Angela van den Ham Dog Trainer

I’ve owned large-breed dogs for nearly 30 years, and Rhodesian Ridgebacks have always been my breed of choice. Even with that experience, I wanted to improve my dog-training skills. It became clear that I wasn’t going to accomplish that on my own, so I decided to seek professional help. I connected with Angela and her assistant, Katie, and attended my first group class. I’ll be honest: my first impression wasn’t very positive. I was being asked to use a type of collar that society often teaches us to avoid, and I was hearing ideas that were very different from what we’ve come to accept as “normal” online. I went home that evening feeling disappointed and skeptical. That night, I did some serious soul-searching. I realized that maybe I was the one who needed the training. So I committed to completing the entire group training course, following the instructions exactly as taught, and reserving judgment until the end. By the time we finished, I can honestly say the experience was worth far more than I paid, and the results were nothing short of impressive. One of the biggest differences with Angela’s program is that you’re not confined to a controlled training environment. The classes take place in the real world, with real distractions, in places you would naturally take your dog. We trained in parks filled with people walking and living their lives, on bike trails with cyclists and children, at beaches with wind, water, and unfamiliar smells, and on busy sidewalks with traffic, crosswalks, cafés, and outdoor dining. Although treats aren’t discouraged, I learned they aren’t always necessary. Angela teaches that your attention, timing, and communication can become the highest-value reward for your dog — and, more importantly, she explains why. I was also taught how to properly use a specific collar, not as a tool for punishment, but as a form of communication and protection for my dog. Over time, verbal commands became far less necessary because I learned how to communicate effectively through the leash and collar. The amazing part was that my dog seemed to understand it immediately — almost as if he had been waiting for me to learn. My single biggest takeaway was learning to control myself. Some people call it “energy,” but in reality, our moods, patience, confidence, and mindset subtly change our body language and even our chemistry. Dogs pick up on that instantly. This was one of the most powerful and effective lessons Angela taught me, and it changed everything. From there, it became a matter of refining my communication skills with my dog — learning simple, effective ways to manage everything from leash anxiety and passing other dogs calmly, to addressing food aggression between two dogs. Angela has become someone I continue to consult with, and that relationship has been one of the more valuable investments I’ve made in recent years. Angela's training class was remarkable, and worth every moment. You'll love the supportive group atmosphere.