Saving Slippers

30/08/2024

If there’s one thing my dog training clients tell me repeatedly, after successfully going through my programs, is that they would’ve never thought they would create such an AMAZING RELATIONSHIP with their dog. ❤️

Because I’m NOT interested in programming your dog like a robot, and giving you dozens of exercises to do.

Not because I don’t know how to do it (I’ve learned it inside out and I’ve used it myself in the past), but because I know that’s not the fastest and also not the most ethical way to your goal. 🚀

My programs are designed for you to understand the dog in front of you. 🤗

Who they really are, how they communicate, what they need to be happy. 🐶

They are made for the people who are in love with their dogs, who want the best for them.
People who want to be able to take the best decisions - long after I’m out of the picture. 🧐

❌ Forget about sensationalistic “Before”/“After” videos.

❌ Forget about training your dog with countless repetitions tons of commands.

❌ Forget about stressing yourself out about dog’s behaviour.

🥳 Start to support your dog the way they need it,

🥳 Start to see your dog trust you more and more.

🥳 Start to build harmony in a soft and sustainable way.

… and see the issues you were facing melting away.

If what you were told, have seen and have heard about dog training so far just doesn’t really resonate with you,

Or if you have tried a few techniques that don’t seem to stick,

And you’re ready to be your dog’s best friend and love in harmony together, you’re absolutely in the right place!! 🙌🤓

DM me the word “CHANGE” and let’s chat - no strings attached - about how I can help you!

12/08/2024

If you were wondering what to watch these days, I got you!! 🤩🥳

Netflix has published their new documentary “Inside the Mind of a Dog” … and although I was sceptical at first 🤨

It was a really good one to watch! 😃

Also, I might have cried a few times, especially towards the end - but I’m not here for spoilers 🤐

Swipe through the post to see the TOP 5 most important take aways for dog parents. 🫶🤓

(from my perspective as professional dog trainer)

Tell me in the comments: what were your favourite insights from the documentary? 💬

29/07/2024

“Will my dog be more anxious if I’m anxious?” - science says Yes. 🥼

We already know dogs could pick up very quickly and very well on our emotional state. 🧐

No chance to hide any feelings from them!

But how do our emotions make them feel?😳

New research suggests if dogs pick up on stress in human breath a or sweat, their feelings are negatively affected and they tend to take more pessimistic choices. 🤯

Now, don’t freak out - you’re not “responsible” for your dog’s emotions. 😮‍💨

Just know they’re very in tune with humans and that big part of helping them, is regulating your own emotions first ❤️

Cause you can’t pour from an empty cup!

If you liked this post, follow me for more interesting facts about dogs, and share with other dog geeks 🐶🤓

22/07/2024

Grab your dog - and your spot!! 😃😎🥳

The INTENSIVE SUMMER SESSIONS are here! 📣📣

If you’ve been in the fence of working with a trainer (aka: me 😉) and ready to take some quick & dirty action...

… this is your opportunity! 🥰

All the details are in the post - but spots are limited and on Friday this offer disappears.

DM for your spot - or send this to a friend in need! 🛟

10/06/2024

Vanessa and Zeca were at their wit’s end when we first talked. 😭

Despite working with several dog trainers, reading countless books, and taking a few courses, they felt utterly trapped with their two rescue dogs.

They couldn’t leave the house without their dogs whining and howling within minutes. 🥺

Walks were equally distressing: one dog would lunge and bark at other dogs, men, and kids, while the other shook in fear from the moment they stepped outside. 🫣

Having friends over? Not a chance. It was a barking nightmare. 💥

𝐖𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬.

Determined, Vanessa and Zeca swallowed their frustration and decided to trust a new process. 🫶

A few months later, they sent me an ecstatic message that read, “WTH are we doing 5x/week for 2 hours outside without the dogs??” 😅

All fear on walks had vanished, and their dog acted like she never had an issue, even at night. 🥹

They could even have construction workers at home and introduce new dog sitters without any meltdowns. 🤩

A new life? You bet.

𝐒𝐨, 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐨 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲?

1. We debunked common dog training myths and moved away from obedience.
2. We shifted focus from the “bad” behaviors (symptoms) to the emotions causing them (problems).
3. We met specific needs at home to build confidence and well-being.
4. We restructured walks to make them beneficial and enjoyable.
5. We built trust in the relationship by understanding each dog and their body language.

🙏 Look, it’s natural to want to change your dog’s behaviour immediately. But if I could give you one tip today, it would be this:

Listen first, understand them first, be their hero first and drop the catalog of commands you built. 🎈
Start with empathy, and watch the magic unfold.

10/06/2024

𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘿𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙘 𝘿𝙤𝙜 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙙 𝙑𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙖 & 𝙕𝙚𝙘𝙖'𝙨 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝘿𝙤𝙜𝙨 🐾

Vanessa and Zeca were at their wit’s end when we first talked. 😭

Despite working with several dog trainers, reading countless books, and taking a few courses, they felt utterly trapped with their two rescue dogs.

They couldn't leave the house without their dogs whining and howling within minutes. 🥺

Walks were equally distressing: one dog would lunge and bark at other dogs, men, and kids, while the other shook in fear from the moment they stepped outside. 🫣

Having friends over? Not a chance. It was a barking nightmare. 💥

𝐖𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬.

Determined, Vanessa and Zeca swallowed their frustration and decided to trust a new process. 🫶

A few months later, they sent me an ecstatic message that read, “WTH are we doing 5x/week for 2 hours outside without the dogs??” 😅

All fear on walks had vanished, and their dog acted like she never had an issue, even at night. 🥹

They could even have construction workers at home and introduce new dog sitters without any meltdowns. 🤩

A new life? You bet.

𝐒𝐨, 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐨 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲?

1. We debunked common dog training myths and moved away from obedience.
2. We shifted focus from the “bad” behaviors (symptoms) to the emotions causing them (problems).
3. We met specific needs at home to build confidence and well-being.
4. We restructured walks to make them beneficial and enjoyable.
5. We built trust in the relationship by understanding each dog and their body language.

🙏 Look, it’s natural to want to change your dog’s behaviour immediately. But if I could give you one tip today, it would be this:

Listen first, understand them first, be their hero first and drop the catalog of commands you built. 🎈
Start with empathy, and watch the magic unfold.

18/03/2024

In many ways, dogs are expected to handle situations that we wouldn't want / be able to handle as humans. 🤓

For example: being a social butterfly with everyone they meet. 🦋

But an adult dog especially would not often than not hand pick the interactions with they have with dogs and people. 🤨

There's only one problem: the leash and our decisions.

TIP: Observe your dog and yourself.

Try to pause before any interaction, and give them an out (change side of the road, turn around, stop until the other has passed), then assess if your dog is more comfortable this way.

Do you ever wonder if your dog is unsocial? 🤨 let me know in the comments!!

12/02/2024

📣📣 FREE ONLINE EVENT for anxious dogs 📣📣

Sorry for shouting, but you won’t want to miss this.

My friend Anke over at has put this gem of an event together so YOU can learn how to live better with your anxious rescue (or not rescue) dog. 🐶

I’ll be joined by 14 other experts to talk about holistic, respectful and ethical ways to ease your dogs entuban reactions. 🥰 (not the “Stop your dog from pulling in 5min” kind of nonsense you see on YouTube..)

Are you coming?? 🤩

⏰ When: 19.02 to 25.02
🎟️ Cost: FREE (what are you waiting for? 🤓)
🔗 Registration: DM me “Summit” and I’ll message you the link!!

05/02/2024

“You have to train your dog to wait for food!”

“You have to train your dog to sleep in their own bed!”

“You have to train your dog to not beg for food!”

… sounds familiar? 🧐

Well, excuse my French, but screw that. 🤪

I’ve never had an agenda of “commands” or certain behaviours to train with every single client. ❌

I care about whether the behaviour we’re seeing is a real problem to either the dog or their guardian.

If it’s not… you keep doing you boo!! 🥰😍

What’s something your dog does that you can’t care less about “training” them for ?

I read you in the comments 😃⤵️

08/01/2024

I've had an awesome time chatting with Anke Herrmann on the 'Soul Touched By Dogs Podcast'! 🎙️ (Made obvious by the huge smile I just can't hide when talking about dogs 😁)

I've shared how I moved from Germany to Spain, and what's motivated me to become a dog trainer. 🌍

Anke and I talked about the importance of understanding our furry friends' emotions and needs to be able to build a trust-filled relationship. 🤝

And our thoughts on positive training and the power of empathy in our animal connections were on the table too! 🐶✨

How has your understanding of dogs evolved over time? 🤔

Dive into the conversation and share your thoughts below! 🗣️🚀🐕

(And stay tuned, because Anke and I have something planned that will be interesting to many of you !! 👀)

31/12/2023

I wish I could share a “Wrapped 2023” like Spotify. 🎶

You’d see a whole bunch of dog faces of all different kinds. 🫶

Small and squishy, long and hairy, with dark eyes and light ones. 🐩🐕‍🦺🐕🦮

And their humans, some in couples, some single dog parents, some families. 👩🏼👩🏽‍🦱👨‍🦳🧑🏽‍🦰

They all have two things in common: A struggling individual doing the best they can with what they have (🐶) and amazing family members that are willing to listen, understand and help (💁🏻‍♀️).

I’m buzzing with excitement to meet even more incredible human-dog teams in the new year and plant respectful and ethical dog training methods in new minds 🥰

Thank you to all of you, my clients, my followers, my friends. You’re making my job the best one in the world, every day!! 🥳🥳

Now, for the TIPS!! (As unfortunately for many dogs tonight is one of the worst days)

1. Always always always comfort your pup during the fireworks!!! Fear cannot get worse through affection!! 🫶

2. Create a safe space that your dog can choose to go into if they choose (most silent room of the house) 🦺 prepare snacks, bones etc in case your dog is interested.

3. Muffle sounds and close the blinds to keep stimulation from outside to a minimum. 🤫 I really love this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1acL4BbHJ0&ab_channel=EnClaveDeCan

4. Keep the next few days after NYE very low key. Something to chew, shred, time to rest and loads of cuddling until your dog’s stress levels are back to normal.

Happy New Years to all of you!!

Hugs & belly rubs 😌🥰

22/10/2023

I'm on a quest to further spread my wisdom and expertise in coaching for dog parents who want to understand and guide their pups in the most respectful way. 🎓🐾

And I need your (p)awesome suggestions! 🥳

I’m looking for your favourite communities (both free and paid) where fellow dog parents hang out and would really benefit from my insights. 🤩🤓

Wether it’s a Facebook group, a local dog park, or even a quirky knitting club 🧶 (you never know!), if you think they’d love to have me as a guest speaker, I’d be forever grateful if you could lend a paw! 🐾

Drop your suggestions in the comments below, or shoot me a message! 💌
Together we can spread more love and help struggling dog parents with their pups!

Thank you so much!! 😍

Daphné

16/10/2023

I see you!! 🥰

I know it’s hard.

I know you have days that you’re questioning the decision of getting a puppy. 😭

It’s been a few months of puppy struggles … but nothing prepared you for THIS. 😱

Know that you’re not alone, all guardians of teenage dogs struggle with their pup’s wild hormones, the mischief, the boundless energy (at all the wrong times 😵) and the changes in behaviour.

Through the ups and downs, remember they are growing just like us.

And when we most want to strangle them, they need our love and patience the most. ❤️

You’re a super star ⭐️

PD: if you need help to navigate this rough patch, DM me for a free consultation! ☎️

09/10/2023

Are you flat out avoiding walking your dog because it's a constant power struggles and you both get home frustrated? 😔

Does their behaviour embarrass you when friends and family are coming over? 😭

Do you fear that you'll get in trouble with neighbours or even worse - strangers on the street because you can't seem to control your dog? 😵

I have still a couple of spots left for working with me this month.
Get your FREE discovery calls to talk with me about your situation. ☎️

Let's chat about what might be happening and how it's impacting your (and your partner's) lifestyle to see how we can get you back to normal. 🥰

Pick the time that works best for you through my link here:

Hey there!I'm excited for us to connect regarding you & your dog.This video call is to get to know each other and discuss in detail what's going on for you and your dog. Any questions are welcome!This consultation is totally FREE!Let's find out if we're a good match!Daphné

03/10/2023

🚨🚨STOP!!! 🚨🚨

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to forget that our furry friends need a lot more time to observe. 👀

Dogs are natural observers, and when they pause on walks, they're doing what comes naturally to them.

Taking frequent "observation breaks" allows them to:

1️⃣ Build Confidence: By stopping and observing, they can gradually get used to all the stimuli that may otherwise overwhelm them. 🤯

2️⃣ Be well-rounded: We often expect our dogs to be silent rugs at home, but then walk like little soldiers outside 3x/day. Getting this more balanced is good for everyone involved !

3️⃣ Bond more: It's a chance for you and your pup to connect on a deeper level and for them to see that you have their back. 🥰

Do you take frequent breaks with your dog on your walks?

If not, let me know in the comments where you would like to try it out 🥳