By Antonia Pfeiffer
My name is Toni, short for Antonia, and I am a Veterinary Technician and Dog Trainer from Germany.
Ever since I have been a child, I have loved animals, especially dogs. So it wasn’t a surprise to anyone when I chose my career. After adopting a dog from a shelter and working on her behavioral issues, I had a new goal: to become a trainer myself. And so I did.
My motto is:
Helping you understand your dog - and your dog understand you.
Building bonds, not just obedience, because a well behaved dog starts with a strong connection.
After graduating from high school in Germany, I traveled along the North Coast and spent time working on various farms in Germany and Sweden.
When I returned home, I knew I wanted a career working with animals. I enrolled in Veterinary school and became a Veterinary Technician, graduating with academic honors. I loved working with a wide range of pets and while I originally planned to continue on to become a Veterinarian, my heart was pulling me in a different direction: canine training.
When I first brought Nala home, she struggled with dog reactivity and lacked basic obedience. Working with a trainer, joining pack walks, and having a mentor by my side flipped a switch in me. I thought, How many others are going through the same thing? I knew I wanted to learn more and help.
Watching Nala grow into the confident, funny, and loving dog she is today showed me just how important it is to have fun with your pets. Caring for them, including them in family life, taking them on adventures, and doing things they enjoy—it all matters.
During my time in Korea, I had the privilege of leading a rescue organization through an incredible period of growth.
I secured a larger facility, built strong ties with Air Base leadership, and launched a base stray program that allowed us to take in animals found on base.
I also got featured in a Korea wide Air Force magazine which highlighted the work my team and I did at HBO!
Under my management, our volunteer team grew by 140%, and we reached record-breaking rehoming numbers.
That time taught me invaluable leadership, patience, and hands-on training skills. Working with a wide range of breeds, rescue cases, and unique personalities—both human and canine—helped shape the trainer and person I am today.
A few months into starting Toni's Dog Haus my family and I experienced a devastating loss. My training partner Nala sadly lost her fight against a hemangiosarcoma at just 8 years old.
Loosing her like this felt like loosing myself, my identity and reason to keep going with my business.
After a much needed break and rest, I am now back in business and will be concentrating mainly on training and pack walks.
Two felines are now helping my husband and I to navigate this still difficult time and slowly heal from this tremendous gap she left behind.
Mahalo, for everything.
I offer dog training with a focus on reconnection, desensitization, socialization, and building neutrality in various environments.
My approach combines general obedience, loose-leash work, and fostering a strong connection between dog and handler. I use positive reinforcement alongside clear boundaries and consistent guidelines—both inside and outside the home. Believing that there is no training program that fits all dogs, each plan is customized for your goals and your dogs needs.
Consultation: $45/hour
Training Sessions: $85/hour
Package Deal 5 hours: $400
Package Deal 10 hours: $800
🐶🐱🐹🐰 Dog walking and Drop in Visits
Just need someone to stop by during the day while you’re at work or out? I’ve got you covered!
This service is available for dogs, cats, and even small animals. I can help with walks, litter box or cage cleaning, feeding, and minor care tasks such as nail trimming, anal glands cleaning, or baths—those things you’d rather not do? I don’t mind at all!
Drop in Visit (Minimum of 30 minutes: Walk, clean, play or enrichment): $25
Regular Walk: $20
Trail walks: $30
Organized pack walks (family welcome as well): $15
Additional services or small animal care: Please reach out directly via form or email!
As part of my commitment to honoring the host culture of Hawai'i, I offer a discount for Native Hawaiian clients. Please feel free to reach out to ask about this pricing option. Mahalo for your trust and support.
In addition to being a licensed Veterinary Technician, I am a GoodPup Certified Trainer (GCT), and my business is fully insured through Pet Care Insurance.
I have also dedicated over 1,000 volunteer hours to training shelter animals and supporting their owners and in 2024, I was honored to be named Volunteer of the Year, a recognition I cherish because it reflects my passion for helping animals thrive.
Toni's Dog Haus Members over the years
Koa
Teddy and Murray
Popcorn
Wallace
Hayan
Zooma
Holly
Duke
Kylo
Albert and Squeegee
Luna
Little Bear
In Remembrance
The day your soul left this earth, was the day mine did too.
My heart no longer beats the same.
My eyes no longer see the same.
My mind no longer thinks the same.
While I am physically here, my soul is with you.
Bound together in the stars until we are reunited again.