The ‘Good Boy’ Paradox: Herbie’s Story

Initial Presentation

When Herbie, a 4-year-old Norfolk Terrier, first came for treatment, he was a bright, inquisitive little dog, but there was a clear sense of physical restriction in the way he moved and carried himself.

From the postural photographs sent before his first session, I could already see signs of tension through his neck, which appeared to be affecting his back and hind limb movement. As we explored his history, it seemed possible that repetitive strain through his shoulders and neck may have developed from repeatedly jumping up and down to look over a barrier in his previous (also loving) home.

A Valuable Observation

Lorna, who has had Herbie for two years, described him as very “well behaved,” but was concerned that he wasn’t showing the playful, spirited nature typical of a Norfolk Terrier. Instead, he simply trotted quietly behind her on walks.

This was an important observation. A dog who appears unusually quiet or compliant is not always relaxed or content — sometimes it can indicate discomfort, restriction, or reduced confidence in their body.

Following a veterinary assessment, it was agreed that Galen Myotherapy would be beneficial for Herbie.

Progress Through Treatment

After his first treatment, changes were already beginning to show. By his second session, his character had started to re-emerge, and he had resumed some classic terrier behaviour — including chasing squirrels.

After a temporary setback due to illness before his third treatment, he regained his confidence and again became increasingly engaged with his surroundings, other dogs, and especially his walks.

A Significant Breakthrough

During his fourth treatment, focused work through his neck and shoulders created a significant release of tension through his back and pelvic region.

For the first time, Herbie allowed treatment of his hind limbs, an area that had previously been too uncomfortable for anyone to handle, even Lorna. By the end of the session, he was noticeably more relaxed and his postural improvements were becoming much more distinct.that offers a more detailed explanation of what can happen

Postural comparative: Herbie's improved posture is evident, showing a dog that is now more engaged and active.

A Telling Outcome

Soon afterwards, I received wonderful feedback that Herbie was now running everywhere and enjoying life to the full.

Then came the memorable update that truly confirmed his transformation: he disappeared down a rabbit hole and had to be rescued by the fire brigade!

While not exactly the goal, it was certainly a vivid sign of how much had changed!

Why Herbie’s Story Matters

Herbie’s story is a lovely reminder that being “well behaved” is not always a sign of comfort or wellbeing. Sometimes, when a dog starts to feel better physically, what returns is not just improved movement — but confidence, vitality, and a more authentic expression of who they are.

Herbie didn’t just move better — he became more fully himself.

Herbie's Guardian: A Message from Lorna

“When I first saw Herbie at 2 years of age in his previous home, he seemed full of energy and character but with a real sweetness to him as well - the perfect little terrier for my lifestyle (I’ve had terriers for about 20 years).

Fast forward a year later once Herbie has fully settled in with us, and I have the most wonderful little dog - super chilled, independent, and very loving. However, he was still not happy being brushed/groomed or touched near his hindquarters. On his walks, he was a ‘plodder’ - it became a bit of a joke while out and about as people would ask ‘aww is he an old fella?’ and I would say ‘no - he’s just lazy’....and laugh it off. But in the back of my mind was always this feeling that something wasn’t quite right. 

Fast forward another year and we have another little terrier in our house - a little girl called Hettie. Herbie loves other dogs and is more confident and happy when he is around them, so it felt right to bring little Hettie into his life. 

Well - what a whirlwind she is! Another Norfolk Terrier - but a ‘proper’ terrier as people would say as she’s 0-1,000 mph in a millisecond, and has quite a high prey drive. Super loving and cuddly when she’s on her down time, but ‘on the go’ the rest of the time.

This was a complete contrast to Herbie which made me wonder even more if something wasn’t quite right.

I eventually took him to the vet for another check over to properly explore his hindquarters and yup - he was not a happy fella at all with one leg in particular. We decided to do x-rays in case of arthritis or other bone issues, but he came up clear. From there, after much discussion and ruling out cruciate issues - it was clear this was muscular or possibly ligaments/tendons related. 

That’s when I contacted Julia as I’d been aware of Galen Myotherapy after one of my previous dogs had some sessions post a cruciate operation, and I felt this would be a great place to start seeing what might be wrong, and getting Herbie on the path to happiness.

Whilst the sessions with Julia have been truly amazing - it’s been a huge eye opener for me as a pet owner, to realise that the dog I thought was just super chilled and lazy - was actually suffering with quite severe pain everyday, and as such, he was rather shut down.

The progress from session to session has been incredible to witness. I now have a dog who has had zero training (as he never did anything!) to a dog who desperately needs some serious recall work at the very least!” 

Herbie enjoying his physical freedom

I take immense pleasure in taking him for walks now as he is truly enjoying himself, running up banks, scrambling through bushes, chasing squirrels and sniffing anything and everything he can find, oh and yes…disappearing down rabbit holes (hopefully the one and only time that will ever happen!). We still have more to do for him and I’m really looking forward to seeing what else Herbie has in store for us as he emerges into the ‘proper’ terrier he always should have been.

Even Hettie can’t believe it as Herbie is now AHEAD of her on most of our walks and she’s the one that has to run to catch up :) "

NOTE:

It is important to clarify that contacting emergency services, such as the Fire Brigade, should be reserved for genuine emergencies. This particular situation involved an urgent and significant change in Herbie's temperament, transforming him rapidly from a relatively inactive dog to an exceptionally energetic and potentially unsafe one. As a precautionary measure for the safety of all involved, Herbie is now being managed with a long leash.