The story behind Zen Blend...
My name is Bonita Jenkins, and I would like to introduce you to myself and my product ‘Zen Blend’
Helping your best friend be the very best, happy, and relaxed version of themself is something I am extremely passionate about.
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I am a Canine Shelter Behaviour Consultant certified through the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC) and I also have certifications in Canine Physical Rehabilitation.
I combined my skills, passion, and knowledge of canine behaviour and Zoopharmacognosy to design a product that can work in a multifaceted way.
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‘Zen Blend’ is an essential oil blend that offers calm and comfort to stressed or anxious dogs.
But also, when your dog/s have had exposure to the scent repeatedly in 'positive' situations, this scent can then also be used for more stressful situations like the vet visit, a groomer appointment, or for boarding stays. Your dog will recognize the scent subconsciously and their stress levels will start to reduce. This is due to the natural calming ability of the essential oil blend and by the positive scent association to this specific aroma.
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Scents can trigger memories and emotional responses in all beings, not just humans. I remember catching a whiff of Mums perfume, or the scent of certain flowers that nan had in her garden and how that made me feel. Even today, those smells still make me feel relaxed and surrounded by love.
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Testing it out myself…
As part of my business and passion, I offer in home doggy day-care, and boarding for dogs. A lot of these beautiful puppies suffer from separation anxiety and get very stressed when left home alone and don’t deal well with a boarding kennel environment. They just aren’t used to not being with ‘their humans’
Prior to the dogs coming to stay, I will do a meet and greet (usually a few weeks before the initial stay) and if the client is worried about a stressful reaction from their dog, I give them some ‘Zen Blend’ to try.
I ask them to wear the oil (on the wrists) when interacting with their dog/s, to rub it on the dogs back or collar/lead/harness and to use it in their home in places the dog/s is most relaxed and happy.
When the dog arrives for day care or home stays, I also wear the oil blend myself and make sure it is on the bedding and toys for them.
I have had great success with this method!
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How to build up the positive scent association:
Any place the dog is having positive, happy feelings, make sure you have Zen Blend’ close by!
The owners can wear the scent, it is subtle smelling to us and is very pleasant. You can rub the oils onto bedding or collars, harness and leads. It can be rubbed on a bandanna and placed around the dogs’ neck, it can be used near feeding stations or toy boxes, even on a favourite toy!
Wear the scent when giving the dog a favourite treat or playing with that special toy.
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Use in stressful events:
No matter what it is that ‘triggers’ your dog/s in to feeling stressed this oil can be used. A vet visit where the vet or vet nurse wears the oil or has it on a cloth close by… groomers… boarding stays… even walks past that neighbourhood dog who makes them uncomfortable.
If you take the time to build up the scent association, you will see results. It may not make them completely relaxed and calm, but it has the power to bring the stress down a notch for your dog and that is so very important for their mental health and for giving them the ability to ‘learn’ that maybe that ‘thing’ isn’t so scary. The more consistently we use this, the less reactive they become to their 'stress triggers' over time.
A scared brain cannot process and ‘think’ as it becomes the instinct of ‘fight or flight’. No learning is achieved in this state. This oil gives your dog/s the opportunity to ‘think’ and process the situation, if positively reinforced as well (with treats or a toy) your dog/s can overcome these stressors.
NOTE:
After ‘Zen blend’ has been used in a stressful situation it is very important to focus on building the positive scent association back up with your dog/s. Just like recharging a battery, to continue to see the results, you need to keep reinforcing the ‘positive’ feelings associated with it.
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On its own ‘Zen blend’ is effective in calming dog/s, when you work on building the positive scent association, it’s amazing!