Tellington TTouch® Specialist Supporting Dogs and their Guardians

Call Katharine on: 07369 251682

Whole-Dog Support for Sensitive Dogs & the Guardians Who Love Them

I’m Katharine Brunsch, founder of Canine Support and a Canine Wellness Trainer based in Somerset. 

I specialise in supporting sensitive, anxious and reactive dogs using a unique blend of Tellington TTouch® and trauma-informed practice.

Rather than focusing only on behaviour, I look at the whole dog — their body, emotions, experiences, environment and nervous system — while gently supporting the human at the other end of the lead.  

When dogs feel safe in their bodies, and guardians feel calm and supported, everything begins to shift. From that place of security, confidence grows and change unfolds naturally.

Me with Keto — the dog who shaped my understanding of safety, trust and whole-dog support.

My Journey

Dogs have always been part of my life. I got my first rescue dog when I was 13, and I honestly can’t imagine my life without one. 

Before becoming a dog trainer, I completed a BSc in Exercise & Sports Science and worked in the fitness industry. I later became a Police Officer — a role that, in many ways, deepened my understanding of stress, resilience and the impact life experiences have on behaviour.

Across all my careers, one thing has remained the same: I’ve always been drawn to supporting others through difficult moments.

My journey into Tellington TTouch® began in 2015, when my Bullmastiff, Keto, became reactive after the loss of our other dog.

I could see she wasn’t being “naughty” or stubborn — she was grieving and unsure. I knew that normal training wasn’t going to solve it. What we needed was to rebuild our connection, restore her sense of safety, and strengthen the trust between us.

Me with Keto (left) and Jinx (right) — the two dogs who shaped my journey into Tellington TTouch®.

That experience completely changed the way I understand behaviour.
 
I stopped asking, “How do I fix this?”
And started asking, “What is my dog feeling?”

I began to see behaviour as communication — often rooted in fear, tension or emotional overwhelm. Through Tellington TTouch® and trauma-informed learning, I experienced first-hand how deeply the nervous system influences behaviour — not just in dogs, but in us as guardians too.

In 2019, after being medically retired from the Police following an injury on duty, I made the decision to fully dedicate myself to supporting dogs and their guardians through Canine Support.

What began as a way to help my own dogs became something much bigger.

Supporting Both Ends of the Lead

My work brings together: 
  • Tellington TTouch® bodywork and groundwork 
  • Trauma-informed principles   
  • Positive reinforcement training   
  • Nervous system awareness   
  • Guardian education and emotional support  
This means we don’t just look at what your dog is doing — we gently explore why.

Remi (left) and Chloe (right) — two very different dogs, both reminding me daily that every dog needs to be understood as an individual.

We begin by creating safety, building body awareness and reducing tension.

We take time to understand what your dog might be feeling, rather than simply trying to change what they’re doing.  

And throughout it all, I support you as much as your dog — because your emotional state matters too.  

Living with a sensitive dog can feel isolating and overwhelming at times. You deserve support that feels calm, understanding and free from judgement.  

Training should feel respectful and achievable — not pressured or performance-driven.

Why Guardians of Sensitive Dogs Choose Me

  • I specialise in anxious, nervous and reactive dogs 
  • I work gently and at your dog’s pace  
  • I focus on emotional well-being and connection  
  • I support both dog and guardian  
  • I bring lived experience alongside professional training  
  • I prioritise force-free, ethical and science-aligned methods

Professional Qualifications & Memberships

  • Tellington TTouch® Practitioner One (Companion Animals) 
  • Member of the Tellington TTouch® British Isles Guild  
  • Certified Trauma-Informed Dog Practitioner – Dr Holly Tett (Paws Up Dogs)  
  • Canine Trauma & Rescue Expert – Canine Principles  
  • Your End of the Lead Approved Coach – Janet Finlay  
  • Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT) – Completed:
  • Career as a Dog Trainer 
  • Perfect Puppy Foundation  
  • Canine Body Language  
  • Canine Aggression & Rehabilitation  
  • Learning, Motivation & Reinforcement (6-month course)
  • Aggression in Dogs Master Course – Michael Shikashio
  • Pet Remedy Professional Partner
  • Member of the PerfectFit Professionals Group
  • Member – Initiative for Force-Free Dog Training  
  • Sponsor – The Yellow Dog Project
  • Pet First Aid Certified with Allwinds Dog First Aid

I am committed to continued professional development and regularly update my knowledge to ensure the dogs and guardians I support receive the highest standard of care.

Awards & Recognition

  • Prestige Awards South West England 2025/2026 - Service Excellence Award 
  • SME News Southern Enterprise Awards 2025 - Most Innovative & Trustworthy Dog Training Provider. Best Holistic & Trauma-Informed Dog Training Service – Somerset & Devon 
  • SME News Southern Enterprise Awards 2024 - Most Trusted Dog Training Company – South West
  • LUXlife Magazine Pet Products & Services Awards 2024 - Most Innovative Dog Training Business – South West England

I’m incredibly grateful for this recognition, but the real reward is seeing sensitive dogs grow in confidence and guardians feel empowered in their relationship.

Learn, Connect & Feel Supported

If you’d like to explore more of my work, learn gentle techniques, or see how I support sensitive dogs and their guardians, simply click on the images below to connect.

Tellington TTouch for Sensitive Dogs Facebook Group

A supportive community where I share weekly tips, guidance and practical ways to help your dog feel calmer, more confident and better understood. It’s a welcoming space for guardians of sensitive dogs to learn and feel supported.

Canine Support with Katharine Brunsch Facebook Page

Follow along for updates, training insights, workshops, courses, and behind-the-scenes moments from daily life supporting dogs and their guardians.

Instagram

Behind-the-scenes glimpses of life with my dogs, along with weekly tips, gentle training insights and eminders to look beyond behaviour and understand the dog in front of you.

YouTube

Educational videos on TTouch techniques, body awareness and trauma-informed support — including a 24-video series celebrating 50 Years of Tellington TTouch® with Linda Tellington-Jones, Robyn Hood and other instructors.

Google Business Profile

You can read reviews from guardians I’ve supported and see how our work together has helped their dogs grow in emotional stability and respond to the world with greater calm and balance.

Linkedin

Professional updates and reflections on Tellington TTouch®, trauma-informed practice and canine wellbeing, alongside training tips and details of upcoming workshops and events.

Ready to Take the Next Gentle Step?

If you’re ready to gently support your sensitive dog — and yourself — I’d love to hear from you.

Or you’re very welcome to email me directly at: info@caninesupport.co.uk

I aim to reply within 24 hours Monday–Friday. If you haven’t heard from me, please check your junk folder just in case.

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