I wanted to be able to see when things got better.

The training sessions were good, and so was the homework. My problem was never the training. My problem was that two weeks later, I could no longer say how it had really gone.

Memory added to it. One bad day stayed with me more strongly than a whole good week. After three months, it felt as though nothing had changed, even though quite a lot had. That is how memory works for me.

So I began writing to my trainer whenever something went well. “Enzo was really engaged on the walk today.” With a photo, sometimes a video. I wanted to tell someone and record the progress we could see.

Sharing the good things is fun. My trainer probably liked hearing about them too. That was my first record, I just did not have a name for it. After four weeks, though, you spend a long time looking through voice messages and photos for a moment you want to see again.

After that, I tried everything: a notes app, a spreadsheet, a notebook by the leash at the door. Each lasted about a week. In the evening after a walk, it was too much effort.

It helps me to see changes again. When an encounter goes better than it did a month ago, I want to see it. I want to see it again a week later too, especially on a difficult day.

So I built the app I had been looking for and could not find, at first just for the two of us. I am a dog owner, not a dog trainer. Canidio does not suggest exercises and does not replace a lesson. It records what you practise and what happens in everyday life.

Canidio is independent. There are no investors, ads or data trading. That is why the app is free for owners. Without a trainer, all data stays on your phone. Trainer features can be added without owners giving anything up.