Journal

Our new addition Maximus or Maxl’ joined the pack in January 2025. He is a stray dog and we don’t know much about his history. He is very gentle, willing to learn and an absolute sweetheart.

But also, a lot of work. He was not well bonded with humans, leashes, collar, cars and generally very anxious.

That means we work/train daily. A daily training sounds a lot, right? But in reality, it means a daily training to integrate him into our family. To learn, adapt and understand our rules and connect and bond with the pack/family.

If I train something new or something very challenging with him, our training session doesn’t last longer than 3-10 minutes. Maximus cannot muster more attention without getting stressed and that’s a fact that affects many dogs. Our trainings methods are based on trust and respect and he doesn’t seem familiar with it.  One of the most overlooked aspects of dog training isn’t the command, the treat, or even the technique – its knowing when to stop. Many owners push too far once they start seeing progress, but the truth is that the most effective training sessions are often short, positive and end on a success.

When a dog shows progress – whether its responding to a new cue, offering the right behavior, or simply showing focus – that’s the perfect time to pause. Ending a session at that moment reinforces learning an keeps the experience enjoyable. Dogs thrive on encouragement, and finishing on a “win” builds their confidence an eagerness for the next session.

It has been three years since we have moved from Germany to the United States, and one of the most common questions I hear is: “Does Timber understand both languages?”

The answer is simple: yes. Timber responds to both German and English. But the truth goes deeper—he also speaks the universal language of dogs.
Many people assume dogs only respond to words, but words are only a small piece of the puzzle. What Timber truly understands is energy, tone, and intention. When I say “Sitz” or “Sit”, it is not the specific word that matters most, but the calm, clear energy behind it. Dogs are masters of reading body language, subtle gestures, and the emotional state of those around them.
Living in two countries and hearing two languages hasn’t confused Timber. Instead, it has reinforced what I’ve come to realize: dogs are multilingual by nature. They are fluent in observing us—the way we move, the tone of our voices, the energy we carry. Words are just cues, but our presence is the message.
Timber teaches me every day that communication is less about language and more about connection. If we learn to be intentional, calm, and consistent, we open the door to a much deeper relationship.
In the end, Timber doesn’t just speak German or English. He speaks the timeless language of trust, energy, and understanding. And perhaps that’s the language we humans should practice more often too.

Maximus’ days of healing are not counted in numbers or calendars. They are measured in moments of trust, in breaths of courage, in steps forward, and in the safety of love.

Observations

Today, Maximus showed us a little more of his heart.

• He came closer when we sat quietly.
• He wagged his tail when we laughed together.
• He still stopped at the car door, his body telling us: “Not yet. I am not ready.”

Reflection

Healing is not linear. It does not follow clocks, calendars, or human expectations. Maximus has his own pace—the rhythm of his soul reclaiming safety. His walls were built for survival, not stubbornness. They are not against us, but for him.

Every day we witness how trust grows in silence, in patience, in consistency. Each small step is a victory, even if invisible to anyone else.

Promise to Maximus

Maximus, whatever shadows from your past still linger, we will not push you to hard. We will not measure your worth in speed. We will walk with you, sit with you, and celebrate with you when you are ready.

One day, perhaps, you will jump into the car and discover new adventures with us. But until then, the car can wait. Our love cannot. Our love is here, steady and unconditional.

We see you.
We hear you.
We honor your pace.