Jo Urbanek is a Canine Behaviourist holding the ISCP Advanced Diploma, based in central Bangkok, where she works with dogs and their families across the city through mobile consultations, plus training and behaviour support at PawHouse in Sukhumvit and Sathorn. Her approach is empathy-led and holistic — seeing the dog behind the behaviour, not just the behaviour itself.
From curiosity to canine behaviourist
Jo has been working with dogs for nearly a decade. It started with her own dogs and a deep curiosity about how they experience the world, which gradually led her toward a more holistic, empathy-led approach focused on understanding the dog behind the behaviour.
Harold, Chewbacca, and a lesson in patience
One story has stayed with Jo: Harold, a tiny foster puppy who came into her care scared of almost everything around him. The world felt overwhelming, and he needed time, patience, and the right support to discover that he was safe. Watching him slowly come out of his shell was special — he learned to trust people, explore new experiences, and gain confidence step by step. One of the biggest helpers in his journey was Jo’s Husky, Chewbacca, who showed him through calm companionship what a confident dog looks like. Seeing a frightened puppy transform into a curious, trusting little dog is why she does this work, she says — sometimes the biggest changes happen when we stop rushing and simply give dogs the space, guidance, and support they need to grow.
What Bangkok asks of a dog
Bangkok is an amazing city for dogs, Jo says, but it can also be a lot for them to process. She often sees dogs who aren’t “badly behaved” — they are simply trying to cope with heat, noise, crowds, and a very human-paced world. Her focus is helping dogs learn that the city can be a safe and enjoyable place, one positive experience at a time.
The habit worth breaking
The biggest mistake Jo sees is expecting dogs to adapt to our busy lives without considering how the world feels from their perspective. Her fix is simple: a small change can make a big difference — create more moments where your dog feels safe, understood, and heard.
Understanding before obedience
“When we listen, observe, and respond with empathy, we create a relationship based on trust rather than simply obedience.”
Before we ask our dogs to change, Jo says, we need to take the time to understand them — what they’re trying to tell us, what makes them feel safe, what helps them become the best version of themselves. When owners listen, observe, and respond with empathy, the relationship shifts from compliance to trust.
Life with a husky and a border collie
At home, Jo shares her life with Chewbacca, a Siberian Husky, almost 10 years old — dramatic, opinionated, and always needing the last word, and wonderfully clumsy with it. And Luna, a 4-year-old Border Collie — intelligent, energetic, and completely obsessed with her ball. Luna has no sheep to herd, Jo says, but she’s happily decided that children are a suitable replacement, and she’s always ready for her next mission.
Get in touch
Jo Urbanek · Canine behaviourist
Message @pawsitivepupsdogbehaviourist on Instagram →
Available through PawHouse — paw.house
@pawhouse.bkk on Instagram
Dog Trainer Talk
A Pup Cities series putting real questions to Bangkok’s dog trainers — practical, city-specific answers to help owners meet their dog’s needs, one conversation at a time.
