Soul Touched by Dogs | Anke Herrmann | Substack
Soul Touched by Dogs
SubscribeSign in
Caption this .. đ that face makes a great story prompt đ€Ł
I don't think I'll ever get tired of meeting these guys in the morning.
The dogs don't take too much notice anymore. There is just something about familiarity and predictability that builds trust.
We're really not that different..
4
1
If youâve ever thought that youâd do anything to get some more time with your dog, youâll love this weekâs episode âŠ
I'd Give Anything For Some More Time With My Dog
7
Still on the hunt for some pictures that do this beautiful soul justice.
Hada has been holding things together in my house for 13 years now.
Leo adored her, Cai loved her, and Ms Lea sees her as her mom.
Fingers crossed that she'll be with me for a lot longer đ
10
2
Feels like they're coming over to say hello.
Rarely on the way out but lately, reliably when we pass on the way home.
As if they're hiding in the bushes waiting đ
The dogs have gone from super excited to curious to âoh, it's you guys again đ„±"
.. all within a week.
Who says old (and not so old) dogs .. and horses .. can't make new friends?!?
8
2
We've gone from barking at the horses from a distance to curiosity to this âŠ
3
2
2 years ago, my second dog, Cai, followed Leo into doggie heaven.
And while this time round, I had an idea of what to expect, it wasnât any easier.
Part of me felt peace, knowing that heâd not suffered long, part of me was sad that he âonlyâ reached 13 years. For some reason, I thought heâd get to a similar age as Leo.
And part of me felt sâŠ
See more
When Grief for a Dog Hits Harder Than Grief for a Person
4
1
More luck today ⊠the girls meeting their twins đŸđŸđ€Ł
12
3
Ms Lea on the way back from greeting the horses ..
..
But they weren't in the mood today and didn't come close đ€Ș
That look .. as if it's my fault the horses stayed away đ€Ł
10
2
In case you've been told to make your dog work for everything, you'll love to hear this âŠ
Attention is not a privilege to be meted out as a reward for compliance, or withheld as a punishment.
Attention is a basic social need. Needs, in my value system, are non-negotiable.
Attention-seeking is connection-seeking.
2
I bought that rebounder for myself đ€Ł
But the moment Ms Lea arrived, she knew it was hers .. even if it took her weeks to grow tall enough to get her wiggle butt onto it.
It doesn't bounce much these days when we're both on it đ€Ł 60 extra kilos do make a differenceâŠ
12
2
Just out here doing some networking with the locals đ
The first time the horses came to say hello, both dogs barked at them.
Next time, Hada still gave them a bark but Lea was starting to get curious.
Today, they've "properly said hello" ...
Who says it's too late to make new friends?
9
Have you ever wondered how people who take in and care for senior dogs in their last months or weeks deal with the inevitable loss?
I certainly have .. and I got the chance to hear from one such caring soul - Peggy Frezon, author of " Goodbye to a Good Dog" (out July 7) shares how to process the loss of a beloved pet while honoring the relâŠ
See more
When Love is Worth the Grief
7
1
Anke Herrmann restacked
How come there is still no PETS vertical?
There is a community on here dealing with everything from puppyhood woes to senior pet worship, emergency vet visits, shredded couches, adoption stories, pet loss, funny little habits, giant medical bills, ridiculous nicknames, and photos that take up all the storage on our phones.
And there are people like me who are talking about behavior, and about how examining life with a pet can be a way to better understand how to interact with all creatures âŠ
See more
44
1
12
Did you know that for wheelchair users, simple rope balls are the most important items in the house?
Check out this weekâs episode to hear Claudia Hendrix give us a peek behind the scenes of life in a wheelchair, and how her dog Cat :-) allows her to live independently.
What It's Really Like to Live with an Assistance Dog
1
Ms. Hada.. hard to take pictures of her that do her justice..the most patient and gentle dog (as long as you're not a cat, that is đ€Ș)
Wishing you an amazing Sunday đŸ
10
1
Itâll be 5 years this August since Leoâs been gone.
I still look at this sweet face every time I look at my phone. Itâs one of my favorite pics of him so itâs the background pic on my phone, itâs my profile pic in a bunch of places ..
And that look had a lot to do with how the name Soul Touched by Dogs came about.
Whatâs your favorite photo of your dog? Pop it in the comments đŸ
18
5
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to ditch your job and follow your passion to work with dogs?
But what if it doesnât work out?
What if Iâm too old?
Lisbeth Borg de Waard from Nordig Dog Trainer was in that place 15 years ago.
See more
[nordicdogtrainer.simplero.com\ \ Meaningful Ways to Work with Dogs\ \ Workshop: Meaningful Ways to Work with Dogs June 2026\ \
1
The ritual.
My girl Hada has always loved getting her ears licked đ
For years, Leo would happily oblige every time she lowered her head, making it clear which ear she wants treated first.
Then Leo crossed the bridge.
A year later, Lea arrived and when she was old enough to understand đ sheâs taken over the job (if sheâs in the mood, that is ..)
What are your dogâs rituals?
2
Anke Herrmann restacked
If youâve ever felt like something about modern dog health just doesnât quite add upâŠ
So you're doing everything right - high-quality food, supplements, regular vet visits - but allergies, digestive problems, skin issues, and chronic conditions just wonât go away.
Something is clearly missing.
I'm always interested in learning about thingsâŠ
See more
[soultouchedbydogs.webinarninja.com\ \ Rethinking Dog Health: What Causes Chronic Health Issues And How You Can Solve Them WITHOUT Remedies or Intervention\ \ A Live Webinar starting at 26 May, 2026 @ 6:30 pm CEST hosted by Anke Herrmann.\ \
1
1
"Symptoms are not problems," Dr. Jeff Feinman says. "They are clues that the body is giving us that the energy balance is out of kilter."
Dr. Jeff talks about mitochondria and molecular biology in one breath, Indigenous wisdom and forest bathing in the next.
He's not raging against the system, he's offering another door.
One that starts âŠ
See more
There's Another Way: What Happens When a Vet Listens to What Your Dog's Body Is Actually Saying
1
âYou gotta have your dogâs back, even when things donât go as planned,â says Seth.
Couldnât love it more!
I had no idea what to expect when I first invited him on the show.
Herding goats?!?
And the conversation wasnât really just about goats. It was about true partnership and trust, about starting before youâre ready, about building a lifeâŠ
See more
The Dog Who Knows What It Takes to Move a Herd of Goats (and Heal the Land)
1
If youâve ever felt like something about modern dog health just doesnât quite add upâŠ
Something is clearly missing.
I'm always interested in learning about thingsâŠ
See more
1
1
Assumptions are the mother of all mess-ups.
Rule number one, not just in the software industry (where I first learned it).
The trouble with assumptions is that we usually don't recognize them as such.
I got reminded of that when I spoke to Dr. Marie Holowaychuk for the Soul Touched by Dogs podcast about what it's really like to be a veterinâŠ
See more
2
If you've ever wondered why your vet seems stretched thin, or why practices feel different than they used to, this conversation will open your eyes to what's really happening behind the exam room door âŠ
When the Dream Job Becomes the Breaking Point
3
If you've ever said, âI'm just a bit too busy." but feel resentment building on the inside.. this one is for you.
âDonât try to control the ripples. Just throw the stone.â
No doubt youâll have heard me say it if weâve ever spoken.
I say it so often that I created a t-shirt đ
I have plenty of stories where this plays out in the most unreal ways, but what happened recently with a âstoneâ my friend threw as part of her cancer journey blew my mind.
See more
5
The human behind Soul Touched by Dogs
I've loved dogs for as long as I can remember.
According to my grandma, my dad's dog Bodo "helped raise me" throughout the first couple of years of my life. Maybe that's where the love comes from.
But as a child, and later working in corporate jobs, I couldn't have a dog if I didn't want him to be at hoâŠ
See more
17
3
1
I lost that rebounder the day Ms. Lea grew tall enough to get up there some 2.5 years ago đ
It's her favourite hangout.
3
This morning I woke up to reality.
Had a dream taking me back to my sewing business days.
I arrived at a dance school for a fitting, flying through the door as the little dancers and their mothers looked at me with expectant eyes.
As each of them tried on their costumes, I could feel the heat crawl up my neck and settle on my face.
See more
4
I had a lovely conversation with Natalie, the owner of a natural cosmetics shop, the other day.
In French.
Iâve never formally studied French. Never had a proper lesson.
All I did?
1 lesson a day on 2 different language apps - 5 minutes total
watch some reels for French learners - 5 minutes
See more
3
1
Leo taught me to put away my shoes and socks.
Like a gentle but firm parent.
The rules were clear and the consequences of âmisbehaviorâ predictable and inevitable đ.
He preferred shoes made from leather but couldnât resist a used sock either âŠ
See more
It's Not About the Sock
2
When bills eat up your funds faster than sales top them up, every decision feels unsafe.
If you'd met my dog Cai as a young dog in Granada, he would have growled at you, ears back, tail low.
Never bitten - that dog never hurt a fly in his life - but kept a safe distance from you.
Compare that to a few years later.
See more
[learnitlive.com\ \ Trust Yourself in High-Stakes Decision-Making | LearnItLive\ \ When weâre under pressure - caring for someone we love, navigating health, relationships, or responsibility - calm doesnât come from\ \
2
Do you have a window barker?
There is help âŠ
I met Marilyn Mele, Founder of the Dog Wisdom Workshop Mentorship & Restful Rover 30-Day Intensive for the caregivers of sensitive, traumatized, and reactive dogs, when she was a guest on the Soul Touched by Dogs podcast.
Sheâs super kind and extremely knowledgeable.
See more
[marilynmele.com\ \ What Caregivers of Sensitive Dogs Need to Know about Window Barking\ \ Three-step mini-training\ \
1
âTheyâre reading you like a book.â
If youâve ever wondered how on earth your dog knows what they know .. youâll love this clip from this weekâs episode, and youâll love the full episode .. promised
7
1
Our dogs donât live in isolation.
They share our lives. They soak up our emotions, our stress.
And they often mirror those back to us.
If you actually asked your dog âŠ
See more
2
My dog just knows.
How often do we say that âŠ
They know when weâre on our way home, when itâs dinner time, when weâre sad.
But what if they also knew what they need in order to heal?
My guest, Lisa Tully, blew my mind. Check out the episode .. you wonât regret it.
Your Dog Knows
2
Join us on Monday for Speaking Up Without Burning Out: Navigating Conflict in a Time of Division
A Letâs Get Real Talk, organized by the Phenix Advocacy Center (PAC) with Carm Aufderheide.
If you ever wished youâd said something but didnât know how, without burning bridges or betraying your values .. this one is for you.
For the dog pro whoâs tired of biting their tongue
2
Anke Herrmann restacked
The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog.
Mark Twain
Enough said!
974
36
24
Anke Herrmann restacked
A little message to take you into the weekend!
1.8K
26
63
Anke Herrmann restacked
May Shilohâs joy bring you joy!
583
9
12
One of my favorite clips from this weekâs podcast episode .. Furlanthropy .. donât you just love the word .. and when you hear what itâs all about, youâll love it even more :-)
2
Some dogs donât just find a home. They change the direction of a life.
In this episode of Soul Touched by Dogs, Iâm sharing a conversation that began with a reluctant dog adoption⊠and led to a radically compassionate way of helping pets get the care they need when money becomes the barrier.
If youâve ever felt that quiet ache of âthere has to be a better wayâ ⊠this oneâs for you.
When Love Meets Innovation: Helping Pets Get the Care They Deserve
5
1
Recently on Soul Touched by Dogs, I had a deeply moving conversation with Miranda Wimbush.
Miranda works with dog mamas in a way that feels⊠different.
Not about fixing behaviour.
Not about more training protocols.
See more
[event.mindfulcanine.ca\ \ Soulful Dog Mama Experiencce\ \ 3 Day Experience to Strengthen your Bond with your Dog, Boost Wellbeing and Connect with Community\ \
4
Are you selling packages?
If your calendar is fuller than your bank account đ join Sue and I for todayâs Substack live - 1pm ET / 7pm CEST
2
1
â When we release some of what weâre carrying, our dogs donât just feel it, they soften with us,â is perhaps my favorite quote from this weekâs conversation with Miranda Wimbush.
The full episode is worth a listen, if I may say so myself đ
3
Dogs really are our wisest teachers .. in so many different ways ..
.. if weâre willing to listen ..
I highly recommend you check out this post .. what Stephanie Frank unpacks here is hard to unsee đ„
1
How dogs help with creativity.
The moment Holly B. Gutwillinger told me thatâs a topic sheâs interested in for her podcast, I knew Iâd love to be a guest.
Dogs are brilliant in a million ways, and they definitely help me tap into my creativity on a regular basis. Itâs just not something we tend to talk about a lot.
During this episode, we did .. and not just about creativity ..
Grab a cuppa and join us! Itâll be fun đŸ
3
2
If you've ever wondered what a therapy dog actually does ..
.. and how a medical executive combines her passions to create a childrenâs book series, Koaâs Ruff Life, inspired by real-life adventures with her therapy dog, Koa - from Central Park mornings to holiday traditions in New York City ..
.. you'll love this weekâs episode đŸ
2
New Yearâs Eve again. I didnât go out.
I havenât, not since Iâve had dogs.
Fireworks and dogs just donât mix very well.
My sweet Cai, who crossed the bridge last year, really struggled with them. Not only the explosions, but the long build-up beforehand ⊠that swishing, warning sound that tells you something loud is coming, without saying âŠ
See more
1
Wishing you a fabulous new year đ„đđ¶đđ„
Who else is staying in so that the dogs donât have to deal with fireworks by themselves?
My parents are off to a big New Yearâs party, as theyâve done every year for as long as I can remember.
Iâve never been a big New Yearâs party animal, and since Iâve had dogs, going out on New Yearâs Eve has beâŠ
See more
1
What Pet Professionals Misunderstand About Packages- Rethinking how packages are designed, and how small shifts can serve both you and your clients better
Going Live with on January 12th - 1pm EST - 6pm UK - 7pm Europe.
Mark your calendar and join us live:
[addcal.io\ \ What pet professionals misunderstand about packages\ \ A rethink of how packages are designed, and how small shifts can serve both you and your clients better Most pet professionals sell packages, but many of...\ \
2
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a delightful New Year đđ đ
A massive THANK YOU to all the beautiful souls who have made this year a good one.
May 2026 bring you health and all the things that jump to mind for you when you think of happiness đ„đđŸ
7
2
1
Christmas is clearly approachingâŠ
Where the heck did this year go?!?!
Enjoy your weekend & cuddle the pups đđŸ
3
If youâre looking for a cute Xmas gift ⊠đđŸ
âAll I Want for Christmas is DOGSâ
[shop.soultouchedbydogs.com\ \ Classic Unisex Crewneck Sweatshirt | All I Want For Christmas Is Dogs\ \ âAll I Want for Christmas is Dogsâ Sweatshirt Celebrate the holidays with the only wish that really mattersâa cozy Christmas filled with lots of adorable dogs! This sweatshirt features four irresistibly cute puppies looking adorable in their festive hats, bringing holiday cheer to every dog loverâsâŠ\ \
3
Your dog might be feeling what youâre not saying đŸ
The Energy Between You and Your Dog Is Real
.. and it might be the key to their wellbeing, and yours.
You know that deep, unspoken connection you have with your dog?
See more
[soultouchedbydogs.com\ \ Canine Expert Showcase\ \ Canine Expert Showcase\ Beyond Obedience: Fresh Paths to Canine Wellbeing\ Insights from trusted dog professionals to help your dog feel safe, seen, and supported.\ \
1
The surprising approach helping reactive dogs feel safe ⊠and think differently.
Youâve tried training. Youâve tried treats. But your dog still lunges at other dogs, loses it when the doorbell rings, or spins out in overstimulating situations.
Hereâs what Jo Burton wants you to know:
Sometimes, itâs not about discipline, or even desensitisâŠ
See more
1
Having a blast again with âŠ
If youâre growing your business but the idea of âpromoting yourselfâ makes you cringe, grab a cuppa and get ready to see a few things differently ..
Your business will thank you âș
Playback speed\ \ 1Ă\ \ Subtitles\ \ Share post\ \ Share post at current time\ \ 0:00\ \ /
Where and How Often to Promote Your Offer
If part of you is looking forward to the holiday season, and part of you is dreading what it has in store for your dog âŠ
Doorbells. Visitors. Sudden noises.
More commotion, less routine.
Old stress patterns showing up out of nowhere.
.. youâll love canine expert Annie Phenixâs upcoming live Q&A call.
Save your free spot here.
[community.caninetraumaclinic.com\ \ Calm & Confident Holidays Live Q&A with Annie Phenix\ \ Help your sensitive dog feel safe, supported, and understood this holiday\ season. Join Annie Phenix, canine behavior expert and founder of the Canine Trauma\ Clinic, for a warm and practical live Q&A focused on helping anxious, reactive,\ or easily overwhelmed dogs navigate the busiest time of yeaâŠ\ \
1
Anke Herrmann restacked
Dogness is a paradox. It refuses to settle for a single truth.
It is presence and absence.
The warm weight of a dog curled against your leg, and the hollow space left behind when they're gone.
It is wild and domestic.
See more
131
6
10
âMy dog does (or doesnât do) xyz ⊠I need a trainer.â
Really?
If youâve ever hired a trainer but didnât get the results you hoped for, or they didnât stick âŠ
Youâll love what Meghan Butt shared for the Canine Expert Showcase.
See more
2
Anke Herrmann restacked
I donât need gods or spirits to know a dog is sacred.
I donât need myth to replace science, or science to erase myth.
Dogs stand at the crossroads of both.
Science shows me their brain lights up when they smell me; myth shows me that bond is older than fire.
See more
202
9
17
âThere are two types of salespeople - hunters and gatherers.â
Which one are you?
1
The Hidden Root of So Many Behaviour Problems
Your dog may be telling you something ..
We all know dogs are masters at hiding pain.
But what if thatâs why theyâre barking, snapping, pulling on the leash, or just not acting like themselves?
See more
1
If youâre looking for gentler ways to support your dog, tackling issues at the root rather than âhacking at the leavesâ ..
.. youâll love Beyond Obedience - Fresh Paths To Canine Wellbein g.
I invited 4 fabulous experts to share the insights that might just make all the difference to you and your dog.
Itâs free, no signup required.
Erika L.Meghan Butt and JoâŠ
See more
3
Lessons from Lea âŠ
Make frequent time to stop and smell the roses (.. or whatever you love sniffing on đđ€Ł)
3
Grateful for my dogs âŠ
For so many reasons, but most of all, they taught me a level of assertiveness I didnât know I had in me.
Here is a short clip of my conversation with the delightful Marilyn Mele for the Love In Action! What Sensitive Dogs Really Need to Feel Safe and Loved.
Starting tomorrow. Come and join us if you have a sensitive dog.
Anke Herrmann - YouTube
Tap to unmute
Marilyn Mele378 subscribers
3
If your sweet pup turns into a squirrel-missile or if âcalmâ looks suspiciously like shutdown âŠ
⊠this weekâs post is for you: a kinder way to end the chase and a trauma-aware lens for you and your dog.
And an invitation âŠ
2
Thank you đ
Iâve been that person who tried the treats, the stop and turn ⊠but my wee Cai (and - to be honest - me too) just got more frustrated ..
So refreshing to see a method that doesnât just try to fix the behaviour without addressing the factors that created it.
When Dog Training Just Doesn't Work
1
Still 26ÂșC at the end of October ..
It was supposed to rain but didn't so off we went ..
Because now, it'll be dark early so lovely afternoon walks will be reserved for weekends only.
What's your favorite time to go for walks?
2
Looking forward to going live with the fabulous tomorrow đ
The Invisible Workload: What Nobody Told You When You Certified
Why good work alone isnât enough to build a sustainable, respected business - and what to do instead
Join us live or stay tuned for the recording, especially if you feel that the business side of helping pets and their people is more draining than you thought it would be ..
1
1
So easy to forget that we ask a lot of our dogs ..
Tonight: Dog Training Wonât Solve Your Problem If⊠Their World Wasnât Built With Them in Mind
Our dogs are constantly adapting to a human world that wasnât designed for them: bright lights, unpredictable sounds, constant movement. Tonight at 6pm BST, Iâll be live with Luisa Ruge ofPomodogo to talk about dog-centred design, how environment shapes âŠ
2
Leo becomes Lea.
When I knew a new pup was going to join the family, I was looking for a name. Nothing seemed to fit until it hit me âŠ
Lea.
In honor of my first dog Leo.
See more
4
Some stories make you think. Others make you feel. These two will do both.
Tricia Montgomery on transforming loss into a mission for early cancer detection - Marching for More Memories.
Jill Hedgecock on writing fiction that entertains, educates, and heals - Between Shadowâs Eyes.
Together, they remind us why dogs deserve our stories, our science, and our hearts.
Get your tissues ready âŠ
1
Truth bomb right there ..
.. and Meghan also covers what to do instead .. đŸ
2
If youâve ever felt like your dog is your mirror - reflecting your energy, your overwhelm, and your joy - this might land in just the right place for you.
My friend Miranda Wimbush, certified holistic dog coach and HeartMath certified coach (you might remember her from her Soul Touched by Dogs podcast episode), is hosting a transformationâŠ
See more
6
1
Hanging out to play with my friend again to answer one of THE most common questions âŠ
Today, Sep 25, 8am PT / 11am ET / 4pm UK / 5pm Europe
Live here on Substack.
Come and join us đŸ
"How Can I Get Myself Out There?"
2
1
Canine Body Language Explained .. in slow motion, one frame at a time ..
2 experts, 1 LIVE masterclass .. worth checking out if you want to better understand your dog đŸ
3
I have to admit, it wouldn't have occured to me to head off on my own .. but letting a grown up be a grown up is a thought that's impossible to unthink đđđ
Amazement Seeker by Rona Maynard
It's Not My Problem
2
Ms Lea knows her place đ€Ł
She sometimes misjudges her size but knows how to wrap anyone around her little paw đđŸđ
7
If your dog pulls on the lead, and none of the usual methods worked, you'll love this ..
1
Sunsets in CĂĄdiz, mojitos in hand ⊠and me realizing Iâve never truly disconnected from work in 21 years.
Today at Soul Touched by Dogs:
đŸ what I learned from taking real time off
đŸ how to catch your dogâs quiet whispers before chaos hits
đŸ and Toni Shelaskeâs story of turning one lightbulb moment into a thriving movement
Grab a cuppa and join me đ
Mojitos and Sunset & What Happens When One Dog Mom Decides the Pet Industry Can Do Better
3
Mojitos and sunsets
Hanging out with my parents for 2 weeks is a luxury.
Exploring CĂĄdiz, San Fernando, Vejer de la Frontera, Medina Sidonia, Jerez ... soaking in Andalusia's beauty.
Mojitos and stunning sunsets.
See more
5
1
This girl knows how to enjoy the moment ⊠I hope you do too :-)
10
1
" Emotionally, we are the same. When we start to understand what our dogs are trying to say, it changes how we see the world - and each other," says Vivian Zottola .. if youâre tired of dogs being treated as tools or toys, youâll love this one ..
Dogs Are Not Toys - Educating Future Generations About Canine Respect
6
If you grab your glasses before heading out for a dog walk âŠ
⊠so you can scan the horizon better đ
⊠to make sure you see that other dog, or cat, or squirrel, bike etc. before your dog does ⊠because if you donât itâs mayhem âŠ
⊠this one is for you đđŸ
2
What happened here?
Yesterday, Lorrie Morgan kicked off her 5-day storytelling challenge.
One pic (not the one below .. that's my dog đ .. but could have been :-)
a 15-minute timer .. GO!
See more
Unlock Your Creativity in Just 15 Minutes
4
1
1
â Iâve worked with thousands of dogs in shelters and rescues - German Shepherds, Rottweilers, pit bulls from fighting rings - and Iâve never been bitten. Not once ,â Annie Phenix said during a recent conversation (check her out if you donât know her choosetotrainhumane.com).
Wow!
Because if youâve ever been around stressed or traumatized dogs, you know how quickly things can go wrong.
But Annie explained that she learned to listen when dogs whisper, not only when they âscreamâ.
She notices the tiniâŠ
See more
1
Ever feel like youâre the only one whose âpeacefulâ walks look more like a battle of wills? The pulling, the barking, the stares, the âWhoâs walking who?â comments⊠and that creeping guilt if you donât walk your dog every dayâŠ
In this weekâs episode, Belfast dog trainer Lauren McKnight (with her delightful accent :-) spills the truth about calm walks, wâŠ
See more
The Truth About Calm, Peaceful Walks (Itâs Not What You Think)
7
1
This makes so much sense .. fascinating read!
2