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MHERA: A Gentle Assessment of Your Dog’s Well‑Being
Understanding Your Dog’s Needs for a Happier, More Contented Life
Dogs thrive when their emotional, physical, and social needs are truly understood. MHERA is a welfare‑centred assessment that reveals how content your dog feels — and how well their core needs are being met.
Many families turn to training when behaviour becomes challenging, but behaviour is often a reflection of unmet needs, stress, or emotional overwhelm. MHERA helps you understand the why behind your dog’s behaviour, offering clarity and compassion before you take any next steps.
When needs are supported, dogs naturally become calmer, more responsive, and more at ease in their world.
What MHERA Helps You Understand
MHERA gently explores the areas of your dog’s life that contribute to their overall happiness and well‑being. This includes:
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Emotional needs — safety, connection, predictability, comfort
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Physical needs — rest, movement, sensory experiences, health
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Social needs — relationships, boundaries, companionship
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Environmental needs — space, enrichment, choice, calm
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Behavioural needs — expression, communication, coping strategies
Each area is explored with compassion and curiosity, helping you see where your dog is thriving — and where small changes could make a big difference.
How the MHERA Assessment Works
Your MHERA session is designed to be gentle, collaborative, and deeply respectful of your dog’s individuality.
1. Pre‑Session Questionnaire
You’ll complete a simple, reflective questionnaire about your dog’s daily life, routines, and behaviours. This helps me begin with a clear picture of their world.
2. In‑Depth Discussion
Together, we explore each area of the MHERA framework, looking at what’s working well and where needs may be unmet or under‑supported.
3. Understanding the “Why” Behind Behaviour
Rather than focusing on obedience, we look at the emotional and environmental roots of behaviour — helping you see your dog with new clarity and compassion.
4. Gentle, Practical Recommendations
You’ll receive simple, achievable suggestions to support your dog’s well‑being, tailored to their unique needs and your lifestyle.
5. Optional Follow‑On Support
If helpful, you can choose to explore herbal self‑selection or canine massage to support your dog’s emotional balance and comfort.
Why MHERA Matters
MHERA gives you:
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A deeper understanding of your dog’s inner world
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Clarity about what your dog needs to feel safe, supported, and content
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Insight into behaviour without relying on training or correction
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A compassionate framework for improving your dog’s daily life
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A stronger, more attuned relationship with your dog
When needs are met, behaviour often softens naturally — without force, pressure, or obedience‑based expectations.
Who MHERA Is For
MHERA is ideal for:
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Families considering training but unsure where to start
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Dogs showing new or confusing behaviours
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Rescue dogs settling into a new home
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Sensitive, anxious, or easily overwhelmed dogs
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Dogs who seem “fine” but could be happier
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Anyone wanting a deeper, more connected relationship with their dog
Book Your MHERA Assessment
MHERA sessions are offered 1:1 via an online questionnaire and a zoom call. If needed I can visit your home where your dog can be themselves. This way I can observe them personally.
If you’d like to understand your dog more deeply and support their well‑being with compassion and clarity, I’d love to guide you through this gentle assessment.
Please reach out to book your session or for further information on how this assessment can help you and your dog.
Where Nutrition Lives in MHERA
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Physical Needs Nutrition supports energy, vitality, digestion, and physical comfort. It’s part of how dogs feel in their bodies — whether they’re nourished, balanced, or experiencing discomfort.
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Emotional Needs Food routines can affect emotional safety and predictability. Choice in feeding (like self-selection or varied textures) can also support emotional regulation.
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Behavioural Needs Hunger, gut discomfort, or nutritional imbalance can influence behaviour — from restlessness to reactivity.
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Environmental Needs The way food is offered (location, timing, enrichment) can impact a dog’s sense of control and calm.
So while nutrition isn’t a standalone segment on the wheel, it’s integrated across the framework — just like in real life, where food touches everything from mood to movement.
MHERA isn’t a replacement for training — it’s the foundation that helps training make sense. When a dog’s needs are met, behaviour naturally becomes easier to guide.