Human ↔ Dog
I support human–dog teams in understanding the causes of behaviour, recognising the connections and achieving lasting change — together.
Philosophy
When a dog does something, my first question isn't "How do I stop this?" but "Why is the dog showing this behaviour at all?"
Behaviour is often the visible tip of an iceberg. Beneath it lie the real causes:
That's what the name stands for: the "Band" — the bond — is the invisible, lasting connection between human and dog. It stays, no matter how long the leash is. The leash itself is only its visible image: it isn't there for control, it hangs loose — trust instead of tension. And "Ruhe" — calm — is the goal: that both ends come to rest.
Understanding before changing.
My stance
Sit, down, heel and quick fixes aren't the focus here. They can have their place — but they rarely resolve the actual cause. My focus is on understanding instead of control.
And: the human isn't a spectator but part of the system. I don't work on the principle of "fix my dog" — I work with people who ask: "What can I understand and change?"
How I work
We don't start with exercises. We start with understanding.
A comprehensive questionnaire captures the whole system: daily life, surroundings, habits, resources, challenges, past experiences and goals.
Together we look at the connections and recognise what really drives the behaviour.
Together we decide where the development should go — tailored to your human–dog team, no standard programme.
Change grows out of understanding, the right conditions, clear communication, consistent action — and time. Lasting instead of short-lived.
Key points
01
What does your dog really need? Met basic needs are the foundation for any change.
02
When both ends of the leash come to rest, everyday life changes — noticeably, for dog and human.
03
Down-to-earth and scientifically grounded: understanding how your dog perceives, learns and feels.
Sozialwalks
The regular Sozialwalks — group walks with other dogs and their people — are more than training. They're a place of learning: dogs gather experience, people learn to observe, knowledge deepens — and like-minded people come together.
Because learning is an ongoing process.
About me
I'm Mike Linke, from Zurich. My practice didn't grow out of a classic dog-trainer career but out of a personal journey. My dogs Abby and Freya were the trigger — the challenges with Freya in particular made me want to truly understand dogs and their behaviour.
My way of working is based on in-depth training in needs-oriented behavioural work with Marlen Brandenberg, behaviour expert (TSCHiGi.com) — I've been working closely with her since spring 2024. Through this work I've learned not to look at behaviour in isolation, but as the result of many factors. Freya's development still shows me today: change is possible when you understand the causes — instead of only fighting the symptoms.
Much of what I know I've learned through my own experience, observation and hands-on work. That makes my approach pragmatic, direct and shaped by first-hand experience.
Who it's for
Contact
Tell me briefly about yourself and your dog. I'll get back to you — and if it's a fit, you'll then receive your access code for the questionnaire. I don't publish an email address; the form comes straight to me.