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The Dog Mum

The Dog Mum

Written by: Aneka Johnson
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 In 2016, Aneka Johnson found herself struggling with illness, depression, and a strong desire to heal. Then Chubbs, her dog son, came into her life, bringing her hope and a renewed purpose. He was the companion she never knew she needed, and he truly rescued her. Without him, Aneka doubts she would be here today to share her journey or other inspiring stories of fellow dog parents. Getting a dog is just the beginning of an incredible adventure. With over eight years of experience as a devoted dog mum, Aneka shares her insights and knowledge to eliminate the guesswork. Your ultimate guide to raising happy and healthy dogs, from puppyhood to their senior years. This way, you can spend more quality time with your furry friend and less time searching for how to be the best dog parent. Allow The Dog Mum to help you! Social Sciences
Episodes
  • How Truly Understanding Your Dog’s Language Can Save Their Life

    How Truly Understanding Your Dog’s Language Can Save Their Life
    Feb 3 2026
    In this episode, Aneka dives deep into the essential foundation of pet ownership: truly knowing your dog. Moving beyond basic needs and commands, Aneka reflects on her nine-year journey with her Frenchie, Chubs, sharing how their relationship evolved from ‘chaos’ to a profound, intuitive connection. She offers listeners practical advice on decoding body language, aligning energy levels, and establishing meaningful routines that build trust. KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding who your dog is, rather than just what they are ‘supposed’ to do, is the foundation for successful training and a deeper bond. Body language is complex; for instance, a wagging tail can signal nervous excitement rather than happiness, and a yawn can be a sign of stress rather than tiredness. Pay attention to how your dog responds to your mood; matching your energy to what they need, whether it’s high praise or calm stability, is vital for their sense of safety. Bonding isn't about being together 24/7; it’s about intentional quality time, such as let-the-dog-lead walks and consistent morning rituals. Being intimately familiar with your dog's physical quirks and typical temperament allows you to spot subtle changes early, which can be life-saving in medical situations. BEST MOMENTS "It all works better when you actually understand who your dog is, not just what they're supposed to be doing, but what they're actually trying to tell you." "Once you really understand your dog, everything just clicks." "A wagging tail isn't always happy, a yawn isn't always tiredness. The more you notice, the more you'll understand." "Bonding is quality time, not just quantity. It's not about being with him 24/7, it's about how you spend the time." "Those subtle changes can only be spotted when you really know what your dog's normal is." ABOUT THE HOST Aneka Johnson, founder of The Cuddle Club and co-founder of London Dog Week, is a purpose-driven entrepreneur and devoted dog mum to her French bulldog, Chubbs. Her journey as a ‘pet-preneur’ began while battling health challenges, anxiety, and depression - until Chubbs changed her life. Aneka now inspires others through her relatable, uplifting approach to dog parenthood and therapy. Under Aneka's guidance, the Cuddle Club has been featured in prominent media outlets like London Live, The Lorraine Show, Forbes, Evening Standard, Marie Claire, Daily Mail, and BBC Radio London. www.thecuddleclubuk.com @anekajohnsonofficial
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    7 mins
  • The Emotional Highs of Senior Dog Adoption with Abbie Dewhurst

    The Emotional Highs of Senior Dog Adoption with Abbie Dewhurst
    Jan 27 2026
    In this heartwarming episode, Aneka sits down with broadcaster and fellow dog mom Abbie Dewhurst to discuss her journey rescuing Ruby, a 7-year-old French Bulldog. Abbie opens up about the serendipitous timing of Ruby’s arrival just before the pandemic, the unique joys and challenges of adopting a senior dog with health issues, and how Ruby transformed from a breeding dog into a beloved family member. They dive deep into the vetting process of rescue charities, the guilt dog moms feel about their pets' happiness, and why Abbie believes rescuing an older dog was the best decision she ever made. KEY TAKEAWAYS While many people want puppies, adopting a senior dog like Ruby (who was 7 at the time) can mean getting a pet that is already calm, toilet-trained, and perfectly suited to a busy lifestyle. Rigorous vetting by charities is essential to ensure a dog fits your lifestyle. Abby emphasises that while the process can be lengthy, it ensures a successful match for both the dog and the owner. Ruby’s transition wasn’t instant; it took patience and understanding of her past trauma. Abby advises that you shouldn’t expect immediate fireworks of love, building a bond takes time. Adopting older breeds like Frenchies often comes with health complications (e.g., spinal issues). Abby highlights the importance of having comprehensive pet insurance immediately upon adoption. Abby discusses the common guilt owners feel when their dogs aren't doing enough. She learned to accept that Ruby is happiest just being near her humans, sleeping, and doing absolutely nothing. BEST MOMENTS "We drove to Milton Keynes and just walked through the door, and this little bundle of joy, Ruby, ran straight up to me. I sat down, and she just put her little bottom on my knee, and I nearly burst into tears." "In hindsight, that was perfect. We both have really busy lives. We don't have the time to puppy train. Actually, a 7-year-old was perfect. She was already calm." "It's madness that you can go and just buy a puppy and nobody's checked what your garden's like. I think the rigorous process that you have to go through for a charity is absolutely suitable." "Don't panic if you're not immediately in love with that dog. It wasn't immediate love, it was sussing each other out. Trust the process, the relationship will blossom.” "I feel very proud that we've shown her the world. We've taken her to Wales, the Cotswolds, Scotland... I feel like we have given her a lot of love, and a lot of other people who love her." ABOUT THE HOST Aneka Johnson, founder of The Cuddle Club and co-founder of London Dog Week, is a purpose-driven entrepreneur and devoted dog mum to her French bulldog, Chubbs. Her journey as a ‘pet-preneur’ began while battling health challenges, anxiety, and depression - until Chubbs changed her life. Aneka now inspires others through her relatable, uplifting approach to dog parenthood and therapy. Under Aneka's guidance, the Cuddle Club has been featured in prominent media outlets like London Live, The Lorraine Show, Forbes, Evening Standard, Marie Claire, Daily Mail, and BBC Radio London. www.thecuddleclubuk.com @anekajohnsonofficial
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    1 hr
  • Doga, Healing & Activism: The Truth Behind Dog Yoga with Mahny Djahanguiri

    Doga, Healing & Activism: The Truth Behind Dog Yoga with Mahny Djahanguiri
    Jan 20 2026
    In this episode, Aneka sits down with Mahny Djahanguiri, the UK founder of Doga (Dog Yoga) and author of ‘Doga: Yoga for You and Your Dog’. Mahny shares her incredible journey, starting from her transformative experience volunteering with children at Kids Company to the serendipitous moment she discovered the healing power of yoga with dogs while living in Los Angeles. She opens up about how her rescue dog, Robbie, became the catalyst for Doga in the UK, leading to international media attention and an appearance on Britain's Got Talent. KEY TAKEAWAYS Doga wasn't just a business idea; it was born out of Mahny's personal need for healing and her discovery that dogs, like children, respond profoundly to calmness and consistency rather than forced control. Mahny’s dog Robbie came into her life in an extraordinary way, rescued from a difficult situation in the Middle East and essentially smuggled to safety, proving that the bond between human and dog often defies logic and borders. True Doga is about the owner and dog bonding in a calm, shared space. It is not about forcing dogs into poses or using them as props for social media, but rather about "passive activism" and mutual relaxation. Mahny strongly distinguishes her practice from the trendy "Puppy Yoga" classes, which often involve breeders, unvaccinated puppies, and stressful environments. She highlights the ethical concerns regarding animal welfare and treating living beings as commodities. Despite facing backlash or silence from some institutions, Mahny continues to speak out against unethical animal practices, using her platform to educate dog owners on the importance of verifying the source and welfare of animals in any ‘pet service’. BEST MOMENTS "I always said, 'Well, if I break it down and just work with one, then slowly just become me, become yoga, become calm. If I can become calm, it somehow starts working. There's a divine glue, there's a divine connection in that calmness.'" "It was all about being authentic and not trying too hard to create something or achieve something. The more you try to achieve something and get people involved, the less it would work." "You earn their respect that they felt safe with you. And how do you get that? Through consistency. Beginning, middle to end. Time. Show up, show up, show up." "I tell you why the UK government hasn't stopped it, because they're making money. It is very difficult to legislate for stupidity." "Puppy Yoga came from Ontario. It was clearly a platform to present breeds. It's a showcase. This is not about lifting puppies, they were showcasing them properly in Canada." ABOUT THE HOST Aneka Johnson, founder of The Cuddle Club and co-founder of London Dog Week, is a purpose-driven entrepreneur and devoted dog mum to her French bulldog, Chubbs. Her journey as a ‘pet-preneur’ began while battling health challenges, anxiety, and depression - until Chubbs changed her life. Aneka now inspires others through her relatable, uplifting approach to dog parenthood and therapy. Under Aneka's guidance, the Cuddle Club has been featured in prominent media outlets like London Live, The Lorraine Show, Forbes, Evening Standard, Marie Claire, Daily Mail, and BBC Radio London. www.thecuddleclubuk.com @anekajohnsonofficial
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    41 mins
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