A psychologist walks into a dog park… and realises half her clients have tails.
That’s pretty much how Dr. Holly Tett discovered her calling — blending trauma-informed psychology with force-free dog training to heal both ends of the lead.
In this lively, heartfelt conversation, we talk about why obedience can’t fix overwhelm, how to spot the difference between shut down and calm, and what happens when we finally look at our dogs — and ourselves — through a lens of compassion instead of correction.
Plus, you’ll hear the story behind Holly’s now-famous “Cheeky Chicken” elevator game — proof that a bit of silliness can soothe two nervous systems at once.
Key takeaways
🐾 The one mistake even experienced guardians make: trying to “train away” big feelings with obedience cues. Skills have their place—but distress needs safety, co-regulation, and time.
🐾 How to tell the difference between shutdown and calm: a still body isn’t always a settled nervous system. Look at the whole dog, not just one body part.
🐾 Why our own stress backfires on walks: when our fight-or-flight kicks in, memory and technique vanish. Regulate you first so you can help your dog regulate.
🐾 A simple pre-walk ritual that changes everything: make connection the goal, not control. (Holly’s “Cheeky Chicken” game is a perfect example.)
🐾 How to dodge the public-opinion trap: other people’s looks aren’t data. Notice when old shame or criticism stories resurface, name them — “my mind’s doing that thing again” — then return to your dog.
🐾 When life gets busy: compassion fatigue is real. Simplify environments, shorten exposures, and celebrate micro-wins.
Favorite quote
“Dogs don’t hide who they are — unless they don’t feel safe. Our job is to make safety the baseline so connection can do the teaching.”
About Dr. Holly Tett
Dr. Holly Tett is a force-free behaviourist, clinical psychologist, and dog-business coach who helps guardians and professionals strengthen their bond with dogs through a trauma-informed, attachment-based approach.
She offers online courses, memberships, and mentorships — including Canine Connection (for guardians) and The Trauma-Informed Dog Practitioner Programme (for pros).
Holly also hosts two podcasts: Letters From Your Dog and Training Dogs, Training People and Keeping Our Sh*t Together.
She shares life with four beloved teachers — Riggs, Aya, Squid and Strudel — each with their own lessons to offer.
Join Holly’s live workshop
Are You as Triggered as Your Dog?
This popular free session runs regularly (replay available). It’s for anyone who loves their dog but feels the emotional weight of living with a sensitive pup — and wants simple, kind strategies to make life easier for both ends of the lead.
➡️ Register: https://www.pawsupdogs.com/triggered/
Connect with Holly
Website: https://www.pawsupdogs.com
Podcast (guardians): Letters From Your Dog
Podcast (pros): Training Dogs, Training People and Keeping Our Sh*t Together
Facebook Page: Kindness Is Essential, Not Optional
Facebook Group: Kindness Is Essential, Not Optional — Dog Training Support
Instagram (dog parents): @pawsupdogstraining
Instagram (dog pros): @forcefreedogprobusinesssupport
As always, to find out all about Soul Touched by Dogs, go to https://soultouchedbydogs.com