Meet Svenja
Hello, I'm Svenja, animal psychologist and founder of Happy Buddy Algarve. For the past seven years I've lived and worked on 30 hectares of forest, lake, and open land in the heart of the Algarve — home to my six dogs, three horses, therapy animals, and whatever guests come to stay. At any time there can be up to 20 animals here, living as a natural pack.
Everything I earn goes back into animal rescue: food, medication, therapy, and working alongside local shelters to rehabilitate traumatised dogs and find them homes.
Some dogs slip through the cracks of conventional training — the ones who aren't heard, who forgot they can feel safe, play, and stop bracing for a fight. The ones labelled "aggressive," "dominant," or "broken."
With me, they relearn how to be dogs: calm, clear, at ease in the pack. Your dog arrives as a problem case and goes home as a dog — and you go home understanding why, so it lasts.
My Approach
I trained with wolves. During my animal psychology studies I lived around the clock at a wolf sanctuary in Poland, and I've rescued dogs across Europe, Asia, and South America — dogs who survived with no leashes, no treats, no clickers. They taught me what no book can: how a pack really communicates, and how safety comes from clear boundaries, not control.
30 hectares to simply be a dog. No city noise, no neighbours, no constant stimulation — just land, forest, and lake, with long walks two or three times a day. Here a dog's nervous system settles, and only a calm mind can learn.
Every dog is a personality, not a case. A fearful dog, a control freak, a guardian breed, a terrier — each one is wired differently. I don't work from a template. I ask who this dog is and where the behaviour really comes from, and I start there.
The pack does the teaching. Dogs learn from dogs. My stable, well-socialised pack shows yours how to greet on the leash, how to communicate, and where the limits are. Real safety grows from understanding, not suppression.
The lasting work happens with you. Once your dog is ready, I hand his language back to you — so the calm you see here is the calm that comes home.
We are all souls, just in different buddies. Wolf, street dog, your Labrador, you, me — we all want to be seen, understood, and respected. Give a dog that, and everything changes.
*Currently offering "Only Dog" retreats — your dog stays without you. Retreats with owners are coming soon, once the accommodation is ready.
MEET MY PACK
TINKA
I found this wonderful girl on the streets of southern Portugal at three weeks old. She’s been a key part of our pack ever since. She is the alpha of the pack, helps train other dogs, and brings joy with her charm. If things don’t go her way, she sulks briefly but quickly returns with tail wagging and a smile. She’s a true gift to us.
PAULI
Our cheeky Pauli came from a farmer who no longer wanted him. Initially, I didn't want a fourth dog, but after just two days, the pack and I fell in love with him. With his cheeky charm, Pauli always brightens the day and keeps everyone on their toes. He’s just our little whirlwind, and we all love him.
TEDDY
Teddy has been with us for about 2.5 years. He spent his early years chained up at my neighbor's. Initially, I would take him for walks, until he eventually moved in with us. Teddy is our protector, he's very smart and always helps me with new therapy, dog-sitting, and guest dogs, showing them the rules in a gentle way.
MOGLI
Mogli is our pack's clown! He joined our family about 3 years ago after being rescued from terrible conditions. At first, he avoided people, hiding in the bushes, but now, he brightens our days with his humor and charm. His special bond with Tinka makes them an unbeatable team.
KIMMY
Kimmy came to us about 1.5 years ago. When I found her she was locked on a balcony 24/7. When the ‘owner’ died, she needed a new home. At first, she lived in the van for two months and didn’t trust anyone. Then one day, she came out and walked straight into my bedroom! Since then, she has been brightening our days with her joyful nature and grandma grumbling!
JESPER
Jesper was chained up alone in the middle of nowhere, trying to survive. Somehow, he broke free and showed up on a friend’s property. He had severe injuries because of the chain. With lots of love, trust, and care, he has become a wonderful dog. He loves to run, and play with other dogs…cuddling is his passion!
BONECO
Boneco was set to be sold to the butcher, but I stepped in. He was my first horse, and with patience, he has taught me everything. We now ride without a bit and gallop hands-free because he's my soulmate, and we trust each other completely. He loves good food, and his two mares keep him on his toes!
PIPPILOTTA
Little Pippi Lotta came to us half-dead and could barely walk. With a lot of love, trust, and patience she relearned everything and has grown into a cheeky character. Every day she delights us with her sweet nature and loves breaking into the stable to steal carrots, apples, and hay.
GOTHA
Gotha came from terrible conditions and was often beaten. When she first came to us, we couldn't touch or stroke her. After 2 years of trust training, lots of love, and understanding, she has become our princess and cuddle bug. She loves running and always is the one in front.
Book a service for your dog
Send us a message, call or Whatsapp and schedule your service today!