At the Gompm Alm in Schenna, South Tyrol, the second season of a specialized tourist and professional concept has begun, combining alpine gastronomy with canine training.
The project combines dog-friendly dining with professional dog training and educational facilities in a central location in the South Tyrolean mountains. Behind the initiative is Tina Ziemer-Falke, a dog trainer and instructor from northern Germany, who, together with her team, has established the mountain hut as a meeting place and training center. The project aims to offer dog owners and professionals a practical infrastructure beyond traditional seminar rooms.
The initiators run the Ziemer & Falke training center in Germany, which focuses on the training and continuing education of dog trainers. This core expertise is now being transferred to the alpine pasture in the Passeier Valley as part of the project, in order to offer specific training courses to vacationers, day visitors, dog schools, and professional groups. Structured seminars, workshops, and practical sessions are regularly held on the alpine pasture. The topics covered include leash training on alpine trails, the analysis of canine body language, encounter and recall training, as well as targeted relaxation and enrichment exercises for pets.
A key element of the concept is the alpine hut's culinary focus. In addition to traditional South Tyrolean dishes for human guests, the establishment offers a separate menu for dogs, including dog dumplings, special menus, snacks, and dog ice cream. The hut's infrastructure has been adapted to the animals' needs, with standard dog bowls and blankets provided, along with a kiosk selling homemade dog biscuits. Separate retreat areas and increased spacing between tables have been created for dogs with behavioral issues or those who are stressed and require more distance from other dogs.
The offering is complemented by accompanying media and product lines, including a dedicated podcast, a magazine, video formats, and a signature spirit. A novel set in a mountain hut is also planned for release in summer 2026. The training center strategically utilizes its South Tyrol location to expand its nationwide training network in Germany, offering free informational webinars for prospective buyers and aspiring dog trainers to further establish the profession within the market.