Top Dog Trainer
in Minnesota
Anna Brand
Certified Dog Trainer and Behaviorist
I have loved dogs my whole life, as most of us do! I have been helping dogs with fear, reactivity, aggression, and bite histories for over six years. I attended and graduated as a Professional Dog Trainer and Behaviorist from Starmark Academy in Texas in the fall of 2022. I am a member of the International Association for Canine Professionals (IACP) and I am also certified in their Prong Collar Knowledge assessment. I am in the process of working towards becoming a Certified Dog Trainer (CDT) through them as well! I continue learning as much as possible via books, seminars, other trainers, online courses, and experiences.
Helping build dogs’ confidence, and seeing them come out of their shell, as well as teaching owners how to make their dogs more comfortable, and handle behavior and obedience problems is what I love most.
Dogs are so fascinating, each one I work with teaches me something new and challenges me to think differently every day. Each dog is an individual and may require different approaches to training. There truly is nothing more amazing than communicating with a dog and problem-solving!
Pet First Aid and CPR Certified!
Poncho
Poncho is a special boy. He was found wandering the streets of southern Texas. When I met him, he was overly energetic, excitable, and unable to control himself. Through lots of training, he has improved a lot. He is a high-energy dog, who needs stimulation and exercise every day or he could easily have behavior issues. Finding new activities to enjoy with him is so fun! He has taught me a lot, and helped me become a better trainer. He is almost two years old now and loves food, playing tug, being outside, and over everything else, a tennis ball!
Teddy
Teddy is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and was gotten as a puppy. I made sure to socialize him very well, because of this, Teddy is a chill guy! He does very well being a “dummy” for dogs working on reactivity or over-excitement with other dogs! Teddy is a relaxed “go anywhere” dog. Teddy enjoys agility, barn hunt (searching out rats), and cuddles! He is a lap dog through and through. Training and spending time with his people is his happy place.
My Training Style
I believe in using whatever training tactics work best for each client and dog. Each dog and owner will require a different approach, and I believe it’s important to talk with the owner and do what we both think is best for their dog. I believe in using science-based training using all four quadrants of Operant Conditioning!
Positive - adding a stimulus
Negative - removing a stimulus
Punishment - done to decrease the odds of a behavior occurring
Reinforcement - done to increase the odds of a behavior
I use all four quadrants of Operant Conditioning!