Alexandra Dittmann Dog Training

Alexandra Dittmann Dog Training Alexandra Dittmann Dog Training stands for guidance for dog owners facing challenges with their furry friends.

Our focus is on helping people address these challenges in a force-free, holistic manner, which promotes well-being of pups and people. Hi, I'm Alexandra Dittmann, a dog trainer (former balanced, now, force-free) based in North Portugal with my husband and three dogs. I started my training journey in the 90's in Germany, specializing in Schutzhund/IPG with Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Giant

Schnauzers. Over the years, I've worked as an assistant trainer in local schools and rescue organizations. I've authored books for social media influencer-dog trainers and led a team of online consultants at American Standard Dog Training. Despite my background in balanced training, I now focus on holistic, force-free methods that prioritize the emotional well-being of every dog. In my consultations, I strive to help dogs and their owners achieve a happy and fulfilling life together.

That's why placeboard-training is so powerful - very easy to transition the skills of going to place, and holding a down...
31/08/2026

That's why placeboard-training is so powerful - very easy to transition the skills of going to place, and holding a down-stay there, from the placeboard to a towel or mat. We always bring a towel along as some outdoor-terraces have mucky floors and I don't want the Beagles to lie down there. I also imagine that a towel is more comfortable than, way, bare concrete or decking.

Canine Health Care Testimonial:"My little hellion of a jack Russel/dachshund mix always struggled with incontinence. I c...
30/08/2026

Canine Health Care Testimonial:
"My little hellion of a jack Russel/dachshund mix always struggled with incontinence. I consulted with Alexandra Dittmann about this problem, among other topics related to caring for a senior small dog, because this can be really challenging. Alexandra gave me a list of recommended products to help my little guy out. So, I got one of those fake turf pads and ammonia, and now I don’t need to pull out the rug scrubber to shampoo the yellow spots he leaves immediately after work. My house finally smells more like a home! Thank you!"
-EJKC, USA
Canine Care Consultations are every bit as important as training consultations: Senior dogs can suffer from a variety of health issues as well as mental challenges in the form of canine dementia in its various stages. These challenges can be very difficult to deal with for the owner, but there's always ways we can help make life as comfortable and easy as possible for everyone involved.

30/08/2026

Part 1 of my chat with Beagle Expert and Force-Free Trainer Saro Boghozian
29/08/2026

Part 1 of my chat with Beagle Expert and Force-Free Trainer Saro Boghozian

Join Dog Trainer, Book Author and Beagle Expert Saro Boghozian and ...

Thank you Bone-A-Fide K9 for having me on Livestream yesterday! Was a great conversation; thanks for sharing!
28/08/2026

Thank you Bone-A-Fide K9 for having me on Livestream yesterday! Was a great conversation; thanks for sharing!

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

Dog Training Testimonial from M. C., Portugal - nothing makes me happier than hearing back from happy dog owners! This l...
27/08/2026

Dog Training Testimonial from M. C., Portugal - nothing makes me happier than hearing back from happy dog owners! This lady has stepped up and put in the work, investing time and energy into training their family dog on a daily basis. Well done and thank you so much, this success story means a lot to me.

"When we adopted Tuca, she was only a few months old. It was love at first sight. As soon as we saw her at the rescue shelter, waiting for a family, her sweet eyes told us she was longing for love and a home. That part was guaranteed from day one, especially thanks to my daughter, who absolutely adores her.
However, as many dog owners know, love alone is not enough. The first few months can be challenging because we do not naturally speak the same language as our dogs. That was when I had the good fortune to meet Alexandra Dittmann.
Through simple advice and practical guidance, Alexandra showed me that it was possible to build clear and effective communication with Tuca. I started carrying treats in my pocket, and every time I called her name and she looked at me, she was rewarded. It may seem like a small thing, but it was the beginning of a remarkable transformation. Through this and many other techniques, as well as structured walks and play sessions, I was able to build a relationship of trust and understanding with my dog.
Today, Tuca happily responds to instructions. She sits, lies down, stays in place, and is a well-balanced companion in our daily lives. She is a happy, affectionate, and well-behaved dog who fills our family with joy and countless fun moments.
One of her favorite games is chasing a ball and bringing it back so we can throw it again. We owe many of these wonderful moments and this harmonious family life to Alexandra. Thanks to her knowledge, dedication, and effective guidance, we were able to educate Tuca in a positive and respectful way, helping her become an exceptional companion and an irreplaceable member of our family.
Thank you, Alexandra, for helping us build such a special bond with Tuca."

Amen to that - well said, Saro Boghozian!
26/08/2026

Amen to that - well said, Saro Boghozian!

This was not written by me but by someone named Saro
Boghozian:

"Recently, many beagles have been rescued from Ridglan Farms, and that is truly something to celebrate. As a beagle owner and dog trainer, I wanted to share a perspective that may be difficult to hear but is important to consider.

These dogs are not typical rescue dogs.

Not because they are beagles, and not because of the headlines surrounding their story, but because of the lives they have lived.

Many people are opening their homes and hearts to these dogs, which is wonderful. However, it's important to understand that recovery may not be as straightforward as providing food, shelter, affection, and expecting them to quickly adapt to a normal family life.

For many of these dogs, a cage is the only life they have ever known.

Think about that for a moment.

The very things we see as freedom—a large backyard, a busy household, walks through the neighborhood, visitors coming and going—may feel overwhelming, confusing, and even frightening to them. What seems like paradise to us may initially feel like chaos to them.

We also cannot fully predict the long-term effects that years of laboratory life may have had on their physical health, nervous systems, emotional well-being, or ability to cope with stress. Some dogs may adjust surprisingly well, while others may require months or even years of patient support.

My advice is simple:

Go slowly.

Resist the urge to do too much, too fast.

Don't assume that because a dog is finally "free," they are ready for everything freedom brings.

Instead, try to see the world through their eyes.

Focus on helping them feel safe before helping them feel adventurous.

Build trust before expecting confidence.

Create predictability before introducing novelty.

Some of these beagles may transition into family life with relatively few challenges. Others may struggle with things that most dogs take for granted. Neither outcome is a reflection of the dog's worth or the owner's commitment.

These dogs need patience, understanding, realistic expectations, and people who are willing to meet them where they are—not where we wish they would be.

The rescue is only the beginning of their journey.

The real work starts now".

26/08/2026

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