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Doggo Doggo, where the well-being of humans and dogs is closely connected! I'm Giovanni, a certified dog trainer & behaviorist.

I am pleased to offer you my expertise for the education and rehabilitation of your dog :) & .

🔹Ever seen dogs “bowing” and thought, “Oh, they just want to play!”? Well, it’s not always that simple! The bow, like ma...
28/02/2025

🔹Ever seen dogs “bowing” and thought, “Oh, they just want to play!”? Well, it’s not always that simple! The bow, like many other canine behaviors, is a complex communication signal that can have various interpretations.
Often, we humans have a limited and stereotypical understanding of dog language. But the truth is, every gesture, movement, and gaze has a specific meaning.
🔹Did you know there are different types of bows, each with its own meaning?
𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘉𝘰𝘸:
Front legs parallel, rear end raised high.
Usually accompanied by a social wagging tail.
This bow is indeed an invitation to play and social interaction.
𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨/𝘈𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘉𝘰𝘸
Front legs spread wide, rear end less raised.
May be accompanied by sharp barks, puffing barks, prolonged barks (all signs of stress), bark-growls (agonistic), and a more excited tail wag.
This bow is used to ask for space, distance, or to move away. In agonistic contexts, it can be a prelude to attack.
These bows can be directed at other dogs, animals, people, or even objects! For example, a puppy might bark and bow at a new object, trying to keep it away.
💡So, what should you do?
If you recognize a non-play bow, quickly remove your dog from the stimuli they’re trying to avoid. They might be scared, overwhelmed, or feeling protective.
🔹Remember, observe the whole picture, and give your dog time to experience new things.
This is just one example of the complex communication signals dogs use. Let’s learn to understand them better!

Provocative? Yes. True? In a way.🔹Dogs of the same breed or with similar physical traits communicate more easily with ea...
06/02/2025

Provocative? Yes.
True? In a way.
🔹Dogs of the same breed or with similar physical traits communicate more easily with each other. Why? Similar movements, clear facial expressions, recognizable postures, and even similar reactions. It’s like speaking the same language—everything feels more natural.
🔹However, there’s an essential point: every dog is unique. Personality and character are shaped not just by breed but also by experiences, environment, and relationships.
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 ⬇️
🔹Dogs with different morphologies—like a bulldog and a greyhound—might struggle to interpret each other’s signals. Cropped ears, flat faces, curled or missing tails can confuse communication.
🔹But here’s the critical part: when interactions are “easy,” social skills don’t grow. A dog that only interacts with similar dogs may stay in its comfort zone, missing the chance to learn how to read and engage with others.
𝘊𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 ⬇️
🔹It’s like traveling: encountering different cultures enriches us. For dogs, it’s the same. Meeting and interacting with dogs of various breeds and shapes helps them grow, adapt, and improve their social skills.
𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰? ⬇️
💡Observe your dog: during interactions, watch for stress signals like lip licking, head turning, or body stiffness
💡Prevent issues: if you notice tension, step in before things escalate
💡Gradual exposure: encourage positive interactions with diverse dogs in calm, safe environments
Helping your dog grow means giving them the tools to communicate, adapt, and feel comfortable… with everyone.

🔹Every dog deserves to feel safe. 🏡Emotional and physical security aren’t just words—they’re the foundation of your dog’...
21/01/2025

🔹Every dog deserves to feel safe. 🏡
Emotional and physical security aren’t just words—they’re the foundation of your dog’s happiness, well-being, and trust. Whether it’s learning, growing as a puppy, overcoming reactivity, or simply navigating the outside world, your dog relies on you to be their anchor.
Now, picture this: your dog, on a leash, walking alongside you. They see another dog approaching, one that’s clearly tense, excited, or even fearful. Your dog tries to signal discomfort—maybe slowing down, stopping, or pulling away. But instead, they’re forced into an interaction they didn’t choose. You might be chatting, distracted, or even taking photos. Meanwhile, your dog is just trying to survive an encounter they never wanted.
🔹Dogs on a leash have no control over their environment. They depend entirely on us to guide them through situations that feel overwhelming. If we fail to recognize their signals or respect their boundaries, we betray their trust. Over time, this can lead to anxiety, stress, or even reactivity.
Imagine being stuck in a car with a reckless driver—no control, no voice, and no choice. That’s how your dog feels when they’re exposed to situations they can’t escape. Some dogs shut down entirely, while others bark, lunge, or pull desperately to avoid perceived threats. These behaviors aren’t “bad manners”; they’re cries for help from a dog who doesn’t feel safe.
🔹Our role is simple yet profound: we need to be there for our dogs. Communicate clearly, observe their body language, and respect their comfort zones. Give them the space to say « no » when they feel unsure and the support to face challenges when they’re ready.
🔹Emotional security starts with physical safety, and both come from us. By building trust, staying present, and making thoughtful choices, we can give our dogs the confidence to navigate their world without fear. Because when your dog feels safe, they’ll trust you—and that’s the foundation of any happy, healthy relationship. 💛
💡 “Dogs don’t need to control others; they need control over their own lives.” Let’s give them that chance 🍀

🔹Dog parks are often seen as the perfect solution to socialise puppies or meet the social needs of adult dogs. They’re c...
03/12/2024

🔹Dog parks are often seen as the perfect solution to socialise puppies or meet the social needs of adult dogs. They’re convenient, especially for busy owners with limited time. One hour at the park after work can feel like a win-win: the dog gets exercise and socialisation, and everyone goes home happy. The problem lies in how these spaces are used. Unfortunately, many owners lack awareness of dog behaviour, turning these parks into chaotic, stressful environments for both dogs and humans.
🔹Dogs are often left to interact freely, with little to no supervision. This can lead to bullying behaviour, where more assertive or exuberant dogs overwhelm shy or anxious ones, potentially causing trauma or fear-related issues.
🔹A trip to the dog park should be about bonding with your dog, but too often, owners get distracted by phones or conversations. This not only weakens the human-dog connection but also means missing key signals from their dog. Remember: if you’re not paying attention to your dog, why should they listen to you when it’s time to leave?
🔹Overcrowded parks are breeding grounds for tension. Dogs, like humans, need space and time to interact comfortably. A timid dog thrown into a chaotic, noisy environment with unfamiliar dogs may feel overwhelmed and unsafe. Limited space, lack of supervision, and high energy levels can result in fights or even injuries.
🔹Entrances to dog parks are often single, narrow points of entry. When new dogs arrive, the excitement of the pack gathering around the gate creates tension and increases the risk of altercations.
💡Choose parks with fewer dogs and familiar companions. If the park is too crowded, come back later or try another activity.
💡Before entering, assess the dynamics of the dogs inside. Ask other owners if their dogs are friendly and well-behaved.
💡Limit your visits. Even confident dogs can become stressed after prolonged exposure to chaotic environments.
💡If your dog shows hesitation about entering, respect their instincts. Don’t force them into a situation they’re uncomfortable with.
💡Be present and attentive. Use the time to strengthen your bond with your dog by interacting and observing their needs.

Mini poodle life: 90% napping, 10% worlld domination 😬🙄🤷🏻‍♂️
28/11/2024

Mini poodle life: 90% napping, 10% worlld domination 😬🙄🤷🏻‍♂️

🔹There are people who enjoy using violence, often against the most vulnerable. Among them are those who employ coercive ...
25/11/2024

🔹There are people who enjoy using violence, often against the most vulnerable. Among them are those who employ coercive methods on dogs, perpetuating an approach that relies on intimidation and control. Despite growing understanding of dogs and the human-dog bond, coercive techniques remain common. It’s not surprising, given that dogs, as a different species, are often in a vulnerable position, entirely dependent on humans and unable to defend themselves.
🔹When ethical concerns arise, the response is often ready-made: the nature of dogs supposedly demands it. The idea of dominance, the mantra that dogs must be submissive and humans must assert themselves as “alpha” leaders through force, is widespread yet scientifically disproven. While a dog trained with force may appear “well-behaved,” the results are typically short-lived and come at an enormous cost. Physical and psychological violence severely impacts a dog’s physical and mental well-being, as well as the human-canine relationship.
🔹Science confirms that coercive tools and methods, besides causing physical and emotional suffering, do not teach effectively. They decrease learning ability, cause anxiety, fear, and worry, and lead to aggression and evasive behaviour. They prevent the development of trust and respect, make dogs feel unsafe, block communication, and weaken the human-dog bond.
🔹Does rejecting coercion mean we think all dog problems can be solved with kisses and cuddles? No. It means recognizing that dogs, as sentient beings with emotions, feelings, and a unique place in human lives, deserve respect. They deserve to be trained and prepared for society through positive methods that leverage their abilities and relationship with humans. Cognitive and relationship-based methods are more complex than coercion, requiring patience, insight into canine behaviour, and strong communication skills. However, the proven results are vastly superior, benefiting both the dog and the human-dog relationship.

🔹One of the most common mistakes in our relationship with dogs is anthropomorphizing them—attributing human intentions o...
12/11/2024

🔹One of the most common mistakes in our relationship with dogs is anthropomorphizing them—attributing human intentions or emotions, like being spiteful to annoy us. But dogs lack the brain structure to act with malice.
🔹Behaviors often labeled as “spiteful”—peeing indoors, destroying furniture, digging holes, stealing objects—actually stem from deeper reasons like stress, boredom, anxiety, or seeking attention. For example, a dog shredding a couch might be relieving stress while alone since chewing is naturally soothing for them.
🔹And that “guilty look”? It’s not guilt but a way to appease us, learned from past reactions to similar situations. A dog “stealing” a sock, on the other hand, may simply enjoy the game of chase and tug-of-war it triggers—a fun way to interact with us!
🔹Recognizing these behaviors as signs of needs or discomfort rather than “spite” helps us better understand our dogs and respond appropriately, strengthening our bond with them. ❤️

🐾All dogs share the predatory instinct inherited from their wild ancestors, although each expresses it in its own way. T...
01/11/2024

🐾All dogs share the predatory instinct inherited from their wild ancestors, although each expresses it in its own way. This instinct consists of various steps, defined as the “predatory sequence”: identify - fixate - approach - chase - seize - bite - kill. Not all dogs perform every stage; some focus on a part of the sequence while others may complete it all. This diversity is often linked to genetic selection for specific purposes, such as in hunting or herding dogs, and understanding which phase predominates in your dog is essential for meeting their needs in a healthy and balanced way.
⚡ Why is it essential for their well-being? Even though hunting for food is no longer necessary, expressing the various phases of the predatory sequence provides dogs with a strong sense of fulfilment, balance, and well-being. Targeted activities and games that safely replicate certain phases of hunting (such as scent games or searching) help dogs feel satisfied without the frustration and risk of dependency on more intense games like fetch or frisbee, which can overly excite them.
🌿 Everyday examples of the sequence: If you observe your dog closely, you’ll see examples of the predatory sequence every day. When they “fixate” on a bird flying away, “chase” a leaf carried by the wind, or sniff and search for traces in the garden, they are exercising part of their predatory instinct! Providing opportunities that engage their mind and sense of smell not only allows them to express their nature but also makes them a calmer and more balanced dog.
⚖️ How to choose the right activities? Never suppress this instinct; instead, channel it into activities that respect their rhythms and natural inclinations. Activities like hiding treats or involving them in search games allow them to fulfill their predatory needs healthily without fostering dependency. In fact, fetch games like ball or frisbee can be useful but should be offered with caution and moderation.

🔹In dog education, the foundation of a strong relationship with your dog lies in group cohesion. But what does this mean...
24/10/2024

🔹In dog education, the foundation of a strong relationship with your dog lies in group cohesion. But what does this mean? Simply put, it’s about creating a deep bond based on mutual trust and respect that grows with every step you take together. This isn’t something you achieve overnight; it’s built day by day, with patience, understanding, and love.
🔹Take walks as an example. A dog who feels part of the ‘team’ doesn’t just walk alongside you. They’re present, tuned in, and attentive to your actions. Tomato, my own dog, is a great example. On our walks, he stays close, seeking guidance when we encounter tricky situations. This kind of bond comes from daily interactions, where both human and dog learn to trust and rely on each other.
🔹The importance of group cohesion also becomes clear during recall exercises. A dog that feels connected to you will come back not because they have to, but because they want to stay close to their pack. This emotional bond makes recall more effective and creates a safer, more enjoyable experience for both.
🔹Building this cohesion doesn’t mean rigid training or harsh commands. It’s about evolving together. Every walk, every new situation is an opportunity to strengthen your bond by stepping out of your comfort zone and growing together. Your dog helps you, and you help your dog. And that’s where the magic of a truly harmonious relationship begins.

🔹Throwing games with dogs, such as fetch or frisbee, can be an enjoyable way to engage and exercise your pet. However, i...
16/10/2024

🔹Throwing games with dogs, such as fetch or frisbee, can be an enjoyable way to engage and exercise your pet. However, it’s essential to approach these activities with caution to avoid potential pitfalls 🔹
🎾The Ball as a Drug: Dopamine and Dependency:
For many dogs, chasing a ball or stick can become a source of intense excitement and reward. This excitement is fueled by dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. However, this can lead to a cycle of dependency where dogs become overly fixated on the game, similar to addiction. This behavior can create “throwing junkies”, dogs that constantly seek that high from chasing and retrieving objects. While playtime is essential, it’s crucial to recognize when it becomes an obsession 💊
🏋️The Illusion of Sufficient Exercise:
Many owners mistakenly believe that half an hour of throwing a ball at the park is sufficient daily exercise. However, just as an athlete trains for endurance, dogs can build stamina with repetitive play. This means they may require longer play sessions over time to achieve the same tiring effect 🚴🏻
🕵️‍♂️Mental Stimulation Over Physical Exhaustion:
Activities that engage a dog’s mind, such as puzzle toys or scent work, can often be more tiring and fulfilling than simple physical play. These exercises promote cognitive engagement, helping to reduce stress and anxiety while preventing overstimulation 🧠
🐕Isolation and Overstimulation Risks: During intense play, dogs can become so focused on the game that they isolate themselves from their surroundings, missing out on vital social interactions with both humans and other animals. Excessive play can lead to overstimulation, which in turn can cause stress and reactivity 💥
🤸‍♂️Promoting Balance: It’s essential to create a balanced play routine that includes both physical exercise and mental challenges. Set boundaries around playtime to ensure your dog enjoys a variety of activities and maintains a healthy mindset 🥇

The (small) king of the forest 🌳
13/10/2024

The (small) king of the forest 🌳

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