Welcome To

Hello there!

I’m Alex. I am an Abu Dhabi-based dog trainer.
My academy is on a mission to help create well-balanced and happy dogs by providing the best training, tools & techniques.

About Me

Welcome to Happy Hounds Academy!

I’m the founder, a certified dog trainer, and passionate dog lover based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. With 10 dogs of my own, I’m proud to have a diverse pack of five different breeds: Borzois, Salukis, Malinois, Chihuahuas, and a Mastiff. Six of my dogs are trained for dog shows, showcasing my expertise in conformation training as well as behavior and obedience.

I come from Finland and grew up in Greece and Sweden till my early 20s. Prior to opening my own dog training academy, I spent 30 years working in telecommunications and the defense industry in various countries.

At Happy Hounds Academy, I’m dedicated to sharing my knowledge and passion for dogs, helping owners build lasting relationships with their furry companions, and providing expert training services in obedience, behavior, and conformation. Thank you for visiting, and I look forward to helping you and your dog achieve success!

Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one is a life diminished.

– Dean Koontz

Services

I always start with a consultation visit to understand what you want for your puppy or dog and from there I will create a plan that suits you and your dog in order to achieve best possible results.

Group Training

Coming Soon

Learn More

Dog Show Training / Conformation

Learn More

Pricing

COnsultations

AED300.00

per hour

(included in the 5 and 10-session packages)

SINGLE SESSION

AED625.00

1 Hour session

5 SESSIONS

AED2700.00

5 x 1 Hour sessions

10 sessions

AED5250.00

10 x 1 Hour sessions

Virtual training

AED400.00

1 Hour session

show handler

AED350.00

1 dog per show

Dog show training/conformation

–

price based on scope

Book Now

Download the waiver form here

Testimonials

“I am so fortunate to have met Alex and receive her support in training my dogs. She has trained my dogs in basic obedience, helped with some behavioral issues at home, and guided me on how to present them in the show ring. She is calm, confident, and oozes professionalism. Abu Dhabi is very fortunate to have a professional-qualified dog trainer to assist owners support their dogs to be happy, confident and well-mannered family members.”

Marie Brelsford-Smith – Al Ain

Happy Customer

“I reached out for help as a first-time owner and Happy Hounds Academy reached out. They went through puppy basics with me and my family. This was of great help and made me feel empowered and confident.”

Dina – Abu Dhabi

Happy Customer

Alex from Happy Hounds Academic took over our 2 babies when we were desperate as their behavior was becoming overwhelming for us but also everyone around us!
The training is enjoyable for the dogs and Alex is an invaluable source of patience and knowledge. But most of all you can see the passion in her eyes, she trains your dogs as if they were hers. The 2 of us worked hard as a team, now I maintain the training at home with my family, which takes time and effort but is definitively worth it as I can still see improvements every day, so the dogs are on the right track. I would strongly recommend Alex, working with her has been the best decision we ever made for our dogs!

Brunella – Yas Acres – Abu Dhabi

Happy Customer

Alex came into our home and instantly had an aura about her that you just knew life was about to change thanks to Alex – for the better! We cannot believe the change in our dogs. Going from barking at people coming into the house, sleeping on the sofa, not listening, pulling on walks, lunging, dominating each other, teasing the cats, barking outside and much more. Now they sleep on their beds, walk calmly by the side, don’t greet guests, leave the cats alone, and they respect us and listen to our commands. Of course, it’s not just training the dogs, Alex, also trained us! We had to learn the ‘new’ way to live and the ‘house rules’ which, not going to lie, at first was really hard but seeing the change in the dogs after just the initial session, it was worth it! The change in their behaviour is incredible. They are more confident, happy, calm and settled dogs now. And we are happier knowing they are in a content state of mind. Obviously, we still have work to do but I cannot believe the progress the dogs have made and the effect that Alex’s training has had on them and our family. We are forever grateful. Alex is calm, and explains everything to you so you decide together the methods of training. She has a wonderful energy about her and brings that into the training. I have and will continue to recommend her to anyone wanting their dog to behave ‘better’. The only thing I regret is not getting her to come and help our family sooner!! Thank you Alex, you’ve been amazing 😊❤️🙏

Natasha D. – Yas Acres – Abu Dhabi

Happy Customer

Amazing training, definitely to anyone considering getting lessons. Very motivated and compassionate trainer. Explains everything in great detail.

Talal – Abu Dhabi

Happy Customer

Honestly, the best trainer I’ve ever met, if not the best in the world. I was on the verge of giving up on my pupper until the stubborn, dominant little boy met her. Alex didn’t just help train Mr Peanutbutter, she made sure I knew how to deal with every single tough situation i’ve faced with him. The biting, the barking, potty mishaps, by every session my pupper was becoming a better friend and it’s safe to say he is a true gentleman at just 5 months old. The amounts of youtube videos and google searches I’ve done do not equal to even one visit from Alex, and even when times get tough, every time I’ve messaged her for help, she’d have several solutions catered SPECIFICALLY to the, now good, boy.
There’s just one problem, and it’s that Mr Peanutbutter misses her a lot and demands more visits!

Saeed – Abu Dhabi

Happy Customer

Best money spent was recruiting Alex to help train our 3 dogs Cocker spaniels and Lab mix. Alex clearly has a passion for animals, is very knowledgable and friendly. She has not only trained our dogs but helped us better understand our dogs behaviour as well as help us put in place effective systems especially to defuse difficult situations with other dogs. We have learned so much listening to her advice and will continuing using her as a refresher for our dogs as it has brought such good results!

Rita – Abu Dhabi City

Happy Customer

Hello there!

About Me

Services

Pre-pet Awareness

Puppy Training (<6 months)

Obedience Training

Problem-Solving Workshops

Group Training

Dog Show Training / Conformation

Pricing

COnsultations

AED300.00

SINGLE SESSION

AED625.00

5 SESSIONS

AED2700.00

10 sessions

AED5250.00

Virtual training

AED400.00

show handler

AED350.00

Dog show training/conformation

–

Testimonials

Blog (coming soon)