When Sherri first reached out to me for help with her Sheep-a-Doodle, Elsa, she was hoping to improve leash manners and recall. What she didn’t expect, she later told me, was how much they would learn, too. That insight captures the heart of my work at Serenity Dog Training: it’s not just about training dogs – it’s about empowering the people who love them.
I started Serenity Dog Training in 2020 because I saw a real need in our community. The only options available relied on “balanced” or aversive methods, and I knew there was a kinder way. Families in our region deserved access to real positive reinforcement training. As a certified Family Dog Mediator and Fear Free Certified Professional, I wanted to offer something different – ethical, science-backed training that prioritizes the well-being of both dogs and their people.
My goal is always to meet families where they are, both literally and figuratively. I offer in-person sessions locally and virtual sessions via Zoom for those farther away – or for dogs who do best learning in the comfort home.
Clients often tell me how much they appreciate that flexibility. For Debra, whose German Shepherd Zodiak was showing signs of aggression, virtual training was a game-changer. “All I needed was my phone or iPad,” she told me. “Angela is a wealth of information. I wish I had found her before I ever had dogs!”
Others, like Catherine, found virtual sessions especially beneficial for reactive dogs. Her Pittie-Mastiff mix, Moose, was able to learn without the added stress of a stranger in the house. “It was so convenient, effective, and better than I ever expected,” she shared.
I work hard to tailor each plan to a dog’s unique needs – and to the lives of the humans who love them. For Kim and her adolescent Golden Retriever, Ari, that meant focusing on what mattered most and keeping communication clear. First-time dog guardians like Laura, who adopted a Blue Heeler mix named Maisey, have told me how helpful it is to have calm, kind guidance when things feel overwhelming.
And the results are lasting. “We took a beginner class with our dog Gus three years ago and still use Angela’s strategies every day,” said Joselyn.
My approach aligns with the recommendations of respected organizations like the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, the Pet Professional Guild, and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. These organizations all recommend rewards-based training and warn against aversive tools like prong collars, shock collars, and choke chains – which can actually increase fear and aggression.
Unlike hairstyling, massage therapy, or tattooing, dog training is still an unregulated profession – anyone can call themselves a trainer. That’s why credentials, methodology, and transparency matter. Ethical trainers won’t promise perfection and quick fixes. What we do promise is honesty, support, and empathy. Amanda, guardian to Badger, summed it up perfectly: “The biggest thing that stuck with me was Angela’s fear-free approach to training.”
You and your dog deserve to feel safe, understood, and empowered. At Serenity Dog Training, that’s what I strive to offer – effective training, grounded in science and compassion, and a true partner for the journey. How you train your dog matters, choose kindness.
Angela Bata is a certified Family Dog Mediator and Fear Free Certified Professional Trainer. She offers virtual and in-home training throughout Northern Minnesota and beyond.
Learn more at serenitydogtraining.com
