Bellingham, WA
Angela Lenz
Angela began working with animals professionally in 1989. She received her license with Washington State as a Veterinary Technician in 1991 and applied animal behavior in 1993. She began Tails-A-Wagging in 1997 as owner and lead trainer.
Angela’s focus in training is to help people learn how to communicate with their dogs to further their relationship with each other, using science-based, dog-friendly, reward-based training methods.
Services
Tails-A-Wagging offers group and private lessons, with many trainers on staff who all work with only reward-based, dog-friendly, fear-free practice to help you and your dog achieve the goals you set for you.
Certifications
- AKC Canine Good Citizen Certified
- APDT
- CPDT-KA
- Doggone Safe Bite Prevention Certified
- Fear Free Certified
Specializations
Canine Body Language and dog-to-dog communication, with a particular interest in fear and aggression in small breeds.
Training Methods
- science-based
- dog-friendly
- reward-based training methods
Customer Reviews
The Nissen Family: Angi, and Cam at Tails have all been absolutely wonderful to work with. Everyone is helpful, friendly and willing to share their expertise to help you develop the very best dog possible. My husband and I rely on the “village” to help get our very energetic boxer puppy the training, exercise and socialization she needs to develop into the kind of dog that is a joy to be around. And when I’ve asked for additional resources, I received more than anyone could expect: extremely thorough explanations to questions, links to videos and third party tools, and ideas to try to work through specific issues. Our family went through both puppy pre-school and puppy prep classes at Tails. Solid basic training for my husband (his first puppy) and myself (oh, how much you can forget in 12 years!) Of course it was great for the puppy too, but I don’t kid myself. Those classes were as essential for getting our family into “learning mode” as it was critical training for our puppy. Yes, they do have high expectations, and there is not much sugar coating when there is work to be done. But if your goal is to help your dog into being the best they can be so that you can enjoy their polite doggy companionship forever after…. Tails is the place to go.
Kristen and Scout: Jen, Thank you so much for your notes and for a wonderful training session last Thursday morning! And thank you for noticing so many wonderful things about Scout; we’ve had a few training sessions in the past that were more focused on her reactive behaviors than on her. This is going to sound a bit silly to you, maybe, but I hadn’t realized how much a difference it would make for me when I feel like the trainer we’re working with genuinely likes and enjoys Scout
Sharon and Marie: Jen, I’ve also been meaning to let you know how much your class helped us! We are continuing to utilize and expand upon not only the techniques you taught us but also the broader concepts behind those techniques (engagement-disengagement, calmness, focus). Your class has really been life-changing for our little canine family! Just in the last few weeks, I was able to vacuum while Tui played fetch in the house AND we went on a 9 day van camping trip with the dogs that was more successful (with a lot of planning and preemptive management) and fun than I could have imagined a few months ago!
Debi: We love TAW. It’s not just a place to drop your dog off so you can go to work… it’s school for your puppers. They work hard on training, socialization, and BIG LOVES. Have a question? They will answer. Dealing with bad behavior? They will train you so you can train your dog. They have expectations on dog behavior, and they expect owners to be willing to work with their dogs at home. But the outcome is a well-mannered, sweet, happy dog. Our sweet boy loves to be at school and always has big snuggles for the trainers there.
Kristen and Scout: Jen, Thank you so much for your notes and for a wonderful training session last Thursday morning! And thank you for noticing so many wonderful things about Scout; we’ve had a few training sessions in the past that were more focused on her reactive behaviors than on her. This is going to sound a bit silly to you, maybe, but I hadn’t realized how much a difference it would make for me when I feel like the trainer we’re working with genuinely likes and enjoys Scout.
Penny: I just wanted to update you and your staff and tell them what an awesome private lesson I had with Jess and Penny.
I’m seeing her again next Friday with my mom and nephew here and she did a fantastic job answering my questions, providing me with education and homework, and showing me just what Penny is capable of.
Maybe it’s a pug thing, or a dog thing, but she really loves to show off how great she is at following commands and prompts with your staff while choosing not to listen to her own mother!
Now I have a pooped puglet ready for a well-deserved nap!
I just wanted to thank you and your staff and Jess for all the great work you’ve done with Penny. It is so appreciated.
Michelle and Kevin Waltz: They are the best! During our Bellingham years our 145 lb Newfie mix was a regular. They taught him how to be a gentleman big dog. They employed him as a patient temperament tester for rambunctious newbies. When he grew old and a little less patient they let him be a front office dog and greeter. He had a wonderful social life in large part to Tails-a-Wagging. We will always be grateful and they hold a special place in our heart.
Amy Bruce: I attended another wonderful lecture of [Angi’s] last night – The barking lecture at Whatcom Humane Society. I want to thank you for the information. I also attended your other lectures recently at [Tails-A-Wagging]. Lauren also did a home visit and we attended puppy kindergarten. And you may remember Kurt, my 6 month 5 pound chihuahua mix from puppy preschool. The information I have received from you and your staff has been fantastic and I’m sure it’s why Kurt is so well adjusted and happy. Thank you!
Chris E: I’ve taken two classes with Tails A Wagging and I will definitely be coming back for more. They worked wonders with my leash aggressive cockapoo and my deaf cockapoo, who took the Managing the Growlies and Ruff Around the Edges classes respectively. The trainers really know how to work with dogs and their humans and the methods used in the Growlies class allow me to walk my dog in peace. They use all positive reinforcement and I am much closer to my dogs than before. My dogs also love class.
The staff are amazing at Tails, and they really care about the dogs. I completely trust them. Thank you Tails-A-Wagging!!
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.
Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.
Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.
Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.
Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.
All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.
Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.
Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.
