About Me &
KompassHund
My name is Viktoria. I am a dog trainer in Innsbruck and I work with people who don't just want their dog to "function", but want to understand what happens between them in everyday life.
Dogs have fascinated me since I was very young. One of my earliest memories of dogs takes me back to my childhood: a dog, probably a wire-haired dachshund belonging to our neighbor, that I was never allowed to pet. I could hardly stand it back then. Today I understand the owner's decision; it was for the best :).
Then as now, it was simply this unbridled fascination that drew me back to dogs time and again, even as a child. This early enthusiasm has never left me and continues to shape my work to this day.
Professional background and working methods
My professional path began with a degree in biotechnology, followed later by a degree in biology. At the same time, my interest in behavior, relationships, and causes grew.
I completed my training as a certified dog trainer with Ziemer & Falke and gained practical experience with Natalie Thaler of Dogspot South Tyrol. Since then, I have continuously pursued further education. Specialist literature, seminars, and continuing education are an integral part of my daily routine.
My work focuses on understanding behavior. I'm not just interested in what a dog exhibits, but also why. Only when the underlying reasons are clear can training, management, and daily life be effectively structured. This is especially true for issues that are quickly labeled as "problem behaviors," but often stem from being overwhelmed, misunderstandings, or unrealistic expectations.
I work in accordance with animal welfare standards, reflectively and without rigid methods. Clarity, analysis and realistic assessment are more important to me than quick solutions.
How my work is structured
My work is deliberately not structured as a classic course program. I do not offer standardized group formats such as puppy, young dog, or ongoing everyday life courses, as are common in many dog schools or clubs.
Instead, I work individually, focusing on specific topics and with clear objectives. The focus is on the individual human-dog team, their questions, and the real challenges they face in everyday life.
I create group settings when they make professional sense – for example, in specialized small groups such as tracking or activity groups.
If you are interested in understanding, structure and sustainable development, my way of working might be a good fit for you.
Part of my work takes place at my quiet, fenced dog training area above Innsbruck. The area is not comparable to typical dog training grounds. It is deliberately simple, private, and far from roads or public traffic. This allows for focused, calm training – even with sensitive or easily overwhelmed dogs.
Privacy is very important to me. I do not publish any of my clients' content on social media. Video recordings are made exclusively for analysis and feedback purposes and remain internal.
How my work is structured
My work is deliberately not structured as a classic course program. I do not offer standardized group formats such as puppy, young dog, or ongoing everyday life courses, as are common in many dog schools or clubs.
Instead, I work individually, focusing on specific topics and with clear objectives. The focus is on the individual human-dog team, their questions, and the real challenges they face in everyday life.
I create group settings when they make professional sense – for example, in specialized small groups such as tracking or activity groups.
If you are interested in understanding, structure and sustainable development, my way of working might be a good fit for you.
Part of my work takes place at my quiet, fenced dog training area above Innsbruck. The area is not comparable to typical dog training grounds. It is deliberately simple, private, and far from roads or public traffic. This allows for focused, calm training – even with sensitive or easily overwhelmed dogs.
Privacy is very important to me. I do not publish any of my clients' content on social media. Video recordings are made exclusively for analysis and feedback purposes and remain internal.
My approach
– What you'll find with me –
Understand
I work in a relationship-oriented manner and based on learning theory, behavioral biology and scientific principles.
Feasibility
You won't get an illusion of perfection, but rather practical solutions.
Languages: German and English
To know
My work is based on sound training, animal welfare qualifications and continuous professional development.
causes
Often, the root causes of problems lie deeper than one might think. My goal is to identify these triggers and make real change possible.
Background
Certification as an animal welfare-qualified trainer and dog audit trainer
Dog trainer training at Ziemer&Falke - Training center for dog trainers
Practical training with Natalie Thaler (DogSpot South Tyrol dog school)
Examination at Ziemer&Falke - Training Center for Dog Trainers and DogSpot South Tyrol
Puppy Coach Training
Training in communication and body language of dogs and humans
Currently training to become a dog behavior consultant
Continuing education courses
Leash training (Dr. Lara Steinhoff)
Separation stress (Dr. Ute Blaschke-Berthold)
Mantrailing (Dr. Esther Schalke)
The Many Faces of Fear (Dr. Ute Blaschke-Berthold)
Dealing with impulsive dogs (Dr. Karin Voigt)
Separation stress (Dr. Ute Blaschke-Berthold)
Faces of Fear (Dr. Ute Blaschke-Berthold)
Anxiety, fear, trauma & phobia in dogs – therapy and training methods for greater safety in everyday life (Dr. Stephan Gronostay)
Tellington TTouch in dog training (Dr. Daniela Zurr)
Child & Dog – Prevention of Biting Incidents (Aurea Verebes)
Fear, panic, flight (Lecturer: Natalie Thaler, Dogspot South Tyrol)
Puppy coach training (at Ziemer&Falke training center for dog trainers)
Ongoing training to become a dog behavior consultant (at Ziemer&Falke training center for dog trainers)
Human & Dog Body Language (at Ziemer&Falke Training Center for Dog Trainers)
Medical history, behavioral counseling and training (with Kristina Ziemer-Falke)
Frustration (Vanessa Bokr)
Puberty in dogs (with Kristina Ziemer-Falke)
Body language work with the dog (Hellhound Foundation)
Aggression in dogs (Hellhound Foundation)
Breed-specific behaviors (with Kristina Ziemer-Falke)
Castration of dogs (with Kristina Ziemer-Falke)
Viva la Leash Training (Vanessa Bork)
Sniffing as a form of enrichment (with Kristina Ziemer-Falke)
Separation-related disorder (with Kristina Ziemer-Falke)
Dogs from animal shelters (with Jörg Ziemer)
Hormones (with Kristina Ziemer-Falke)
Academic education:
Studying biology (actively)
Completed studies in biotechnology
