When Observation becomes conversation, when communication becomes genuinely two-way, when both humans and dogs feel heard and emotionally safe, something deeper begins to grow... In my previous article, When Observation Becomes Conversation, I suggested that when communication becomes genuinely two-way, when both humans and dogs feel heard and emotionally safe, something deeper begins to grow. We often talk about loving our dogs and many of us do so from the moment they ente

A recent post by equine behaviourist Nicky Ross of Horse Play stayed with me. Writing about horses, she reflected on the difference between simply watching a horse and being in genuine conversation with him/her. What struck me immediately was how deeply her words also apply to dogs. Many of us begin by watching. We notice “behaviours”. Very naturally, as humans, we try to interpret them, manage them, prevent what worries us and encourage what we like. We react, guide, redirec

There is a list of things, which are thought to be of no matter for dogs. Meanwhile, in this list one can find a bunch of things, which are indeed important for dogs, hence for their well-being. Moreover, ignorance of what really matters for a dog sometimes leads to what is called “behavior problems”.

This article continues our reflections on safety and compliance (see previous articles) in ourrelationships with dogs. It began as a conversation with friends, who would tell me, “He just wants to be near me now that he likes me.” And as I listened, I tried to explain what it really is… and what it is not. I realised how difficult it is to convey in just a few words and so I decided to write about it.

Growing old is a privilege — for us and for our dogs. As our companions move into their senior years, their needs change. Their bodies slow, their senses soften, and their world becomes more delicate. But their hearts remain enormous. Caring for an ageing dog is both beautiful and bittersweet. It’s a time for gentleness, honesty, and unconditional love — and eventually, it’s a time for courage. 1. The Gift of Caring for a Senior Dog Senior dogs have a presence that younger do

Safety is not defined by humans but by how dogs perceive and feel their world. At the most fundamental level, meeting their basic needs — food, water, sleep, personal hygiene and social interaction — forms the foundation for their sense of security and well-being. From there, we can offer comfort, gentle guidelines and loving boundaries — yet only the dogs know whether they truly feel secure.

In Spain, the country where I live, there is not usually much education on how to interact with dogs in an empathetic and respectful way from childhood.

Walking with our dogs is not just exercise, it’s a conversation. Every small detail matters: the type of harness we choose, the length of the lead we use, and the way we move together. These choices shape how our dogs feel and how deeply we connect with them.