About Annie

I’m a Concept Dog Trainer with over a decade of experience working with animals. My journey into dog training was shaped by my own dog, Brio, whose reactivity led me to specialize in helping dogs develop confidence and adaptability. Through training with Veterinary Behaviourist and Dog Trainer Dr. Tom Mitchell, I learned how to use games and concept-based training to create lasting behaviour change by focusing on a dog’s mindset rather than just their actions. I’m currently expanding my knowledge further by training to become a Canine Behaviourist under the guidance of Dr. Tom Mitchell and Dr. Anita Dowe, Veterinary and Veterinary Behaviourist, deepening my understanding of canine behaviour and welfare.

Brio is now my demo training dog, a testament to the power of this approach in transforming reactive dogs into engaged, optimistic companions. My goal is to help owners build stronger relationships with their dogs by developing key skills such as focus, disengagement, and calmness, all while making training fun and effective.

What is Concept Dog Training?

Concept dog training is all about teaching dogs the skills they need to navigate the world with confidence and composure. Instead of just focusing on obedience or managing behaviours, we develop core concepts—such as disengagement, optimism, focus, and calmness—that shape how a dog thinks and responds to different situations.

By strengthening these concepts through fun, structured games, dogs learn to make better choices on their own, whether it’s staying calm around distractions, adapting to new environments, or handling challenges with ease. Rather than relying on commands, concept training builds real-life skills that help dogs thrive in everyday situations.