Distinguishing CDM from non standard DM models: the vital role of baryon physics

The standard cold-dark matter (CDM) model for galaxy formation is a powerful tool to describe the large scale structure of the Universe, suffering however from several issues on small, galactic scales. I will review three possible approaches to overcome such problems: CDM with the addition of baryonic physics, alternative dark matter models (such as self-interacting or warm DM)  and finally alternative models with the inclusions of baryons as well. I will show different observables that one can look at in order to distinguish such scenarios.