Blog

Reads on bond, behaviour and the emotions behind your dog

News, studies and reflections from a kind perspective. No behaviourist recipes or promises of immediate obedience.

Featured
Reflection

Just a dog

An essential text by Richard A. Biby about what it means to share life with a dog.

10 June 20263 min
Gentle education

Beyond treats: educating through the relationship, not food

Food can be useful, but a dog that only cooperates for a treat is not learning to live with you. Let's talk about motivation, bond and emotions.

23 September 20266 min
Adoption

Adopted dog: how to support their first days at home

Adopting is a gift, but the first days can be overwhelming for the dog. Tips from my experience with rescues.

16 September 20266 min
Communication

Calming signals: learn to read your dog's language

Yawns, licks, head turns... Your dog talks to you all the time. Learning their signals is the first step to truly understanding them.

2 September 20266 min
Well-being

How much should a dog sleep? Rest as the foundation of education

An adult dog needs to sleep 12-16 hours a day. Lack of rest is a common cause of nervousness, nipping and reactivity.

19 August 20265 min
Walks

Sniffing: the most overlooked tool for a calm dog

Letting your dog sniff is not wasting time. It is their way of getting to know the world and one of the best ways to reduce stress.

5 August 20265 min
Well-being

Natural nutrition for dogs: benefits and how to start

What your dog eats affects their energy, their skin and their behaviour too. The benefits of a more natural diet and how to make the change.

22 July 20267 min
Walks

Fixed leash or retractable: why I recommend a fixed leash

The retractable leash seems to give freedom, but it teaches pulling and can be dangerous. Why I prefer a fixed, long leash.

8 July 20266 min
Gentle education

The "NO!" myth: why shouting doesn't teach your dog

"No" is the word dogs hear most and understand least. I explain why and what to do instead.

24 June 20266 min
Separation anxiety

Separation anxiety in a Madrid flat: what you can do today

Close neighbours, thin walls, long hours. How to tackle separation anxiety in a dog living in a Madrid flat.

22 April 20268 min
Reactivity

Walking a reactive dog in Madrid without dying in the attempt

Narrow streets, noise, other dogs, scooters. A practical guide to walking a reactive dog in Madrid without every outing becoming a fight.

10 December 20257 min
Dog training

In-home dog trainer in Madrid: why it changes the results

The difference between working in a facility or at home in Madrid is huge. I tell you why and when to choose each option.

3 September 20256 min
Dog training

How to choose a dog educator in Madrid (without getting it wrong)

Ten questions you should ask before hiring a dog educator in Madrid, and the red flags to avoid.

14 May 20257 min
Dog training

Gentle dog training: a complete guide to start off right

What gentle dog training is, how it differs from traditional training and how to start step by step without breaking the bond with your dog.

19 February 20258 min
Science

What science discovered in 2024 about canine cognition

A gentle summary of recent findings that change how we understand our dogs: emotions, memory and communication.

27 November 20247 min
Science

What science really studies today about how dogs learn

An accessible review of current research on canine cognition and emotion, and what it means for dog training.

14 August 20248 min
Fears

My dog is afraid of people: where to start

Reactivity towards people almost always comes from fear. A gentle guide to understanding your dog and opening a path without forcing anything.

22 May 20247 min
Behaviour problems

Separation anxiety: beyond the symptom

Barking, destruction or accidents at home are the tip of the iceberg. We look at what lies beneath and how to support a dog that suffers when left alone.

6 March 20248 min
Puppies

A new puppy at home: the first 4 weeks shape years

What to do and what to avoid in the first month with a puppy. The foundation of a calm life together is built now.

17 January 20247 min
Science

7 dog training myths worth leaving behind

Dominance, alphas, packs, "respect"... We review the most repeated dog training myths in the light of current science.

13 December 20238 min
Family life

Before adopting: honest questions for your family

Thinking of adding a dog to your home: a reflection guide so life together starts on the right foot, without idealizations.

21 November 20236 min
Puppies

Socializing is not greeting the whole world

The most widespread myth about puppies and adult dogs: why overexposure can be as harmful as isolation.

8 November 20235 min
Bond

The secure bond: the foundation of all gentle education

Why the relationship of trust between dog and human is the foundation of all learning, far beyond treats and corrections.

25 October 20236 min