Lately, I’ve been noticing a recurring pattern in posts and conversations on Facebook that promote ideas such as “obedience in 28 days” or frame visible compliance as a sign that a dog is settled and well-behaved. Watching this pattern emerge has led me to reflect on what we may be observing on the surface, what might be happening internally for the dog, and how this shapes the relationship between human and dog. From that reflection, this short article emerged.

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.

As PDTE members, we share an ethical path that invites us to meet dogs with love, respect, kindness, and a steady readiness to keep learning. That shared path also connects us to one another. Our ongoing learning is not only personal, it strengthens the cohesion within our group. When we grow, observe, and reflect together, we stay aligned, supportive, and true to the spirit of the PDTE, just as Turid intended when she founded it. Learning is not a burden; it is a quiet gift.