About me

Hi, I’m Janina – a true 1994 original, born and raised in Germany with a lifelong passion for animals and their training. My journey into the world of animal welfare and training began in my childhood, shaped by incredible experiences and the unforgettable animals who have been my greatest teachers.

Growing up, I was enchanted by the horses and dogs at the stables, but my true inspiration struck when I spent a summer at a falconry. Watching the women in their stunning historical costumes working with hawks, hounds, ferrets, and even a snake opened my eyes to the beauty and depth of animal training. That summer, I started training my childhood cat, Bilbo, teaching him tricks and unknowingly diving into the basics of conditioning – even though I didn’t know the term at the time!

Later, my foster horse Drina taught me lessons far beyond riding. Her wild, unbroken spirit showed me the limits of harsh training methods and the power of trust. Drina helped me understand that working with animals should be about connection, not control.

When I was 18, I adopted Smoky, my first dog and soulmate. She challenged me to grow up and stand strong against those who believed fear-based training was the only way. Smoky’s trust in me reinforced my belief that respect and understanding, not dominance, are the keys to building a lasting bond with any animal.

Through these incredible experiences and the lessons from Bilbo, Drina, and Smoky, I’ve learned that a true connection with animals happens when we set our egos aside and focus on trust, compassion, and mutual respect.

I’m excited to share my journey and explore the fascinating world of animal welfare, training, and the unique stories behind every bond. Let’s discover it together!