Welcome to Wuf Wei

Here you will find services and advice for dog welfare based on an ethical approach, as well as publications of books and quality material mainly concerning the welfare of dogs (but also other animals) and respect for nature. All of my work involves methods and approaches based on ethics and nonviolence, offering appropriate choices to dogs so that they can express natural behaviors while living a quality life. I am a graduate - and have been also mentoring there too- of the Nordic Education Center for Ethical Dog Training. I have been taught and mentored by Turid Rougas herself. All my work is based on methods that promote ethical treatment and respect, in order to offer freedom of choice and autonomy to dogs. No form of violence - psychological or physical - or coercion is ever used. I work online and in person, mainly in Thessaloniki, but I travel everywhere for seminars, workshops and book presentations!

Philosophy

Wu Wei in Taoism is freely translated as "effortless action" or "non doing". It is based on the idea that a natural structure exists for everything and when we are aligned with it then we move with a natural flow. Our actions come from a place of peace and allow things to happen as they should. However, this effortless action requires great self-control and self-cultivation in order to grow and be mindful in this world. This resonates with how I feel our relationships with dogs should be. Dogs are natural habitats of this world and we should be mindful and respectful of their natural ways (ethogram) in order for them to thrive and live happy, healthy lives. Thus, my "methods" are always in tune with this basic philosophy. We need to get to understand them, listen to them and allow them to be themselves. And the less we try to do the more we offer them the opportunity to "speak to us". This way we learn from them but also take personal responsibility to treat them with respect. Dogs talk to us all the time and we should listen and know how to communicate back so they can understand us too. They are true friends and I cannot agree more with Turid's words that "dogs don't lie". It is such a privilege to co-exist with these amazing beings!

Services

All my services and the information provided, as well as all the methods supported do not involve any form of violence or intimidation (neither physical or psychological). We encourage and cultivate agency, offering choices, consent and respect so dogs can live a meaningful and joyful life together with their families.

One to one consultations and guidance

I offer guidance and training online and in person. We create a plan depending on the conditions and needs of each family.
Seminars and workshops, for dog guardians and professionals

The seminars are presented by me or in co-operation with other colleagues and professionals on very interesting subjects concerning dog welfare, their ethogram and physiology and the different ways dogs communicate. Many of them are interactive so that participants have the opportunity to think, observe and find answers on their own, learning this way from dogs themselves!
Group lessons and Social walks

I offer group guidance to families who wish to learn how to care for their dog(s) as a team, puppy classes and socializing dogs allowing them to practice their essential communication skills. Of course the number of dogs is limited (up to 4-5 puppies and up to 4-5 dogs in social walks). Social walks are a fantastic method where we can help dogs - through gentle guidance - interact and communicate safely so that they can enjoy each others company. This way they can fulfill their huge need to be social and create social bonds and for the humans a supportive and nurturing community is also built based on solidarity and respect.
Publications and Translations

I translate and publish quality material on dog care and their physiology, ethogram and behaviour.