Gaithersburg, MD
Angela Rae Madden is a dog trainer who started her journey with dog training when she and her husband adopted their first dog, Molly. The trainer at the time used a leather leash and a choker collar to coerce good behavior by punishing unwanted behavior. This made Molly more reactive. Angela Rae Madden has been training dogs for over 20 years and has seen the evolution of dog training methods. She now uses modern, science-based training techniques that capitalize on a dog's natural learning ability.
Angela Rae Madden's training philosophy is based on reward-based training. She believes in reinforcing desired behavior rather than punishing unwanted behavior. She also believes that training should be fun for both the dog and the owner.
Angela Rae Madden offers a variety of dog training services, including:
- Online Control Unleashed® Classes: These classes are for pet parents who want real-time coaching on skills from the comfort of home. Classes meet weekly on Zoom and are recorded for review. Lifetime access to class materials is included.
- Guided Online Control Unleashed® Classes: These classes are for pet parents who want the flexibility to go over the exercises on their own time. Written lessons and video demonstrations are provided. Standard students have access to all materials and may ask questions. Premier students enjoy the additional benefit of personalized coaching and feedback on their training videos.
- Control Unleashed® in Person at Your Dog's Friend: This class is for students who have completed Control Unleashed online and want to practice their skills in the classroom.
- Control Unleashed: Reactive to Relaxed: This class is for dogs who display reactive behavior (barking, lunging) toward other dogs. This class is not appropriate for people-reactive dogs.
- CU Out and About: This class is for students who have a strong grasp of Control Unleashed concepts and are ready to take their skills "on the trail."
- Private Training: Private training begins with a virtual consultation to review your dog's history in detail, discuss your individual needs and goals, go over expectations, and determine the right package for you. Following the initial consultation, training sessions are 60 minutes and usually take place once a week.
- CUED (Control Unleashed® Empowered Dogs): This is an online membership program for pet parents with reactive, anxious, or high-need dogs. It is a great way to continue your puppy or new dog's training beyond the basics. It is also a place to share your successes, get help, and encourage others on their training journey. It is a deep dive into the Control Unleashed program.
Angela Rae Madden is a Certified Control Unleashed® Instructor. She is also a member of the Pet Professional Guild.
Angela Rae Madden specializes in training dogs who are reactive, anxious, or high-need. She also offers training for puppies and new dogs.
Angela Rae Madden uses reward-based training methods. She believes in using positive reinforcement to teach dogs new behaviors. She also uses a variety of other training methods, such as clicker training and shaping.
“She is the best!”
“When I rescued my dog I knew I needed some help getting him started in his training. I was lucky enough to get Angie Madden...We learned so much from her. I still hear her voice in my head when I’m teaching Beau new skills. Angie is a very intuitive instructor with a wide base of knowledge about dogs. She is the best!”
“Angie is incredibly thoughtful in the way she teaches, tailoring each class to her students needs. She is a wonderful listener and goes above and beyond to make sure that the class is filled with positive experiences for the dogs.”
“This course has been invaluable for me! We've tried a number of training options before this, and I have always left feeling overwhelmed and intimidated. This course has really turned our training experience around. I have gained a stronger understanding of how to set Shadow up for success in training. The video and group exercise feedback provided targeted and specific ideas for improvement, helped me learn what to look for in her behavior, and overall made me feel more confident in our training sessions.”
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.
