From seal to domestic dog

I was born and raised in Hameln and have always remained loyal to the Klüt district. After graduating from high school in 1998, I returned to the Weser River: in Bremen I studied marine biology and behavioral biology, successfully completing my studies in 2004 with a diploma in biology.
After my studies, I returned to my hometown and after some time found a job as a project manager in a pharmaceutical company, where I am still now, currently a senior and team coordinator.

Since 2024 I have been living in Fischbeck, which is just outside the city.

No, dogs haven't been a constant companion throughout my life; quite the opposite, in fact: I used to be afraid of dogs.
Nevertheless, I got a dog in 2005 because the dry office job was nothing like what I had always dreamed of: I always wanted to work with animals. So, after careful consideration and extensive research, Beagle Kira (Vara von der Anbiete *May 25, 2005) moved in with me in July 2005 at 8 weeks old. Two years later, Beagle Flanna (Interims Lady Flanna Farnham *April 24, 2007) followed, and in March 2017, Bracco Italiano Smilla (Charisma vom Duval *December 31, 2016) completed my pack of hunting dogs.

From August 2019, Bracco Italiano Sofi (Polceveras Sofi *14.04.2017) also enriched our (pack) life. Truly unplanned, but a decision made with the heart.

Unfortunately, I had to let my two Beagles, Kira and Flanna, go in 2021, one right after the other... But they are forever in my heart.

Kira's "unusual behavior" inspired me to study canine psychology, which I successfully completed in 2009 at the ATN (Academy for Animal Naturopathy). During my studies, I gained initial practical experience as a co-trainer at a dog training school. After graduating from the ATN, I started my own dog training school part-time in 2009.

In 2015, I successfully passed the examination administered by the Lower Saxony Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons and have since been a certified dog trainer by the Lower Saxony Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons. I am authorized to administer the certificate of competence for dog owners (according to §3 NHundG) and, of course, I have the unlimited permit according to §11 para. 8 TSchG for the commercial training and instruction of dogs.

Flanna infected me with the mantrailing bug back in 2008. With Flanna, I also embarked on the path to becoming a search and rescue dog team member, initially with Sabine Ditterich in Hanover, then with the DLRG (German Life Saving Association) search and rescue dog team in Bad Nenndorf, and finally with the BRH (German Rescue Dog Association) search and rescue dog team in Weserbergland. From 2009 to 2015, I worked continuously as an instructor for these teams.

In addition, I was also a performance judge for mantrailing in the BCD (Beagle Club Germany eV) until the end of 2025.

I use my Bracchi for trailing to keep them occupied at the dog sports and breeding club of Lower Saxony eV, where I am also a performance judge for sports tests.

Of course, I regularly pursue further education on various topics related to dogs. Firstly, because it's required for licensure by the veterinary association, and secondly, naturally, out of my own personal interest.

For personal reasons, I further reduced the size of my dog training school in 2024 and now only offer the competency tests.