Understanding behaviour through the lens of agency, not obedience.
Spicy Dogs
Behaviour support for dogs that don't fit the mould.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!
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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!