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Social Paws

Helen Motteram BSc (Hons) behaviourist & Tristan Motteram accredited dog trainer. Behavioural support specialising in anxious, nervous dogs.

Supporting pet Guardians with their anxious dogs & rescues 👱‍♀️👨‍🦱🐶😺🐦‍⬛

Helping Guardians excel in confidence & their companions thrive with their human family. Puppy training and socialisation (1-2-1). Training for excitable dogs! Free discovery call on request

Manager and founder: Helen Motteram
Contact: helen@socialpawscheltenham.co.uk
Website: www.socialpawscheltenham.co.uk

22/07/2025

I hear some people say I want my dog to be 'fixed'

But in reality your dog is not broken. It just needs help.

An old dog CAN learn new tricks! ✔

Imagine being told your dog will NEVER get any better. Will always be anxious.

Slightly deflating right?

No actually it's more than that, it's crippling to hear those words.

However...

Here at Social Paws, we don't make promises to fix your dog, as they aren't a broken record.

It's not about fixing them, but improving confidence and making your life together as stress free as possible.

So whilst an old dog can learn new tricks, it goes much deeper than that.

It's not simply training but looking at the underlying emotions.

I'm naturally an anxious person, but does that mean I will never speak in front of people or meet up with new dog guardians...

Not at all. Over the years I've gradually improved my confidence and whilst I will always get a few butterflies whilst going on stage, overall I'm a 100 times better!

I don't want to be fixed and neither should your dog...

We don't want to turn them into a robot, change their personality.

We just want to help them to feel better ❤️

Here's Foxy - a dog told she will never get better. Now she can walk past another dog, without having a meltdown.

Thanks for reading,
Helen Motteram

17/07/2025

I'm NOT a monster

Sadly there are still many people who are too quick to judge us and our four legged friend.

They make us feel inadequate.

They tut at at as we walk past.

They think allowing friendly Fido run up to us will help.

They think my dog's a monster.

They are NOT a monster.

They think they should be walked only on the roads, never set within 100 metres of another dog or the opposite, just put him with a pack of dogs and he will soon learn.

We are made to look like the bad guy.

"Why don't you socialise your dog more"

"It's your fault he's so anxious"

"You aren't trying hard enough"

Contrary to belief, many anxious dogs were not born this way and our current guardians lack of ownership or poor upbringing was not a contributing factor.

Many times dogs act this way from previous owners, neglect or mistreatment, negative experiences which were unavoidable, or ended up in the local rescue.

Guardians are kind enough to give them a second chance.

So all we ask, is that everyone takes a moment, to not judge, but help us. By simply smiling politely as we walk past, crossing over or not letting your friendly dog run up to us makes all the difference.

It's the best thing, the best gift you can do to help dogs guardians and their best friends.

Thank you ❤️

16/07/2025

I LOVE this when it pops up in my memories
❤️🐶

Axel, you naughty dog!

Don't worry, all is forgiven.

15/07/2025

Last weekend I had the incredible experience of sponsoring the comference as part of my other business Pet Professional Network

And guess who joined me - Sally and Russell.

As you know Sally my dog and Russell my rook who are no longer with us were the inspiration alongside my Nanny.

Through their struggles to strength I was empowered on this incredible journey.

They are always by my side.

Miss you all 🌈

11/07/2025

ANOTHER HOT DAY!

How to keep your dog safe in the hot weather:

Dogs are very DIFFERENT from humans - not only do they regulate their temperature differently but they also CANNOT take off their fur coat or pop shoes on their feet.

Today's post is a sweaty subject, but to start off here's a quick advice list...It could help save a dog's life!

Long hot car journeys ❌
Leaving your dog in the car unsupervised ❌
Midday walks ❌

Early morning walks ✔
Fresh water ✔
Lots of shade ✔
Cool inside areas ✔
Late evening walks ✔

(Please note it's ok to miss a walk and in Cheltenham today the temperatures are tiding even by 8am!).

Ok so sweat, what is it? and why does it happen?

So a little about us humans...

When our bodies temperature builds up we perspire, in some humans this is very obvious. Everyone perspires, however some more so than others.

Sweating is one of the ways that our body regulates its temperature, in which the sweat glands are distributed over most of our body's surface. When our internal temperature rises the sweat provides a slick of moisture over the skin, which then begins to evaporate. As a fluid evaporates it cools, and in that way the sweat helps to lower our body temperature by essentially wrapping us in a nice cool layer.

IMPORTANT - DOGS ARE DIFFERENT!

A dog's skin is quite different and most of the dog's sweat glands are located around its foot pads.

Rather than relying upon sweat, the dog mainly relies on panting to cool down. The moisture on the tongue evaporates and the heavy breathing also allows the moist lining of their lungs to serve as a surface from which moisture can evaporate. This successfully helps the the dog to manage a significant cooling of his/her body temperature.

HOWEVER...

When put in EXTREME circumstances this mechanism can be significantly inhibited (have you ever tried to breath in a hot car with the windows closed, or panted to catch your breath after a run?!).

ALSO...

A dog also will try to cool off by dilating or expanding blood vessels in their face and ears.

This mechanism only works best if it's not too hot outside and helps to cool the dog's blood by causing it to flow closer to the surface of the skin. Add a fur coat and bare paws and you really are putting your dog in a vulnerable position.

AND...

Remember these temperatures aren't normal, it's been a sudden change. And the humidity is particularly high at the moment, so even when there's lots of cloud coverage your dog will struggle in this heat. Also remember to take into account breed, age, coat type, health etc.

So please, please REMEMBER just because YOU can cope in the heat doesn't mean your dog can!

Thanks for reading
Helen

10/07/2025

Tristan burnt his feet earlier, quickly popping some rubbish out!

Just think how your dog's paws must feel, it's 31 degrees and I've seen 10 people walking their dogs earlier.

If you are tempted to take your dog out do a Tristan and you'll know how it feels ⚠️

09/07/2025

Here at Social Paws we specialise in anxious/nervous dogs - our services are specially adapted to their needs ❤️

From full behavioural consultations to coaching or training walks - are great options if you are at work and want a walk with training or a mentor to walk side by side.

Our training walks starts over 20 years ago as we saw there was a need to offer extra support. That's because some dogs don't do well in group walks or need a little extra space.

Get in touch if you'd like to learn more and our website is in the comments ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Helen@socialpawscheltenham.co.uk

'A family business where kindness speaks volumes'

08/07/2025

When you support a local business you support a dream

Growing up I've always loved animals, particularly as a child I did lots of rescue and charitable work.

In this paper clipping, here we are raising funds for the Shetland tanker oil spillage (it was so dreadful) 💔

My dream has always been to work with animals, I particularly was mindful that some pets need a little extra support.

Social Paws was born through my love of animals, people and an understanding that some dogs do have additional needs and challenges.

I think it's important that we are never too quick to judge others, give time to listen to others when they are struggling.

I often share many educational posts on here - I think it's so important to raise awareness.

But I also like you to see that there is a person behind this business, a human touch, a personal feeling. I'm open about my own experiences and love to share my story.

I'd like to thank those who've supported my dream, those who stood behind me at the very start and continue to share my posts and tell their friends.

You are the true hero of my story and I love sharing it with you.

Thank you,
Helen Motteram

07/07/2025

"Oh, stop being a Diva"

When dogs are overwhelmed, struggling emotionally or to put it quite simply having a hard time it's not helpful in anyway to call them a Diva.

Growing up I used to have major 'tantrums' but looking back on this I was not being a Diva, trying to get attention or being naughty. There was something or someone that was causing me so much stress to the point it had to come out somewhere.

As a child with learning difficulties, delayed speech, and some minor co-ordination problems the world around me really was incredibly overwhelming at times.

This and environmental influences made me act in a way that often made me seem spoilt.

But I wasn't. It was a cry for help. Sensory overload.

Now let's look at dogs that are anxious, shy or nervous. Many are overwhelmed by the environment, are having a hard time and by barking lunging, looking or big and scary they are communicating - communicating they are not happy.

They aren't being a Diva.

They are being spoilt.

They aren't being dominant.

They are trying to cope in the best way they can.

So let's stop using unhelpful labels. Let's give them a helping hand.

Thanks for reading,
Helen

'A family business, where kindness speaks volumes'

04/07/2025

Recently I've been in pain again 😞

This left me again frustrated and grumpy. Just like this quoted by many dog guardians about their companions behaviour:

"They seemed out of character".

A dog is not stubborn because it won't walk.

A dog is not being naughty if it growls near it's food bowl.

A dog is not being a diva for not wanting his harness on.

In fact these are some scenarios in which the dog could be in pain.

⁉️⁉️⁉️

But at the same time despite my own pain, when exercising, meeting friends it seemed to magically disappear? 🔮

Attend a festival and still seem like there's nothing wrong.

So how can I really have an injury if I'm not showing the signs.

Because like animals we can hide pain, but animals are different as they can't tell us what's wrong (like me grumbling to my husband constantly!).

Another reason why it's so important that us professionals work closely with vets and request a recent health check.

You see the photo of this gorgeous rescue dog in Cyprus, hip dysplasia - she hid the pain so well 💔

So if a behaviour seems abnormal, has suddenly 'come out of nowhere' or your dog is out of character, it's particularly important to rule out any pain.

If a behaviourist doesn't discuss the link, ask for a recent vet check or ignores the underlying emotions, please seek help from someone else.

Repeated from the start...

A dog is not stubborn because it won't walk.

A dog is not being naughty if it growls near it's food bowl.

A dog is not being a diva for not wanting his harness on.

In fact these are some scenarios in which the dog could be in pain.

Thanks for reading,
Helen

03/07/2025

Don't be afraid to share your journey to help others understand what you are going through...

How your dog is feeling, why it needs space, why it may not want to say hello to other dogs.

You are your dog's Wingman, Guardian and best friend.

But as a Guardian of an anxious dog you are often put under so much pressure

This pressure often is exasperated by others judging you and your dog, often not understanding the full picture.

First there's the judgemental looks from that dog Guardian down the road. Then there can also be the constant nagging from others to get your dog 'fixed'.

"Your dog just needs to be socialised more".

"When can I finally invite my friends around".

"Can you just tell Fido to be quiet".

The more we can help share advice about our anxious dogs and what we are going through the more this helps others to understand our journey.

Then this leads be less judgement, an understanding.

Remember they are only usually seeing a snapshot of Fido's behaviour. They don't see the amazing progress you've made and most of the time don't fully understand about being a dog Guardian of an anxious dog.

It's best to explain, share the progress you've made, be honest and upfront that a walk in the park is never that easy and you have strategies is place to keep visitors and dogs safe.

🐶 In conclusion

So whilst there will always be some added pressure, it will lighten the load to remember other dog Guardians have issues too. You are not the only one and like many others are working really hard to help your dog.

Don't feel pressurised to achieve goals that are beyond your reach. Give your dog small achievable goals at first and celebrate each of these. Don't be too quick to rush to the next step. Think 3 months of achievable goals or another 3 years of going back to the start.

If you are going to put the effort in, remember results come overtime. You can't think that your dog is now 'fixed' let's stop the training. It doesn't work like that. Whilst training shouldn't take forever, it is like a muscle that needs to be worked on.

Think of every walk as an opportunity to build your dogs confidence. And yes it's also ok to miss a walk from time to time.

Thanks for reading,
Helen Motteram

'A family business where kindness speaks volumes'

01/07/2025

As a pet behaviourist and dog trainer you'd think I have all the answers...

You'd think I have the 'perfect companions'.

I mean I've been working with rescues for over 22 years now so I must be some kind of magician.

But that's really not the case.

Growing up, my dog Sally was anxious with other dogs.

Joseph my rescue dog had the equivalent to human dementia.

Sally...

We worked hard with Sally to improve her confidence and whilst some days were good, there were some days we really struggled to walk her.

Joseph...

He was a real sweetheart and an amazing companion, but the pacing broke my heart at times. His quality of life improved (especially for an older dog) but it did not come without challenges.

🐾🐾🐾

These amazing companions reminded me that sometimes they have a relapse.

Things can go backwards instead of forwards.

But the important thing to remember is sometimes we are too close to the issue.

We need a fresh pair of eyes.

But some days are a real struggle.

But please try to remain patient, which I know how hard it can be when you feel.

🐾🐾🐾

So if you are reading this, feeling alone, want to give up there is always hope.

And I hope it gives you some reassurance that even us professionals companions aren't perfect.

We aren't here to judge you, we have some similar experiences. But we know each case is individual. We know your companions are individuals too.

Thanks for reading,
Helen

Address

Cheltenham

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 6pm
Tuesday	9am - 6pm
Wednesday	9am - 6pm
Thursday	9am - 6pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://www.socialpawscheltenham.co.uk/

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