Woman Who Lives with Working Dogs in N.Y.C. Reveals Her 2 ‘Controversial’ Rules for Her Pets (Exclusive)

Woman Living with Working Dogs Reveals Unconventional Pet Rules

Talia Henze, a resident of New York City and the proud owner of a Dutch Shepherd and a German Shepherd, has caught the attention of many with her unique rules for her beloved pets. With an extensive social media following, Henze shares her experiences as a dog owner and trainer to an audience of hundreds of thousands online.

Henze openly admits that her two pups are not typical apartment dogs, referring to them as “terrible apartment dogs.” Living in the bustling city for over a decade, Henze reflects on how her childhood desire for a dog was put on hold due to her family’s frequent travels. However, a pivotal moment occurred when she encountered a friend’s German Shepherd trained as a protection dog, sparking her interest in owning a similar breed for companionship and security.

In 2020, amidst the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and a relocation to Brooklyn, Henze welcomed Ava, a German Shepherd, into her home. Three years later, she added Brego, a Dutch Shepherd, to the family. Henze transitioned from her career in the cosmetics industry to focus on dog training, showcasing her journey as a dog mom in the city through TikTok videos that occasionally go viral.

While her dogs may appear adorable in videos, Henze stresses that their care involves more than just playtime. Brego, in particular, requires a crate for managing overstimulation in the urban environment and preventing conflicts. She also advocates the use of muzzles as a safety precaution, citing the benefits during vet visits and public outings. Additionally, the pups participate in competitive training through the Protection Sport Association, enhancing their obedience and protection skills.

Henze’s dedication to her dogs extends to their behaviour in public settings, where she acts as their anchor amidst distractions, ensuring their composure. She implements strict guidelines, such as avoiding interactions with other dogs in elevators and training her pets to ignore external stimuli. Understanding the innate traits of her high-energy breeds, Henze emphasises the importance of responsible ownership and providing outlets for their natural instincts.

As a prominent figure in the dog enthusiast community, Henze navigates the responsibility of showcasing her dogs’ capabilities while educating others on the demands of owning such breeds. Despite occasional concerns about promoting certain dog breeds, she finds solace in the supportive network of fellow dog owners and enthusiasts she has encountered along her journey.

In closing, Henze expresses her unwavering appreciation for her pups, acknowledging them as exceptional companions. Reflecting on the challenges and rewards of raising working dogs in an urban setting, she remains dedicated to nurturing their potential and embracing the fulfilling experiences that come with being a devoted dog owner in the bustling metropolis.

By shedding light on her unconventional pet rules and sharing her journey as a dog owner, Talia Henze invites others to appreciate the complexities of caring for high-drive breeds and advocates for responsible pet ownership in diverse environments.