

Angela shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Angela, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I like to start my mornings with the sunrise and keep the first hour completely phone-free. I’ll meditate, walk my dogs, get a workout in on most day, and then shower. After that it’s coffee, a quick look at my calendar, and I’m ready to start the day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Angela, owner and founder of GentleWolf Dog Training.
GentleWolf stands for balance, structure, and freedom—the belief that a well-trained dog is the result of a calm, reliable partnership between human and dog in addition to reliable commands. We don’t just focus on commands; we teach both sides how to truly understand and trust each other.
While I feel grateful to work as a trainer, my heart also lies with rescue support and fostering. We often work with dogs that are more challenging—those others have struggled with or even given up on—and those experiences remind me that every dog, no matter their past, deserves the chance to succeed and every owner a chance to grow with them.
GentleWolf has since grown into a small team with a lot of heart and soul. We operate as multi-location training company in the U.S. and Europe, and are currently building a trainer academy to share this approach and our knowledge with others.
At its heart, though, the mission stays the same: to give dogs and their humans the structure, freedom, and trust they need to truly thrive together.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
Honestly, the greatest teachers have been the dogs themselves—and every mistake I’ve made along the way. Each dog shows me something new about patience, communication, and resilience, and those lessons keep me growing as a trainer and as a person. They also motivate me to pass that knowledge on—to my team, to every dog and their owner we work with, and to anyone who wants to learn from us. My goal is always to create a safe setting with the right circumstances so both people and dogs can truly grow and succeed.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely—there were times I failed, struggled, and questioned whether it would all work out or if I was in over my head. Building something meaningful isn’t a straight path; it comes with doubt, setbacks, and moments where giving up seems easier. But looking back, every challenge taught me something I couldn’t have learned otherwise, and I truly believe it all happens for a reason.
Today, I feel nothing but gratitude to be surrounded by the incredible people I get to call my team and the wonderful clients who trust us. GentleWolf couldn’t exist without them, and it’s their dedication and belief in the mission that remind me every day why we never give up.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
The cultural value I protect at all costs is integrity—doing right by the dog, the owner, and the process, even when it’s not the easiest path. For me, that means creating a safe, respectful environment where people and dogs can grow without judgment, and where honesty and compassion guide every step. In our team culture, integrity also means holding ourselves accountable, supporting one another, and staying true to our mission of balance, structure, and freedom.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes—because at the end of the day, my motivation doesn’t come from praise, it comes from purpose. Working with dogs and their people is deeply meaningful to me, and I know the impact it has on their lives, even if no one says ‘thank you.’ Every time a dog finds calm where there was once chaos, or an owner feels hope where there was only frustration, that’s enough. Giving my best is about staying true to myself and the mission of GentleWolf—because the work matters, whether it’s recognized or not.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gentlewolfdogtraining.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gentlewolfdogtraining?igsh=NXp1dDNha2pjazgw&utm_source=qr