
Understanding behaviour through the lens of freedom, not obedience.
Spicy Dogs
Helping village dogs - and their human - thrive!

NOT YOUR AVERAGE DOG TRAINING, BECAUSE
- LET'S FACE IT - YOU DON'T HAVE AN AVERAGE DOG!
Force-free, trauma-informed support for adopted street dogs dealing with fear and anxiety.

I’m Vanessa, a certified canine behaviour consultant through the International School for Canine Psychology (ISCP), based in Sri Lanka. I help adopters of village and street dogs understand behaviour through the lens of ethology, trauma awareness, and co-regulation — building trust, not control.
Work With MeI support humans and their adopted village or street dogs through a trauma-informed, holistic lens. If your dog is showing behaviours that feel hard to understand — reactivity, fear, shutdown, or anything in between — I’m here to listen and guide you through it gently.My work is rooted in co-regulation, trust-building, and empathy — not control. I guide humans in creating safe, respectful relationships with their dogs, where understanding replaces obedience and connection comes before compliance.
About MeI’m Vanessa, a certified dog behaviourist (ISCP) who has lived and worked among free-living dogs in Sri Lanka for the past six years - alongside my two spicy dogs who continue to teach me every day.I help adopters of street dogs build safe, trust-based relationships with their dogs, without fear, force, or control. My approach is rooted in applied ethology and a deep respect for each dog’s emotional history, including the trauma, displacement, and survival stress they may carry before entering a home.Together, we focus on building connection through co-regulation, empathy, and safety, rather than control or quick fixes, so both dogs and humans can thrive in their shared lives.
WHAT I OFFER:
Free Discovery Call (15 mins) - A no-pressure space to connect, ask questions, and see if we're the right fit.
1:1 Behaviour Consultations -Tailored support to help you understand your dog’s behaviour, build trust, and navigate challenges with clarity and compassion.
Ongoing Support Packages - Multi-session plans for deeper support, growth over time, or more complex needs.
Digital Guides & Webinars - Practical, gentle resources to help you learn at your own pace — grounded in applied ethology and real-life experience with village dogs.
💬 Free Discovery Call
15 minutes – FreeLet’s connect and see if we’re a good fit.
You can tell me a little about your dog, ask questions,
and we’ll chat about how I can support you.🧠 For new clients💻 Via Zoom or WhatsApp🎯 No commitment, just a conversation!
🧠 1:1 Behaviour Coaching
Online Consultation + Personalised Plan + WhatsApp SupportTogether, we’ll explore your dog’s behaviour, background, and current environment to understand what’s really going on - beyond the surface. We’ll identify stressors, unmet needs, and patterns, and build a plan tailored to your dog’s emotional and behavioural reality.📋 Includes a follow-up written plan and personalised resources💬 WhatsApp Support💻 Conducted Online (90 mins)
📦 Digital Guides
Practical, compassionate resources for adopters of village and street dogs — created to help you understand your dog and support them with confidence.Get your free guide right away:
“5 Mistakes Adopters Make” – FREEAnd explore the other available resources below!
💌 Join My List💌
Get tips on trauma-informed care, enrichment, and behaviour support.

Ready to work together?
Fill out my intake form or drop me a message or email, and I’ll be in touch to book your session or a discovery call!
Support for dogs who were never meant to be pets — and the humans who love them.
If you appreciate my work, your support would be much appreciated as well!