Human–Dog Relationship
Building a strong relationship from the very beginning, or strengthening the one you already have.
For a harmonious relationship
Are you thinking about welcoming a new member into your family? Has your dog just arrived, and you’d like to build a solid foundation from the start? Or perhaps you’re simply looking to enrich your daily life together and strengthen your bond.
When you want to do what’s best for your dog, it can be difficult to navigate the overwhelming (and sometimes contradictory) amount of information available.
Whether you’re preparing for an adoption or already sharing your life with your new companion, I support you at your own pace with practical, evidence-based guidance tailored to both you and your dog.
Preparing for your dog’s arrival
Pre-adoption consultation
You’re planning to adopt a dog but aren’t sure where to start. Puppy or adult dog? Which breed? What kind of temperament best fits your lifestyle?
During this session, we take the time to explore your project, your expectations, and your daily life so that you can make the choice that best suits your situation.
Once your plans are clear, we prepare concretely for your dog’s arrival. You’ll learn how dogs perceive the world, how they communicate, and what welcoming a dog into your life truly involves on a day-to-day basis.
The consultation lasts 2 hours and takes place either at your home or online.
You’ll receive a PDF guide after the session, and we’ll schedule a follow-up exchange two weeks later.
Fee: €120
Building strong foundations
Post-adoption consultation (puppies and adult dogs)
Your dog has arrived. Now it’s time to build the foundations for a peaceful life together.
During this consultation, we’ll establish routines, household rules, early learning experiences, and a relationship based on trust. We’ll cover the practical aspects of everyday life, including house training, staying home alone, first walks, and socialisation.
Whether you’ve welcomed a puppy or an adult dog, it’s never too late to build healthy foundations.
This consultation can take place during the first few days after adoption or later if you feel you need additional guidance.
The consultation lasts 2 hours and takes place either at your home or online.
You’ll receive a PDF guide after the session, followed by a follow-up exchange two weeks later.
Fee: €120
Family consultation
Welcoming a dog affects the whole family, both children and adults.
This session involves every member of the household to help create a harmonious cohabitation from the very beginning, or to adjust routines if your dog has already been part of the family for some time.
Together, we’ll make sure everyone shares the same expectations and rules, helping your dog understand what is expected while preventing misunderstandings and unnecessary tension within the family.
At the end of the session, each participant receives age-appropriate learning materials.
The whole family is welcome. Children aged 6–7 years and older can actively take part in the activities, while younger children are, of course, welcome to attend alongside their parents.
The consultation lasts up to 2 hours and takes place exclusively at your home.
Fee: €140
Follow-up consultation
Available exclusively for clients who have already completed a pre-adoption, post-adoption, or family consultation.
Whether you’d like to continue progressing, deepen certain skills, or work through a new situation (a behaviour that appeared after adoption, a temporary difficulty, or simply the need for fresh guidance) we’ll focus on what you and your dog need.
Sessions can take place at your home or outdoors.
Please note that I do not provide behavioural assessments. If your dog presents more complex behavioural difficulties, I will refer you to a qualified canine behaviourist or dog trainer.
Fee: €85 (1.5 hours)
Going further together
Fun and enriching activities
Teaching your dog new tricks, stimulating their mind or sense of smell, and enriching their everyday life all contribute to strengthening your relationship. It’s not about performance, it’s about connection.
These one-to-one sessions are designed to deepen your bond, build mutual confidence, and create enjoyable shared experiences with your dog. Depending on your interests and goals, sessions may include:
- Teaching useful (or simply fun) behaviours and tricks
- Scent work and nose games
- Positive training to help your dog comfortably wear a harness, collar, or muzzle
These sessions are suitable for beginners and open to all dogs and their guardians.
Sessions take place at your home, outdoors, or online, depending on your needs.
Fee: €70 (1 hour)
Would you like to explore specific topics in a group setting?
Psychological support for dog guardians
Supporting the wellbeing of both humans and dogs
Living with a sensitive, reactive, or chronically ill dog can be emotionally demanding. If you feel you need support for your own mental wellbeing, I also offer psychological counselling specifically for dog guardians.
Practical information
Home visits and outdoor sessions are available in Brussels, the surrounding area, and Walloon Brabant.
Travel expenses are calculated according to the actual distance travelled (€0.45/km) and are always communicated in advance.
To book a session or ask a question, feel free to contact me using the contact form or by email at bernathlucabarbara@gmail.com.
Members of the Canines association benefit from a reduced partner rate for consultations related to adoption and the human–dog relationship.