About

Paul Anthony has been training dogs professionally since the late 1980s, bringing nearly 40 years of hands-on experience to the craft. His journey with dogs began as a young boy, shortly after losing his mother at the age of eight. Surrounded by dogs growing up, Paul found in them both comfort and purpose—sparking a lifelong calling that would evolve into Champion Canine.

As a balanced trainer, Paul believes in honoring the natural structure of canine learning. His philosophy is rooted in realism and respect: dogs need both reward and correction, just like their mothers provide from birth. He evaluates each dog as an individual and selects the right approach and tools based on their specific temperament, needs, and behavior patterns. “Some dogs need more of this, some need more of that—it depends on the dog,” he says.

Paul specializes in protection work, obedience training, and behavior modification. He’s best known for helping complex dogs find clarity and purpose, and for building powerful partnerships between dog and handler. Many of Paul’s students in the area have gone on to become successful dog trainers themselves—testament to the lasting influence of his mentorship and training philosophy.

Paul has also trained and relied on his own PTSD service dogs—Bubba and the legendary Finn. Today, he’s working with Finn’s grandson, Apollo, to become his next service dog. This personal connection to the healing power of dogs fuels Paul’s deep compassion and commitment to his clients, especially veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors.

A former police officer, Paul was among the first responders at the tragic crash of US Air Flight 427—an experience that shaped both his perspective and his path forward with dogs.

Champion Canine is more than a training business—it’s a mission to raise the standard of dog ownership and showcase the true potential of the canine-human bond. Paul lives and trains with his own pack of working dogs, including 7 Belgian Malinois, 2 German Shepherds, a bulldog, and a kelpie.

Among his proudest accomplishments is his dog Finn, who represented the USA in five Mondioring World Championships and once in the prestigious FMBB (Fédération Mondiale du Berger Belge). Together, Paul and Finn placed 3rd at the Mondioring World Championships in Russia and 6th at the FMBB. Over the course of their career, Finn competed more than 30 times across Mondioring Levels 1 through 3 and qualified in Level 3 on 23 occasions. Paul also competed with his dog D’Sonoffinn, who earned a Mondioring Level 2 title before his untimely passing. Their journey spanned competitions across the U.S. and Europe, including France, Spain, Russia, the Czech Republic, and Poland.

Paul lives with his wife Annette, and together they enjoy time with their daughters Taylor and Jess, and their granddaughter Willow—three generations who share his love for animals and family.

Whether you’re working through behavior issues, building obedience, or seeking elite-level protection training, Paul brings deep experience, clarity, and compassion to every case.

Hi, I'm Annette Anthony! I have competed in Mondioring OB with my German Shepherd, Pesci earning his OBJ1. I am now competing with my 4 year old Belgian Malinois, Intro. So far we have earned our MR1. I am training with my two younger Malinois, Bonnie and Achilles to be future competitors. I got into canine fitness because of my female German Shepherd, Pippa after she tore her ACL at 15 months old. The process of getting her strength and mobility back was so interesting to me so, I decided to take the necessary courses needed to improve my education and my ability to help other dogs that need canine fitness and recovery help also!

• Associates degree in Business Management & Marketing
• Owner of Puppy Face Pet Parlor - Monaca, PA
• Certified Professional Groomer with high honors
• COVID-19 Pet Grooming Certified.
• Certified Pet Masseuse
• Pet CPR & First Aid Certified
• Pet Psychology Certification
• Active Dog Training Certified
• Certified Raw Dog Food Nutrition Specialist
• Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer (CPCFT)
• Certified Canine Good Citizenship (CGC) Evaluator

...