Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Danner.
Hi Ann, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was a career federal service employee and Navy Veteran. After working in the ‘box’ of cubes, offices, and government policies for nearly a career, I realized I wanted to do something different. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, so I did a ton of introspective research and started a Master’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis.
At that time, I was working as a Human Resources supervisor. One of our employees got a service dog and came by to introduce him. This gorgeous German Shepherd walked up to me and leaned across my legs in a big dog hug. At that instant, it was like the sun shone through the clouds and the angels sang – I knew what I wanted to do!
I contacted the organization where he got his dog and began volunteering with them in their weekly training classes (a HUGE “thank you” to Kathy W. on my staff who shifted her hours so I could break free). A few months later the government offered early retirement and I was able to take a paid training position while I pursued my dog training certification.
Logistical challenges and a desire to train pet dogs led me to establish DogmaticsLLC in 2017 and it’s been a happy whirlwind ever since!
I work with pets, problems, and service dogs creating manners without the mayhem! I’ve published a book and have another one coming out before Christmas! Look for “George A. Bulldog, I Do What I Do” on Amazon!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I tend to look at struggles as learning and growth opportunities. One of the biggest was letting go of other income possibilities and committing full-time to train dogs – well, except for writing books.
I had JUST committed to full-time dog training, then Covid hit and suddenly I couldn’t meet anyone in person.
I joined a fantastic group called Thrive!, which helped dog trainers pivot to virtual training. You’re thinking, “What?? Train dogs over Zoom?” Yep! I soaked up everything I could and trained over Zoom for most of 2020. I still get referrals from my virtual students.
I’ve kept virtual training as an option for people who are out of my drive zone and for cases where my presence would be disruptive. For example, a dog gets anxious when Mom or Dad leaves. I can watch the dog’s behavior while they leave and tell them what to do based on what I’m seeing. They would never be able to do that with me there because the dog would behave differently. Same for dogs who are shy. Why spend time getting the dog used to me when we can jump right into training? Then, when the time is right, I can come in person if that’s still needed and when the dog is better prepared for that.
I love doing hands-on training but it’s also rewarding to see my human students light up when they see that THEY trained the whole thing!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I hear people praise my patience. Training is all about communication (me to the person and us to the dog). If we aren’t getting the results we’re trying to get, it simply means we aren’t communicating that message clearly. That’s where I come in – helping people to understand their dog and helping them communicate more clearly, without resorting to force. I’m patient because my job is to be an interpreter for both sides and patience is the only way to be effective.
I want people to ‘see’ their dogs. When we improve understanding and communication, we can be more effective at changing behavior while not changing who our dog is. Know better, do better.
I offer customized, one-on-one, in-home dog training – puppies, problems (or not), and service dogs. I’ll train with you and take you through the whole process a week at a time. If you are too busy or want faster results, I’ll come and train for you. I work with your dog a few times a week for a few weeks then bring you in towards the end to show you what’s been learned and teach you how to keep that behavior.
I also have a few on-demand Mini Courses. They take less than 10 minutes to complete but are packed with good information on Potty Training/Housebreaking and getting better greetings. More are on the way.
I’m always thrilled when I see the lightbulb go on – for the dog and for their parent(s). It’s that moment when communication happens and they realize that they CAN ‘talk’ and be understood. That A-HA! It’s absolute magic.
Who else deserves credit for your story?
I’ve had many cheerleaders and have been fortunate to be part of several professional groups key to my personal and business development. My husband deserves the most credit for being there to support my every decision before and after leaving a steady job to ‘train dogs.’
My very first introduction to the formal dog training world I owe to Carol Borden who brought me onto her team to train service dogs at Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs. The experience was so educational and rewarding that it became my first step into this amazing career. Amy Hrin gave me my second big step by asking me to join the Pups4Patriots team at American Humane, which I still support by training local veterans and their dogs to be effective service dog teams.
And last, but not least, my AMAZING clients! They and their dogs are the reason I love this profession so much.
Pricing:
- Packages range from $550 to $1,250
- One-time consults (no training): $150
- Free introductory phone consult
Contact Info:
- Website:https://www.DogmaticsLLC.com
- Instagram: @dogmaticsLLC
- Facebook: DogmaticsLLC
Image Credits
Michael Blankshain and Ann Danner
