Credentials

ABC Training Center, Ann Braue -- Ann is highly sought after as a private instructor and seminar presenter. Her gift of teaching is combined with passion, creativity and motivation provides a fun and rewarding environment for both the dog and the handler. Ann’s training philosophy focuses on positive reinforcement and building a strong relationship with the dog.

Yes, that is Me with a real (full blooded) Wolf! His eyes mesmerized me! I felt like a deer looking into headlights, I honestly could not look away. 

Wolf Behavior is just one of the many seminars I have attended to prepare myself on understanding the canine, and how to teach them to cohabitate with their human-pack.

At Mystic Moon we devote a minimum of 80 hours a year to continued education outside the Midwest. Why outside the Midwest? Because training techniques differ greatly around the world, and become regional. Most trainers in a region usually have similar techniques because they have learned from each other and see each other's techniques at local events.

Listed are some of my favorite learning experiences and most valued Instructors.

Gottfried Dildei: Gottried's handler/dog teams have stood again, and again, on the Winner's podium of the DVG American Nationals, and the German DVG Meistershaft. The 1992 teams taught and trained by Gottfried were second and third in the USA Nationals. He believes the only way to develop a joyful, exact obedience dog is to teach him from the beginning to work in drive. Gottfried has presented his skills in numerous workshops and seminars, and in videos through Canine Training Systems.

Dr. Roger Abrantes: Dr. Abrantes has a PhD in Evolutionary Biology and an Ethology, DHC MAPBC. He has authored 17 books in numerous languages, and innumerous articles on behavior. He is probably one of the most versatile ethologists in the world. He is especially known for his views on social behavior, and it's applications to the daily understanding of pet behavior. For his working methods he uses psychology rather than power, teaching the animal new patterns patiently and efficiently step by step.

Ivan Balabanov: 2001 USA National Schutzhund Champion, Vice Champion at the Belgian Shepherd Championships, and he competed on 7 Schutzhund World Teams. Ivan has demonstrated his dog training system at dozens of national seminars and on his videos, including "Obedience Without Conflict".

Dr. Erich Klinghammer: Director of Wolf Park, Institute of Ethology, which is dedicated to the conservation, research and education in the Biology of Behavior and Ecology of Animal. My stay at Wolf Park was a wonderful experience -- co-habiting with a pack of wolves, therefore learning by sight, sound and touch (at a very accelerated rate). We also had classroom studies, films and videos.

Pia Silvani: Director of Pet Training and Behavior Counseling at Hubert's Animal Welfare Center, in Madison New Jersey. She has spoken at various conferences and forums around the country, and routinely consults with various shelters (including San Francisco SPCA) to assist them in improving and expanding their programs. 

Chuck Tompkins: Vice President Curator for the largest marine park in the world. He has trained over 100 different species.

Thad Lacinak: Vice President and Corporate Curator of America's foremost marine parks. He oversees 220 animal trainers and the training of hundreds of animals. 

Sue Sternberg: Sue has a broad background in the handling and training of dogs. She owns a boarding kennel, a dog training and behavior center, and an animal shelter (Rondout Valley Kennels) that works as a prototype facility. Sue lectures around the country to animal shelters, and dog trainers on all aspects of working with shelter dogs, handling skills, dog training, instructing, and behavior. 

Association of Pet Dog Trainers: Conducts dozens of Conferences, Seminars, and Workshops annually. APDT is a professional organization of individual dog trainers who are committed to being better trainers through education. 

Puppy Works, Inc.: Coordinated Continued Education.

Canine Training by Mystic Moon, Inc.
Des Moines Dog Training, and surrounding areas
Tonja Osborn, Owner/Trainer

Call for appointments or more information
515-287-4809