About me

I’m Victoria, a proud Ukrainian living in Germany and a happy member of @petdogtrainersofeurope!

my dog‑training journey

My path began in Germany with the HundeFührerschein program, where I learned the basics of dog development, body language, safety, and legal responsibilities. A life‑changing moment for me was reading Turid Rugaas’ book “Calming Signals”. It opened my eyes to the fact that my dog Hermes, a six‑year‑old cocker spaniel at the time, had been communicating with me all along—I just hadn’t seen it.

That realization drew me deeper into Turid’s teachings and ultimately to PDTE, a global community of like‑minded trainers spreading ethical dog‑training practices. I’ve gained so much knowledge and connection from this amazing group!

experience in spain

After moving to Spain, I completed a traditional obedience‑training program, walked shelter dogs, and gained valuable hands‑on experience. While this path gave me helpful tools and insights, it also showed me that obedience alone isn’t enough to help dogs navigate our hectic human world.

studies & growth

I graduated from a Nordic dog trainer school (Level1-4) and accomplished Amber Batson’s 1-Year Aggression Course. I’m continuing to deepen my understanding of ethical, compassionate training.

pdte conference, dublin

Last year, I attended the in-person PDTE conference in Dublin, where I met incredible mentors like @annelillkvam and @stephsdogtrainingdublin. It was inspiring to connect with so many warm-hearted, knowledgeable trainers who share the same passion for improving the lives of dogs and their humans.

what’s next

📍 Back in Munich, I have got a permission from a Veterinary office (according to Paragraph 11) to work as a dog trainer in Germany. I’m thrilled to continue my journey, spread ethical training practices, and help dogs and their families lead happier lives. Let’s speak doggish together! 🐾