Get to know us
Brittany Engel - Wilkinson Owner & Head Trainer
Hi, I’m Brittany the owner and head trainer of Blue Ridge Canine Maryland. My husband Daniel and I have lived in Frederick Maryland with our four dogs Bud, Boomer, Baron, and Dottie since 2017. I’ve been training professionally since 2018 and have worked with dogs since 2015. I have always had a passion and deep love for animals since I was a little girl. I found my true calling for dog training after we brought home our border collie / cattle dog mix, Buddy. As he aged more challenging dangerous behaviors raised and we needed help. After seeing the transformation and progress Bud and I made through our training journey together I knew I wanted to do the same for other dogs and their families. He is my reason why and made me the trainer I am today.
I started my journey working in a training/daycare/boarding facility in Northern Virginia that specialized in rehabilitation and behavior modification. The knowledge and experience I gained from there was irreplaceable and something that most do not get to experience in their career. From there I met both of my mentor’s and apprenticed for two years under Krystal Inman and Alexa Hood studying canine behavior and psychology. After completion we partnered up with beautiful Sunchaser Kennels to help dogs and their owners through multiple board and train programs and private lessons. Our goal is to help make your relationship with your dog everything you’ve dreamed of and to have continued success after your training experience. To educate and help you have an overall better understanding of your canine family companion. Whether it’s for basic manners or more complex behavioral issues, we focus on teaching you how to effectively communicate with them and to create the relationship you desire.
The dog training world as well as training techniques are forever evolving. We should always be learning and growing as professional's. There is so much to learn from these amazing animals and so much that is still undiscovered. Though I have a ton of knowledge and experience under my belt working with hundreds of dogs in my career I am always open to new ways and continue to educate and learn from the very best in the industry by attending seminars, classes, and educational platforms/readings.
In my free time my husband and I enjoy hiking with our pack, going to local restaurants and breweries, spending time with family, and traveling as often as we can!
Devon Gray - Dog Trainer Apprentice
Hi, Im Devon! Animals have always been a big part of my life. I've had multiple family + personal dogs and I grew up training and competing horses; it took me all over the east coast and even up to Canada! I've always had a passion for animals but it wasn't until I started working at Sunchaser and met Brittany that I realized I had a real love for dog training. I watched the transformations of dogs from start to finish under Brittanys program. I knew immediately thats what I wanted my career path to be.
I started asking Brittany questions and seeking advice on training for my personal dogs. I eventually worked my way into helping with her client dogs and shadowing her. I officially enrolled in BRC's apprenticeship program October of 2022. I have been working along side and under Brittany learning everything from basic obedience / manners to behavior modification. So far I've gotten to work with many breeds and personalities learning to work through each dogs personal needs and goals utilizing many training methods.
My dogs have always been such an important part of my life. Being able to help other dog owners build a healthy relationship with their own dogs has been an incredible experience.
Hotch is my two year old GSP, he's a high drive boy with a ton of energy. I have fallen in love with the breed and have been working on different scents and retrievals. I have taken everything I've learned to bring out the best in him as well as learning hunt, tracking, and scent work to fulfill his natural drives. In my free time I also enjoy hiking, kayaking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Devon is currently enrolled in our dog trainer apprenticeship program and has been a great addition to the BRCMD family! Our immersive apprenticeship program includes hours of hands on training working side by side with Brittany, working directly with all of our clients, caring for dogs to excel in canine husbandry, as well as dedicated time to study top literature and leaders in canine behavior. We can't wait to se how far she'll go in her career!
Meet our pack
You’ll see them romping the property at sunchaser or assisting us with a client both two and four legged.
Boomer
Husky / Shepherd Mutt
Brittany's number one side kick and truly one of a kind. Boomer is the first dog your pup will be introduced to during their training stay with us. He’s social, confident, a keeps everyone in check. Boom is Britt's go to assistant for our fear cases and brings out the best in each dog that joins our pack.
Baron AKA BEEP
Black Labrador Retriever
Brittany's high drive, ball obsessed, nose work loving lab. Baron helps us proof dogs down stays and place commands. He makes for a great distraction when we’re working on overall impulse and neutrality.
Bud
Border Collie / Cattle Dog Mix
Brittany's first personal dog and reason. Bud and Brittany were once where most dog owners are today; struggling. Once she received the knowledge and training they needed for his success she knew she wanted to help people and dogs with similar issues reach their goals and have the best relationship possible with their dogs. Bud now enjoys his retired life; chillin on the sofa or his fluff bed, barking at airplanes, and going on an occasional swim or hike.
Dottie
Brussels Griffon
Brittany's newest little gal. She is going to be a great demo for our smaller clients as well as a fantastic distraction and friend for all of our dogs in training. We can’t wait to see what this little girl does as she matures!
Hotch
German Shorthaired Pointer
Devons two year old high energy boy. Like Baron Hotch enjoys helping us proof behaviors and makes for a great distraction for our trainees especially when a ball is involved. He loves to track, hunt, and run with his bestie Boomer.
Parker
GSP
The Newest addition to Devon's pack. This girl is full of drive and personality. She has some big shoes to fill and will be the perfect demo for Devon's clients. Parker has been a great friend to all of our Puppy Camps bringing out the best in confidence and play.