🐾Why dogs?

🐾Why dogs?

People often ask me why I choose to work with dogs.

My answer is actually very simple.
Because my dogs were my first teachers. They taught me the lessons that I now have the privilege of sharing with others.

Years ago, I began my own journey towards greater peace, freedom and connection. I longed for a simpler life. A life in which I not only cared for others, but also learned to care for myself. Throughout that journey, my dogs were always by my side. Without saying a single word, they gently brought me back to the present moment, day after day. They showed me the beauty of simplicity, the healing power of nature and the importance of slowing down. Not only with your mind, but above all with your heart.

Ayla – My Quiet Strength

During my years as a primary school teacher, Ayla often came to school with me. She brought calm to the classroom, joy during outdoor play and quiet comfort to children who were struggling. Sometimes there were conversations. Sometimes all a child needed was to stroke her gently. And sometimes her presence alone was enough. Looking back, I realise that I was already working with Ayla as a support dog, long before I even knew dog-assisted coaching existed.

She taught me that you don’t always have to do something to make a difference. Sometimes simply being present is enough. That lesson has stayed with me ever since.

My Own Journey

As I continued searching for a life with more peace, freedom and connection to nature, Ayla and Shiva were always there beside me. During our walks my mind became quieter. In the silence, I found space to reflect, to feel and to reconnect with myself. My dogs never told me what I should do. They simply lived it. Every single day.

Shiva – Teaching Me to Let Go

On almost every walk, Shiva finds a stone. She proudly carries it with her. Sometimes for a very long time. Until I notice that the stone has become too heavy. Or that the heat is making it difficult for her.

Then I simply say, “Shiva… let it go.”

And every single time the same thing happens. She drops the stone… sniffs it one last time… and then continues her walk lighter, freer and more relaxed.

How many stones do we carry through life? Grief. Responsibility. Fear. Expectations…

Sometimes for so long that we forget how heavy they have become.

Shiva reminds me, time and again, that letting go doesn’t mean something wasn’t important. Sometimes it simply means making space to continue your journey with a lighter heart.

Luna – My Brave Little Soul

Luna teaches me something new every day. New situations make her feel uncertain. First she observes. She takes her time. Only when she feels safe does she carefully take her next step. That asks something of us too. Not to pull. Not to push. Not to decide how quickly things should happen. But to watch, to listen, to meet someone where they are, to offer trust and to create safety.

Every single day, Luna holds up a mirror for me.

Because do we offer ourselves that same kindness? Do we allow ourselves the time we need to grow? Or do we expect ourselves to get everything right immediately?

Luna reminds me that real growth begins with feeling safe. It is a lesson I carry with me into every coaching session.

Why Dogs?

Over the years, I discovered that my dogs were not only teaching me—they also have a unique way of supporting others. They sense what someone needs without words. They reflect without judgement. They bring calm. They invite you to slow down. And in that slowing down, space is created to reconnect with yourself.

My dogs are not the coaches. They are simply, and beautifully, themselves. They respond from their own natural behaviour, and that is exactly where their strength lies.

My role is to observe carefully. Not only to see you, but also to notice what my dogs are showing. By understanding their behaviour and translating it into your personal process, a deeper level of insight often emerges—one that words alone cannot reach.

That is why a coaching session with me is much more than a conversation. Depending on your question or goal, we may walk together, explore practical exercises in nature or work alongside the dogs. Sometimes an insight arises during a conversation. Sometimes a dog shows exactly what needs to be seen at precisely the right moment. And sometimes an exercise helps you not only understand something with your mind, but truly experience it with your whole being.

I believe lasting change happens when thinking, feeling and experiencing come together. The dogs are a loving and valuable part of that process, but it is the combination of their natural behaviour, my guidance and your own experiences that gives each coaching session its depth.

My dogs are not tools. Together, we create a safe space where you are free to discover, experience and grow.

In your own way.
In your own time.
With peace.
With trust.
With love.