Anny Deen

Owner & Operator

Experience & Background

Inspired by a lifelong love for animals, driven to transform passion into purpose.

Anny Deen decided to turn a lifelong passion into a small business in 2015, but her journey with animals began long before that decision. Her work with dogs is not a phase or a trend — it is the natural evolution of a calling she has carried since childhood.

Anny’s earliest experience working with animals began in the horse industry at age twelve, where she learned the foundations of handling, responsibility, and respect for animal behavior. From there, she built a small pet-sitting business in her hometown of Loomis, California, working consistently with animals throughout her teenage years.

Her professional direction shifted significantly after securing a position at a private foster kennel housing 35+ dogs, where she worked hands-on with hundreds of dogs across a wide range of breeds, temperaments, and behavioral challenges. During this time, she gained exposure not only to behavior work, but also to medical care, rehabilitation environments, and puppy development — including experience with whelping.

It was during this period that Anny was introduced to Eleza Kerfoot of Paws in Progress in Elverta, California. Under Eleza’s mentorship (2014–2015), Anny lived on-site and received immersive training in both dog handling and the business side of professional dog training. Together, they specialized in behavior modification for dog-aggressive dogs, and operated one of the few programs at the time that hosted structured socialization classes — not just for dogs, but for owners learning to read and manage their dogs in real social environments.

As their professional paths evolved, Anny branched off to focus on the aspects of the industry that aligned most deeply with her values. This led to the creation of NorCal Adventure Dog, a pet-sitting and adventure-based program that operated successfully from 2015 to 2019, serving approximately 25 dogs weekly. The program emphasized real-world exposure, structured outings, and thoughtful handling rather than confinement-based care.

In 2016–2017, Anny continued assisting Paws in Progress with group classes and client support while expanding her own work. She also pursued continued education, including:

• Tug Dogs Rescue 101 (2016, Elverta, CA)
• A four-day workshop with Jay Jack focused on relationship-building, flirt pole work, and dog reactivity (2016, Arizona)

By 2018, Anny had her first client transition into a shadow student, whom she mentored for approximately six months. That student went on to build a successful dog training business in Lincoln, California, marking the beginning of Anny’s role as a mentor within the industry.

Between 2018 and 2019, Anny expanded her operation, bringing on a second trainer and continuing to work with a high volume of dogs until a major life transition required relocating from Northern California to East Tennessee.

Alongside her training work, Anny has remained deeply involved in rescue. She has fostered for SIAR and Recycled Pets NorCal, and currently serves as a foster home for SHARP, the only local rescue in Polk County, Tennessee. She also brings experience from the professional breeding industry, with three years focused on responsible breeding practices and early puppy development, as well as time spent as a groomer’s assistant at Chattanooga Holistic Veterinary Clinic (2020–2021).

Today, when Anny is not actively training dogs or working within her breeding program, she is first and foremost a wife and mother of three, raising children ranging from toddler to teenager. This lived experience informs every aspect of her work. She understands firsthand the challenges of balancing family life while meeting a dog’s physical, emotional, and training needs.

Anny is committed to continuous growth — for herself, her clients, and their dogs. She studies with a wide range of trainers across the industry and believes that staying open to new perspectives is essential to remaining effective and grounded. What sets her apart is not just her ability to train dogs, but her dedication to empowering the humans attached to them. Clients are guided to understand why training works, not just how to apply it, building confidence that leads to sustainable change.

Her approach is realistic, structured, and deeply personal — designed to help families create routines that support progress without adding stress. The goal is never perfection, but clarity, balance, and lasting results that fit real life.

Committed to Growth

In the world of dog training, learning never stops. I continuously seek out opportunities to grow by studying with a wide range of trainers across the industry. While I’m grateful that many aspects of my work come naturally, I believe that staying open to new methods and perspectives is key to staying effective and grounded. What sets me apart is my commitment to not just training dogs—but empowering their humans. I take great pride in helping owners grow through personal development that naturally reflects in their relationship with their dog. My goal is always to ensure you understand why the training works, not just how to do it. With that understanding comes confidence—and with confidence, real, lasting results.

As a wife and mother, I understand firsthand how challenging it can be to juggle family life while making sure your dog gets the attention—and education—they need. It’s not always easy to find that balance. That’s why I work closely with my clients to help them create realistic routines that fit their lifestyle. Together, we’ll adjust what’s needed to make room for progress, so you can reach your training goals without adding more stress to your day.

My Evergrowing Experience

    As of January 2024

• 20 years in the Pet Sitting Industry

• Past Foster Parent for the following rescues: SIAR & Recycled Pets NorCal located in Northern California.

• Current foster home for Polk County, Tennessee only rescue (SHARP)

• 3 years of being in the Professional Breeder Industry

• 1 year of being Groomers Assistant at Chattanooga Holistic Vet (2020-2021)

• Late 2014 to 2015 - Paws in Progress, Eleza Kerfoot Mentorship. Lived on site and received detailed experience with not just dog training clients but also the business side.

• 2016 to 2017 - Assisted Paws in Progress with classes and such as needed.

• 2016 - Completed Tug Dogs Rescue 101-One Day Event, Elverta Ca (1 Day Event)

• 2016 - Completed a 4-day workshop on Building Relationships and working dogs on the flirt pole. dog reactivity with Jay Jack in Arizona.

• 2018 - Anny had her first client that became a shadow student for roughly 6months. This student is now operating a business located in Lincoln, Ca very successfully.

• From 2015 to 2019 - Anny operated NorCal Adventure Dog in Northern California very successfully. The Adventure program had roughly 25 attendees weekly.