EURO-DOGS.eu is a joint project of the associations “VFBB – Association for Bonding and Relationship between Man and Animal” and the “TAT-WAZ”, is the scientific branch of “Animals as Therapy”, the oldest and largest training association for companion and therapy animals in Europe.
The umbrella organization “ESAAT” “European Society for Animal Assisted Therapy” – https://www.esaat.org – also acts as a supervisor for the training content and certification guidelines.
Dr. Beate Pottmann-Knapp
Board VFBB and TAT WAZ and ESAAT Project Management EURO-DOGS.eu
Psychotherapist, psychological counsellor, social and life counsellor with a special interest in animal-assisted work. Multiple book author on the subject of bonding and relationship between humans and animals. Responsible for the integration of the psycho-social challenges in the PSDeurope training and within the EUR-DOGS.eu, more ...
Dr. Beate Pottmann-Knapp studied psychotherapy sciences at the Sigmund Freud University of Vienna with a focus on how animals influence the human personality. She is particularly interested in the interplay of psyche and soma, i.e. spirit and matter. She therefore investigates the effects and effects of animals on the human psyche on the one hand, and trans-species communication on the other. As a psychotherapist, she has worked with children, adults and families. Her dog Gillike (Puli, Hungarian breed), a certified therapy dog, is always with her. Recently, she has started to give guest lectures to pass on her knowledge. Another book project is currently dealing with the socialization of puppies and attachment training.
She currently holds courses for further training in animal-assisted work in psychosocial fields of work and online supervision.
She looks after the PSDeurope project with great personal commitment. It is motivated by the deep conviction that humans and animals come from the same stage of evolution, share the same world and that only respectful cooperation points the way to the future.
René Black
Administration + WhatsApp support
Worked in healthcare for many years before having to quit his job due to health issues. He is a true nature and dog lover. He enjoys spending his free time outdoors with his beagle dog Leni.
We are pleased that he has agreed to join the PSDeurope Whatsapp group as an administrator.
Whatsapp group:
“Flying with PSDeurope”
Here we share experiences, give interesting info to the community and everything that concerns us and our dogs about traveling.
Chairwoman Helga Widder
Board of Directors tat-WAZ and ESAAT and management EURO-DOGS.eu
Trained animal and dog trainer for therapy and assistance dogs, founder of TAT and TAT-WAZ (Animals as Therapy), successful breeder of Hungarian shepherd dogs (Puli), president of the first Austrian Puliclub, more …
Stefanie Holzberger
PSDeurope Assistance Dog Trainer
Is a trained assistance dog trainer. After two years of experience as an employee, she started her own business. Today she runs her own training school for assistance dogs in Lucerne, Switzerland.
Stefanie is a PTSD team herself with her Italian running dog mix, Blake. They met by chance animal shelter at the Zurich Animal Protection – for life!
Dalmatian dog Charlie has found her home with Stefanie after 3 previous owners and makes the trio complete.
Stefanie speaks German, English and French!
We are very pleased that we were able to win her for PSDeurope. Not only does she fit our philosophy, she is a loving and patient and always has great tips on how to grow even better with your dog!
You can book individual coaching or training packages with Stefanie, and also get appointments at quite short notice.
You will receive the training confirmation with the documents at the end of the training.
Mag. Burkhard Knapp
Board vfbb and project coordination ESAeurope and EURO-DOGS.eu
Long-standing board member and managing director of various companies. Many years of experience in the training and keeping of dogs. Responsible for concept and implementation of the training guidelines of VFBB, PSDeurope and EURO-DOGS.eu as well as their coordination, more ...
Mag. Burkhard Knapp is responsible for technology, design, conception and administration within the VFBB and the projects PSDeurope and EURO-DOGS.eu.
He has always had dogs in his life and so it was not difficult to convince him of the importance and positive possibilities of EURO-DOGS.eu and PSDeurope.
I think that the idea of helping mentally ill people and their dogs play a good role in society is great and deserves any attention.
Rhonda Lepsch
PSDeurope Assistance Dog Trainer
Trained by Cesar Millan and his team at the Dog Psychology Centre in Santa Clarita, California, she is also a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP). She is currently in training to become a fully qualified assistance dog trainer for PSDeurope!
Rhonda Lepsch, founder of Jet Set Petz, has over 10 years of experience rescuing, raising, rehabilitating and housing discarded and abused dogs. Her personal pack consists of 38 dogs of various small and large breeds, all rescued.
With the motto“adopt – don’t shop“, she trains her animals individually for your needs before putting them up for adoption.