Contented Canines with Jules Ballard

26/07/2026

Today is National Dog Photography Day and we would love to see some photos of the dogs you love.

This day was created by Kerry Jordan of https://www.furandfables.com/

01/07/2026

23/06/2026

I have some very exciting news to share…
For the last year, I have been quietly pouring my heart into writing a book, and I’m delighted to say it is now finally finished and in the last stages of proofreading.
The book is called Holistic Help for Your Anxious Dog and it has truly been a labour of love. It is live on Amazon today!
Over the years, I have worked with many dogs and humans struggling with anxiety, stress and emotional overwhelm, and I wanted to create something that brings together the holistic approaches, practical tools and gentle support methods that I have found most helpful in practice.
The book explores anxiety from both Western and Eastern perspectives and is divided into five sections:
• A theory section exploring what happens in the brain and body when anxiety occurs and how to recognise the signs
• A botanical section covering essential oils, herbs, mushrooms, Bach flower remedies, homeopathy and other natural supports
• An energy section looking at methods such as EFT, colour, crystals, light and sound therapy
• A practical section including ACE Free Work, scent work, pattern games, enrichment and other supportive activities
• And importantly, a human section, because humans and dogs are deeply connected, and many of these calming approaches can support us both
My hope is that this book helps people feel more empowered, compassionate and confident when supporting anxious dogs, while also recognising the importance of caring for ourselves too.
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported my work over the years. Your trust, kindness and the dogs you have shared with me have all helped inspire this book more than you know.
I still can’t quite believe I’m typing the words ‘my book!’
With love and gratitude,
Jules

30/05/2026

Look for potential root causes......

Like discomfort, boredom, genetics, trigger stacking, gut microbiome, noise sensitivity, needs not being met, environment, loneliness, anxiety, poor sleep, inappropriate diet, poor socialisation, learning, emotional dysregulation, health, aversive training methods, lack of enrichment, grief, trauma or stage of development.

25/05/2026

17/04/2026

Holistic Haven Circle turns one this month… and we’re celebrating

Just over a year ago, Holistic Haven Circle was just an idea… a quiet nudge that there needed to be a space where people and their animals could be supported in a more compassionate, connected way.

A year later, it’s become something truly special.

Not just a place to learn, but a place to feel, connect, learn, explore, and to be held in understanding.

On the 22nd, we’re gathering for a special birthday session, a moment to reflect, connect, and honour everything this space has become over the past year.

If you’ve ever felt curious about the circle, or wondered what it might be like to be part of it…This is a lovely place to begin.

A gentle step in. A warm welcome waiting. Come and celebrate with us

https://holistichaven.newzenler.com/courses/holistic-haven-circle-membership

14/04/2026

I love this time of year where the plants and flowers are coming back to life and starting to bloom.

It is the perfect time of year to start planning your own sensory garden for your dog to explore.

I'd love to see some photos of your dogs interacting in the garden

https://contented-canines.newzenler.com/courses/create-a-sensory-garden-workbook