About Us
At The Discerning Dog, we strive to help you develop a balanced canine partner who best suits your family’s unique needs and lifestyle. Through a focus on clarity in foundational training, we build a personalized program that allows for the growth of a happy partnership in which your dog is an eager and willing participant.
We begin by utilizing a clear marker system and positive reinforcement to build enthusiasm in commands and an understanding of behavioral expectations.
Once we are confident in thorough understanding and have achieved success within repetitions, we overlay training tools to guide and subtly communicate in moments of more intense distraction.
Whether you would like to improve manners, excel in competition, or develop a reliable companion, we have a program that will challenge and grow your relationship with your dog in ways that you never thought possible!
Following training with The Discerning Dog, you will have a reliable partner who has been given the tools and knowledge to make appropriate behavioral decisions no matter the environment!
About Ann, our trainer
Owner and head trainer of The Discerning Dog, Ann has helped countless people better communicate with and enjoy their dogs.
While she has seen the gamut of behavioral problems, the increasingly prevalent issue she sees in many dogs today is a lack of clear communication, leadership, and structure necessary to make them successful, enjoyable members of our families.
A true student of her craft, Ann strives to constantly continue her education in theory and practice through attending workshops, seminars, and actively competing in dog sports.
A competitor in Protection Sports Association (a dog agility, obedience, and bite work sport), she believes it's imperative to remain involved in competition and sports in which her skills are stacked against the skills of other professionals.
Ann is thrilled to have the opportunity to bring her passion and talent to North Carolina to continue to help owners better enjoy their dogs.
Awards and Titles
Olive
German Shorthaired Pointer
BH
IGP obedience and temperament test
BT
American Schutzhund obedience and temperament test
AS OB 1
American Schutzhund obedience
(96/100)
Zivah
Belgian Malinois
BT
American Schutzhund obedience and temperament test
2022 PSA3 East Coast Regionals
3rd place
2022 PSA2 Tarheel Canine Club Trial
1st place
2021 PSA2 National Vice Champion
High obedience
2019 PSA1 National Champion
Highest distinction
High Owner/Handler Trained
High Club Trained
High Protection
PSA1 Tarheel Canine Club Trial
1st place
Highest distinction
High Owner/Handler Trained
High Club Trained
High Obedience
High Protection
