Māra Ruņģe

Hi! I'm a dog behavior specialist based in Riga, Latvia.

I've always found it easier to connect with animals than to make friends with people. :) So, when I realized that I could dedicate my life to working with dogs, I knew I had found my true calling.

I work with dogs using only love, patience, and respect. You won’t see me yanking on a leash or giving harsh commands. Instead, I use ethical, holistic, and science-based methods to achieve the best results. I truly believe that any problem can be resolved as long as we take the time to understand dogs and find the right approach. When working with dogs and their humans, I focus on both sides feelings, thoughts, and needs. I love diving deep into each situation and looking at it from a big-picture perspective.

Since many behavioral issues come from pain, it's essential to recognize the signs. As Julia Robertson says: "Dogs are masters at hiding pain, but their bodies never lie."
By noticing changes in a dog’s posture or movement, I can identify discomfort and refer them to the right specialists. This not only helps relieve their physical discomfort but also makes behavioral training much more effective.