Spreading the word of SLOW, worldwide…

Photo credit Agnieszka Grynkiewicz.

Our Diplomats are passionate and committed folks!

They have knowledge about dogs, and live our philosophy.

They are ready to ‘spread the word’ in their community and country.

Get ready for the SLOW DOG MOVEMENT to reach you!

  • Adri Albertyn - SOUTH AFRICA

    I live in Johannesburg, South Africa, where I enjoy taking my two Belgian Malinois for walks in various large parks. I am also a slow traveler and visit dog friendly stays throughout the country, as well as having other adventures. I run a company called Good Scents, and my passion is teaching detection style nose work and creating a thoughtful connection with dogs and their people. I look forward to growing awareness of the SLOW DOG MOVEMENT in South Africa.

    Please contact me via email.

  • Amy Lacey- UNITED KINGDOM

    I am a zoologist, certified canine behaviourist and founder of Wild K9s, based in the New Forest, UK. I share my life with a Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla and a rescue dog from Cyprus, both of whom have taught me plenty about individuality, communication and the importance of meeting the dog in front of you.

    I work with dogs experiencing fear, trauma, frustration, over-arousal and other complex behaviour, always looking beyond the behaviour itself to understand the whole dog — their emotional state, physical wellbeing, environment and lived experience.

    My approach is welfare-led, force-free and trauma-informed, with a strong focus on trust, choice and helping people better understand what their dogs are communicating. I strongly share the values of the SLOW DOG MOVEMENT and am proud to support a way of living and working with dogs that gives them more time, agency and understanding.

    You can find me at www.wildk9s.co.uk  and on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/WildK9s).

  • Chinatsu Sakamoto - JAPAN

    Hello, I am a dog trainer in Japan. I live with my mixed-breed dog Qoo — a Chihuahua and Toy Poodle mix. I like to resolve misunderstandings between dogs and their guardians, and help them build healthy relationships. The philosophy of the SLOW DOG MOVEMENT is essential and important for all dogs, and I want many dog guardians to know about it for their dog’s happiness. I will make every effort to share this philosophy with people, especially here in Japan.

    Email me, or find me on Instagram.

  • Haruka Utoda - JAPAN

    Hello! I’m a dog trainer in Japan. I live with a senior Siberian Husky, Kui. She is my first dog and the one who’s changed my life completely. I’ve been always fascinated by the work of SLOW DOG MOVEMENT and I’m really excited to help spread the word as a diplomat!

    Please find me on Instagram.

  • Jack Tatham - UNITED KINGDOM

    Hello I'm Jack. I enjoy exploring nature with my dogs and taking photos. I currently have an elderly Greyhound called Olive. My dogs have taught me how important it is to be present, explore your surroundings and use your senses to really understand your environment. I love getting involved with different communities and especially like to help people understand and build trusting relationships with their dogs.

    Please contact me if you would like to learn more about the SLOW DOG MOVEMENT via Instagram or email.

  • Junko Yorifuji - JAPAN

    I am very happy to be a SLOW DOG MOVEMENT Diplomat for Japan. I live with two dogs, Alan, a German Shepherd, and Jack, a Labrador Retriever. Alan is full of energy, and Jack is calm and gentle. They teach me every day to slow down and listen to dogs. I work as a dog trainer. I want to help people and dogs have a happy life together. I believe we should walk slowly, understand our dog’s real needs, and make a strong and kind relationship. I will share the SLOW DOG MOVEMENT in Japan with love and care.

    If you want to know more or talk with me, please feel free to contact me.

  • Silke Strasser - AUSTRIA

    Hi, my name is Silke Strasser and i live together with my dog-Frida, and my cat, Diegito, in Graz, Austria. I am a dog behaviourist, posture analyst, grief coach (for pet loss), natural herbs and essential oils practitioner. I also work as a language teacher and personal coach. I love the spirit and the message of the SLOW DOG MOVEMENT because in a world of FOMO, we need more of JOMO to feel healthy and balanced - so do our dogs!

    Please reach out to me via email.

  • Stacey Ann Hytrek - UNITED STATES

    DesI am a proud supporter of The Slow Dog Movement since 2020. During that trying year I was forced to slow down due to the COVID lockdowns. Prior to this I had been competing in dog sports and constantly training my dogs. I rushed around with everything I did. 

    One day I was so overwhelmed with all the skills I “ needed “ to work on with my dog that I literally googled “slow life with dogs” I found the Slow Dog Movement and it changed my mental, emotional, and physical health , as well as the health and happiness of my dogs. I now have a deeper connection with my dogs and my children. 

    I am here as a supporter and advocate for The Slow Dog Movement because dogs deserve a life of freedom, agency, contentment, and to be valued as the sentient being that they are. I long to see more dogs sniffing and taking in the world at their own pace. I long to see dog guardians and their dogs enjoying a truly fulfilling life. Not one of rushed madness with never ending “ To- Do lists. 

    I live in Colorado , USA with my husband, my daughter, three dogs and two cats. I have one adult daughter who has moved out. I use to be a professional dog trainer. These days I enjoy pet sitting and having the freedom to just enjoy being with animals without a task at hand.  You can usually find me out on a nice walk with a leash or two in my hand. 

    My business is Colorado Canine Enrichment LLC.

  • This could be you!

    If you have been following and engaging with the SLOW DOG MOVEMENT for a while, and would like to apply to be a Diplomat in your community and country, please send Laura an email.

Honorary Diplomats

  • Evelina Soeswanto - AUSTRALIA

    Evelina has been with the SLOW DOG MOVEMENT since the beginning! She has always tagged us and promoted our cause. She was part of our PATREON group until she wisely decided to put her time and resources towards studying with Sheila Harper and learning Bowen Therapy. Evelina runs her own dog walking business and is passionate about helping dogs feel comfortable and happy.

  • Toshie Nakazawa - JAPAN

    Toshie is the most progressive dog behaviour consultant in Japan. With her school, B-Paws, she is skillfully educating the next generation of dog educators and behaviourists. Toshie is a huge supporter of the SLOW DOG MOVEMENT. She takes great joy in sharing our philsophy with her students. Three of Toshie’s students are now our Diplomats.

  • Winkie Spiers - UNITED KINGDOM

    Winkie is a seasoned dog trainer, educator, and author. She runs puppy classes and has private clients in London, UK. Winkie is a huge supporter of the SLOW DOG MOVEMENT, and is not only an Honorary Diplomat, she also supports our PATREON page as an Ambassadog. With her grounded, diplomatic, and often humourous style, Winkie is a rare dog professional - her observations are her own and her wisdom is priceless.

  • Zane Ozoliņa - LATVIA

    Zane Margo is a photographer and artist by nature, connected to the beauty of the world around her. A lover of all animals and an advocate of slow living, she finds inspiration in harmony with nature. With her Border Collie, Chelsea, she explores the forests of Latvia. Together, they capture the quiet magic and the essence of forest bathing. Zane has been very generous with her photos and artistic talent in aid of the SLOW DOG MOVEMENT. She is a cherished friend in our community.