Hannah Duncan
FFCP
Trainer
Hannah started her career in animal welfare as a caregiver at a local shelter while completing her undergraduate degree in production design at DePaul University. She quickly discovered her passion for animal behavior and dove headfirst into the world of canine and feline training. Through thousands of hours of hands-on experience, she garnered a deep understanding of science-backed, positive-reinforcement training.
Alongside her practical knowledge, Hannah is Fear-Free certified and has received her Karen Pryor Shelter Training and Enrichment certification. In 2025, she joined the behavior team at PAWS Chicago, helping manage over 50 canine and feline cases at any given time. Hannah leads advanced training classes and teaches low-stress, minimally invasive handling and clicker training to a large network of volunteers.
As shelters are stressful and overwhelming for even the most stable of animals, Hannah has seen and managed cases from grabby puppies to severe aggression. Caring for animals in their most vulnerable moments has shaped how she approaches her training. Hannah understands that building a trusting, collaborative relationship between an animal and their guardian is the most effective way to achieve lasting improvements. She utilizes a practical, holistic approach to training and behavior modification that prioritizes both the pet and the family. Trust that Hannah understands she is stepping into your home, your safe space, and is prepared to treat all clients with respect, dignity, and care.
In her free time, Hannah enjoys home improvement projects, reading, vintage shopping, and exercising with her fiancé. Their two cats, Elmer and Mabel, and their high-drive chihuahua terrier mix, Cricket, keep them busy and constantly laughing. Adopting a quirky shelter dog taught Hannah more about patience and dedication than any full-time training gig ever could. She has felt what many of you are feeling: overwhelmed, lost, and worried. Hannah is committed to helping guide you through your training journey with compassion and a commitment to excellence.
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