From a young age, Alana had an unshakable love for animals - the kind that made her cry during animal movies and avoid nature documentaries altogether because they just hit too hard. Like many animal lovers, she thought becoming a vet was the only way to work with animals, but couldn’t see herself in a role surrounded by illness and heartbreak every day. She explored other paths like zookeeping or animal science, but life had other ideas.

She grew up with Mixy, a determined little dachshund who lived to 18 and taught her a lot about patience (and resource guarding). Later came Harley, the family’s English Staffy, who happily played along with her trick training and homemade training games - including an early version of scent work that involved hiding treats around the kitchen, long before she knew that "nosework" was an actual thing.

The real turning point came when she adopted Jana, a Great Dane x Bull Arab with her own set of behavioural challenges. Jana struggled with resource guarding, reactivity, and had very little interest in food or training. Helping her work through those behaviours became more than just a personal project - it lit the spark that would lead to a whole new career.

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After leaving the travel industry during COVID, Alana began working in animal welfare, first as a kennel assistant. From there, she moved into training, starting as an assistant and then taking on a full-time trainer role at a busy boarding and training facility. It was there she gained over 2,000 hours of practical experience, working with dogs of all breeds, temperaments and backgrounds. But eventually, it became clear that training inside four walls isn’t quite the same as training out in the real world. Outside, the possums are real. So are the skateboards.

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These days, Alana works one-on-one with dogs through enrichment walks, walk and train sessions, and private consultations. Her focus is on supporting dogs with behavioural needs, helping them build skills and confidence at a pace that suits them - and their humans.

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At home, she shares her life with Jana - her heart dog, soul dog, and greatest teacher. As Jana moves into her senior years, their focus has shifted to mobility and wellbeing. They now share a love for canine physiotherapy and strength work, and Alana is constantly finding new ways to fill Jana’s cup, just as Jana has filled hers.

Her connection with Tamika began as a passionate (and admittedly loud) student in Nosework classes. Her curiosity and love for learning stood out, and before long Tamika invited her to assist with assistance dog clients. That turned into something more - and now Alana proudly supports Goin’ Muttz clients in Sydney, running private training sessions and preparing to lead nose work classes and private nose work sessions.

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Alana’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that dogs shouldn’t be moulded into perfection - they should be given the freedom to be who they truly are. In a world full of rules and restrictions, she’s passionate about creating spaces where dogs can simply be dogs. She loves helping humans understand that connection is more important than control, and that training isn’t about fixing dogs, but about learning to listen to them. Because even though we don’t speak the same language, there’s something incredibly powerful in learning to grow and work together - side by side, with mutual trust, curiosity and respect.