About Us

Like many trainers, Hannah was drawn into serious dog training when she acquired a “special needs” rescue, a hound-mix named Sam. Initially, Sam was unable to walk past another dog or person without barking and lunging aggressively. Although she had trained her own dogs before, Sam was quite a challenge. Hannah was embarrassed and frustrated by his anti-social behavior, but she knew that she was Sam’s only chance, so she set out to learn everything she could about dog training and behavior. She read every book she could get her hands on, and attended every class, workshop, and seminar she could find. Through hard work and experimentation, Hannah was able to turn him from a very reactive, fear-aggressive dog to a Canine Good Citizen and then to a competition obedience dog.

Hannah Branigan, MS CPDT-KA KPA-CTP

Train smarter.

After 7 years directing a training and behavior program for a group of busy vet hospitals in Raleigh, Hannah founded Wonderpups, a company dedicated to enriching the lives of dogs and their owners through modern dog training. She utilizes her education and experience to help owners understand and influence their dogs’ behavior. As a result, owners develop a relationship with their dogs built on trust and clear communication. Hannah’s techniques are simple, quick, effective, and above all, enjoyable for both the dog and owner.

Hannah has been training dogs and teaching people for over 10 years. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) and a graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior. Her background is in Biology with a bachelor’s from NC State, and a master’s from UNC- Chapel Hill. She is committed to continuing education and regularly attends behavior conferences and training seminars to bring the most up-to-date information to her clients.

His UKC- Companion Dog title was earned in in three consecutive showings runs with placements. Sam taught her a great deal about motivation, relationship, and confidence building, both in everyday life and in the ring. People noticing Sam’s transformation from a “problem dog” to a competitor, began asking for lessons. Other dog owners asked Hannah to teach her techniques and methods. So, Hannah began the transition from dog hobbyist to professional dog trainer.

Hannah has titled her dogs in conformation, obedience, schutzhund, agility, and rally. Her Belgian Tervuren, Stormy, earned her AKC Utility Dog title with three first placements. Hannah’s current trial dog (also a Tervuren), Gambit, has earned his AKC Companion Dog, and Companion Dog Excellent, and UKC- Companion Dog titles, each in three consecutive showings with scores that qualified him for two Front & Finish Award of Excellence (FFX) gold awards and an FFX platinum award; he has, and earned a few High in Trial awards along the way.

Click here to watch Hannah and Gambit’s winning run at the C2P2 Rally Trial on Jun 12, 2010.