truly shines as an automated cleaning assistant. The base station isn't just a charger; it's a command centre that handles the dirty work. With the ability to store dust for up to 120 days, you're not constantly emptying tiny bins. The auto-emptying, auto-detergent dispensing, and base station self-cleaning features are genuinely impressive, eliminating dust plumes, buckets, and messy hands.

The robot itself operates quietly during cleaning, letting you go about your day. The auto-emptying process, while brief and sounding like a mini-jet, is a small price to pay for dust-free floors. 

After a first careful inspection, our pets - including a very chill cat and two large dogs - seem unfazed by its presence, now often snoozing right through cleaning cycles.

The Verdict: Is the Freo Z10 Right for You?

So, is the Narwal Freo Z10 worth the investment? It depends on your home and your cleaning needs. If you have a modern home with open, mostly tiled or hard flooring spaces (especially on one level), this robot can significantly improve your cleaning routine. 

Freo Z10 robot mopping floor tiles (the area up to the right edge of the robot is done
whilst the darker area on the right is yet to be mopped)

It particularly excelled in our kitchen/dining and home office tiled areas, keeping these spaces consistently spotless without us lifting a finger (besides moving chairs/stools prior), and it certainly has made an improvement to our overall quality of life.

However, for deeply embedded pet hair in our carpeted lounge area or thicker rugs, we found the 15,000 Pa suction wasn't quite enough. We'll still be keeping our trusty manual vacuum for those areas and, of course, the stairs. For those seeking maximum suction power for carpets, the new NARWAL Z10 Ultra, with its 18,000 Pa suction, might be a better fit, though it comes at a higher price point (around A$500 more).

While no robot is completely perfect – a quick tidy-up before cleaning is still a good habit – the Freo Z10 largely delivers on its promise of an automated, remarkably clean home. It's an investment, but one that, once you're familiar with its features, pays dividends in saved time, reduced stress, and the sheer joy of consistently clean floors. If you're ready to reclaim your weekends from the endless battle against pet messes, the Narwal Freo Z10 is a genuine lifestyle upgrade.

Adjusting to life with our new Freo Z10 AI Robot Vacuum has felt a lot like welcoming home a new pet, following that famous "3-3-3 Rule." 

The app uses Freo Mind 'Smart' settings by default but these can be individually adjusted.
The app records all your cleaning tasks and can schedule them. 

The first three days were for figuring out the app. The next three weeks have been for training in small sessions (learning Freo Mind's quirks, working out which settings best suit our needs). And we anticipate it will take a full three months to truly integrate it into our lives, maybe scheduling some routine tasks to turn our home into a pristine, pet-friendly sanctuary. Wish us luck!

RRP: $1,999.00 from all good retailers and online. Fetch a Prime Day deal here!

More Dogs Are Being Given Anti-Anxiety Meds, But Are We Addressing The Real Problem

The increasing number of dogs being prescribed anti-anxiety medication has raised alarm amongst the dog-loving community, and while these medications can be life-changing in the right context, leading dog behaviourist and bestselling author Sarah Rutten said the trend highlights a deeper problem dog owners need to face.

“This growing trend is saddening, but unfortunately, not surprising,” Sarah said. “We as dog guardians need to not only ask how to treat anxiety or behavioural issues, but also ask why our dogs are anxious in the first place.”

“Anxiety is a symptom, not the root cause of troubling behaviour in dogs. Whether it’s unmet needs, past trauma, poor socialisation or even undiagnosed health issues, we have to get curious about our dogs and take anxiety as a signal that something isn’t right in their world.”

Unpacking the Root Causes of Canine Anxiety: What’s Really Going On?

As founder of The Canine Perspective, a practice grounded in force-free, evidence-based dog training, Sarah has seen first-hand the dramatic rise in anxiety in dogs, particularly since the protracted lockdowns, and the subsequent surge in medicinal interventions.

“During the lockdowns, Aussies were spending far more time at home, and we also saw a rise in dog adoptions during this time,” Sarah said. “Understandably, people wanted to add a furry friend to the family during what was an incredibly tough and isolating time.”

“But due to the circumstances of that period, many of these dogs missed out on critical early socialisation with other dogs and people. Even five years later, I’m still seeing the fallout of this, manifesting as a double whammy of reactivity and separation anxiety.”

“Sadly, these dogs simply weren’t prepared for the world we now expect them to navigate.”

Sarah also points to the link between diet and gut health to canine behaviour.

“Much like in humans, the gut-brain connection plays a significant role in dogs,” she explains. “Imbalances in the gut microbiome, as well as undetected food sensitivities or allergies, can contribute to behavioural issues like anxiety and hyperactivity.”

“When a dog’s diet is better tailored to their individual needs, whether through improved nutrition, elimination of allergens or increased support for gut health, we often see a shift in behaviour as well.”

Adding to the challenge is the reality of time-poor owners, many of whom are juggling full-time work and various other commitments. This often translates to dogs being under-stimulated, under-exercised, and isolated for long periods.

“Dogs are social, intelligent beings. When their needs for connection, movement, and mental enrichment aren’t met, anxiety is often the result,” Sarah said.

Beyond training, diet, or exercise, Rutten highlights a more sobering reality: dogs often mirror our own emotional states. With anxiety and burnout affecting more and more Aussies, our dogs, attuned to our energy and behaviour, can internalise that stress.

“The household ecosystem matters. If stress is high and connection is low, dogs pick up on that,” Sarah said.

“Sometimes, the first step to helping your dog manage their anxiety and stress is checking in with yourself and your home environment.”

Anti-Anxiety Medication: Tool, Not Cure

As the use of anti-anxiety medication in dogs is becoming more common, Sarah emphasises that these medications should be viewed as a support tool, and not a standalone solution.

“When used thoughtfully and with the advice of a vet, anti-anxiety medication can be incredibly helpful for certain dogs,” Sarah said. 

“But it should never be used as a quick fix or band-aid.”

“The goal is to help the dog reach a ‘sub-threshold state’ where their brain is calm enough to think, process and learn.

“In dogs with acute anxiety, the amygdala – the emotion-processing centre of the brain – is in overdrive. Medication can help quieten the amygdala, so that the thinking part of the brain, the frontal lobe, and come back online.”

“Once the frontal lobe has kicked in, the dog can then have the capacity to learn and engage with behaviour modification and force-free training techniques, which will help them to manage anxiety long-term.”

Sarah said once the dog begins to respond to training, the long-term aim is often to gradually reduce or even discontinue the medication under veterinary supervision.

“Anti-anxiety medications must be part of a holistic plan, and never the whole plan,” Sarah said. 

“The hope is always that with the right support and training, we can eventually wean dogs off medication and help them feel safe and confident without it.”

The Role of Natural Support

Sarah also suggests that natural, vet-approved alternatives to pharmacological medicines could be an option for some dogs with mild to moderate anxiety.

“I worked with a dog experiencing moderate separation anxiety who was unable to be left alone whatsoever,” Sarah said.

“Her owners introduced a natural supplement designed to support the nervous system, while we followed a structured counter-conditioning plan through a series of consults.”

“Over a few months, the dog could be left alone for up to four hours comfortably, which was life-changing for her owners.”

Sarah says that while natural remedies aren't suitable for all cases, they can be effective when paired with behaviour modification and appropriate lifestyle changes.

“Whether it’s pharmaceutical or natural, the aim is the same: support the nervous system so the dog can feel safer in their world,” Sarah said.

Medication with Meaning: Maple’s Journey

Sarah worked with a young rescue dog, Maple, who had a history of trauma, anxiety and extreme reactivity. Adopted by her family at just 16 weeks of age, Maple had already experienced abuse and had bitten multiple people.

Despite having already tried several training approaches, Maple’s behaviour continued to deteriorate, prompting her new family to seek Sarah’s help.

With veterinary oversight, Maple was placed on anti-anxiety medication and Sarah then introduced a tailored desensitisation and counter-conditioning program to address her reactivity triggers.

“The medication helped quiet Maple’s nervous system enough that she could begin to learn,” Sarah said. 

“Eventually, she started bonding with her family, exploring new environments, and showing curiosity rather than panic.”

After consistent training, Maple’s medication was gradually reduced and eventually ceased, while her training and management routines continue. Maple’s guardians, once overwhelmed, are now able to take her on holidays.

“She became a calmer dog who felt more at ease with her surroundings, which was the ultimate goal,” Sarah said. “Not suppression, but growth.”

The Dog In Overdrive

Rutten also shared the story of a Staffordshire Terrier she worked with who was constantly in a state of nervous arousal.

“He was on high alert all the time and couldn’t settle or switch off,” Sarah said. “His nervous system was stuck in overdrive, and his behaviour was starting to impact the family.”

Through a combination of vet-guided medication and behaviour-modifying routines, Sarah said the Staffy began to show progress.

“After starting the medication, his brain was able to settle enough that we could teach him calming behaviours,” Sarah said. “Eventually, he was able to interact more gently with his loved ones and became part of the family again.”

So What Can We Do?

Sarah encourages dog guardians to take a holistic, compassionate approach towards supporting and managing canine anxiety:

✔️ Meet your dog’s needs: Physical exercise, mental enrichment, safe social opportunities, good sleep, and quality nutrition.

✔️ Check in with yourself: Your energy, stress, and routine affect your dog more than you think.

✔️ Work with professionals: A force-free trainer and vet can guide you toward the right plan.

✔️ Be patient: Behavioural change takes time. Celebrate the small wins.

✔️Explore support tools: When used appropriately and under the guidance of an experienced vet, and complemented by a holistic training and behaviour modification plan, the right medication could be life-changing for anxiety-ridden dogs.

Want to learn more about Sarah and her work? Head over to her website or get a copy of her book, The Canine Perspective: Using Force-Free Methods To Unleash Your Dog’s Pawtential.

About the author:

The Canine Perspective founder Sarah Rutten is not just another dog trainer – she's a thought leader pushing for real change in how humans and dogs understand. 

With a no-nonsense, science-backed approach, she's on a mission to educate dog owners, challenge outdated training myths, and advocate for ethical, force-free methods that strengthen the human-dog bond.

Follow Sarah Rutten and the Canine Perspective at: 

www.thecanineperspective.com.au

Facebook: @thecanineperspective
Instagram: @thecanineperspective

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Coverage extended for existing PetSure policyholders during intense NSW rainfall

PetSure extends pet insurance coverage, regardless of policy type, for existing customers affected by severe rainfall along the east coast of NSW.

Properties were severely damaged and power has been lost after a complex weather system descended upon NSW overnight. The Bureau of Meteorology has described the event as a “vigorous coastal low-pressure system”, and severe weather is expected to continue into Thursday.

NSW SES has responded to more than 2,300 incidents since the event began, and seven emergency warnings have been issued along the coast. Trains and other public transport services have been disrupted, reducing mobility in affected areas.

Such weather conditions pose serious risks to pets. It’s crucial to ensure pets receive timely medical attention and care in these situations.

Vet-approved tips for pet safety during emergencies:

✔️ Keep your pets indoors to prevent them from getting lost or injured.

✔️ Have your pet emergency kit essentials handy including adequate food and water, medications, vet records and their harness, carrier or crate.

✔️ Create a calm environment for pets to help reduce stress during the event.

✔️ Inspect your home and surrounding areas for hazards, debris and contaminants before allowing pets back outside after the event.

Vet telehealth as an option for accessing veterinary care

LiveVet telehealth provides access to experienced vets online for PetSure customers as part of their policy for no additional cost. With LiveVet, customers with access to power can connect with Australian-registered vets 24/7 via their provider’s Pet Portal within minutes for a video call.

Australians without a pet insurance policy can still access Australian-registered vets online via telehealth at leading vet telehealth provider, VetChat.

What does the coverage extension include?

PetSure will temporarily extend coverage for all existing pet insurance policies until 2 August 2025.

• PetSure will provide cover for pet health complications for the insured pet, regardless of policy type or coverage level, that arise as a result of the NSW weather system.

• For a limited time, PetSure will also extend cover, regardless of policy type, to reimburse the full incurred cost of emergency boarding at a licenced kennel or cattery to customers who have no access to accommodation or have been displaced or evacuated. Cover for emergency boarding will be provided up to the policy annual benefit limit but without application of the emergency boarding sub-limit, excess or benefit percentage. Extended cover for emergency boarding for your insured pets will be available until 2 August 2025.

PetSure will waive waiting periods for pet health complications occurring because of the weather event.

Underlying pre-existing conditions that occurred or worsened directly as a result of the extreme weather event will be eligible. All other policy terms & conditions continue to apply. If you’re unsure if your policy is administered and/or issued by PetSure, visit our partner page: Petsure.com.au/partners

How do I know if I’m eligible?

To be eligible, customers must:

• Be an existing Australian policyholder of a PetSure issued and/or administered policy.
• Have the event or expense be in relation to the insured pet under the policy.
• Be located within or near a weather-affected zone, as assessed by the PetSure claims team.
• Provide documents, such as a fully paid invoice (for non-GapOnly® claims), indicating a pet health complication and/or emergency boarding expense in relation to the event.

Customers can submit their invoice/s and policy number to help@petsure.com.au.

MEDIA RELEASE, 2 July 2025, Sydney, Australia 

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