About me

My name is Vassianna, and I’m an animal scientist and dog trainer. I hold an integrated master’s degree in animal sciences from the Agricultural University of Athens in Greece, as well as a second master’s from Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands, where I focused on dog behaviour.

Alongside my studies, I’ve been actively involved in dog training and dog sports clubs since 2016. Over the years, I've attended seminars, workshops, and courses, gaining both hands-on experience and further expertise in various areas, including applied behaviour analysis, play development, obedience, aggression, separation anxiety, and scent detection. Driven by a mindset of continuous growth, I’m currently following the year-long Master Trainer Course offered by the Scandinavian Working Dog Institute.

About The Dog First

The more I studied and worked with dogs, the more I realised how effective training becomes when theory and hands-on experience are combined. That principle shaped my approach, and it’s what led me to start this new project.

In the world of dog sports, there’s a well-known saying: 'Love the dog first, the sport second'. That line is the inspiration behind the name The Dog First, and it captures what this project is all about. It’s a reminder that training should always begin with the dog: how they learn, what they need, and how to build a shared language that works for both ends of the leash. Training isn’t just about shaping behaviour. It’s also about giving people the tools to work with their dogs with clarity, confidence, and purpose. When the dog comes first, success in training follows naturally.