Alana Brantley, ABCDT

• Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer

• Animal Behavior College Authorized Mentor Trainer

• Authorized AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator

From Tech to Tails
Once upon a time, I was a technical support agent for a government contractor. But my true calling came barking from the local animal shelter where I volunteered walking dogs. I fell in love with each dog's unique personality and loved trying to figure out the motivations behind their behaviors, igniting a passion for canine behavior that led me to switch careers and focus on what I truly love: helping dogs and their humans understand each other better.

I studied to received my certification for dog training through Animal Behavior College in 2017 and even launched a professional pet care business to gain more hands-on experience working with a variety of dogs. Starting with basic behavioral issues and obedience training, over the years I’ve broadened my skills to manage everything from complex behavioral cases to puppy training, thanks to ongoing education and a fantastic network of fellow trainers.

Ever-Evolving Expertise
I am always on a mission to deepen my expertise. As a full-time dog behaviorist and clinical pet nutritionist, my hours are joyfully invested in staying at the forefront of both fields. Hours spent poring over research studies for both canine behavior and pet nutrition sparked my interest in the veterinary world and set me on the path to hopefully one day become a vet!

In my free time, you'll often find me watching videos and reading works from established behaviorists and trainers. This keeps my skills razor-sharp, ensuring you're receiving the most current and effective training methods.

A Network for Navigating Challenges
No canine conundrum is too perplexing for me and my network of seasoned trainers. So, if your dog presents a unique challenge, rest assured—you're getting the collective wisdom of some of the best minds in dog training. That being said, I am aware of my limitations and will gladly refer you to another trainer within my network if a challenge falls outside my expertise.

Continuing education:

I am currently a full-time student completing prerequisite classes at Arapahoe Community College with the long-term goal of attending veterinary school. I plan to transfer to a four-year school in 2025.

To enhance my training knowledge, I regularly attend both virtual and in-person seminars, including Jay Jack, Larry Krohn, and Joel Silverman's 3-Day Dog Training Workshop Tour; the NEPOPO® Gold Multiplicator Juan Hidalgo 3-Day Seminar; and the Play Away Weekend with Dr. Amy Cook. Additionally, I stay updated by conducting my own research and engaging in discussions with other trainers.