Community Highlights: Meet Angela Buschmann of Gentle Wolf Dog Training

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Buschmann.

Hi Angela, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Germany, and that’s where my journey with dogs truly began. I was always drawn to the deeper “why” behind behavior—what drives dogs, how they communicate, and how we can build better relationships with them through structure, clarity, and trust. That passion led me to start Gentle Wolf Dog Training—a company rooted in a balanced, relationship-based approach to training.

Even before working closely with shelters and rescues, I was already helping owners build stronger bonds with their dogs. But my time in the South of the U.S.—especially working in high-pressure shelter environments—challenged and expanded everything I knew. It also showed me the urgent need for more well-rounded trainers who could navigate both the theory and the reality of working with complex dogs.

That’s what led to the creation of the Gentle Wolf Trainer Academy—a program designed to pass on what I’ve learned to a new generation of trainers who can make real, lasting change in their communities.

Kansas City is our first expansion beyond Alabama, and it’s no accident. With the launch of our academy program, we’ve been able to train and support our incredible local trainer, Hollis, who is now the heart of our Kansas City presence. She’s working closely with me to bring the core of Gentle Wolf to life here—shifting mindsets, supporting owners, and helping dogs and their humans become a better team, one session at a time.

We’re excited to grow with the KC community and to keep showing that dog training, at its best, is about connection, not control.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road—far from it at times. I’ve come to believe that the hard roads are the ones worth walking. Failure has been part of the journey from the start, and honestly? I wouldn’t trade it. Every misstep, every challenge, every moment where I questioned if it was all working—it taught me something. It shaped Gentle Wolf into what it is today.

This work isn’t about perfection. It’s about perseverance and the believe to make a change. Owning a business as so many things in life is about waking up each day and choosing to show up—even when the odds feel stacked against you. There were times in the early days where I had to fight to be taken seriously, to prove that a balanced, relationship-driven approach using body language and yourself as a tool before blindly putting a tool on your dog could not only work—it could change lives.

It’s not the tool that trains the dog but the tool behind the tool (the human). Only once that relationship and communication is clear, we can talk about adding anything to the mix.

And now? We’re seeing it happen. We’re helping dogs that others gave up on or don’t want to touch. We’re empowering owners who thought they had no hope. And with our trainer academy and our incredible trainer Hollis leading the way in Kansas City, we’re not just growing—we’re creating real impact.

It hasn’t always been easy. But we’ve kept showing up. And we’re building something powerful, one success story at a time.

We are only just getting started and are so excited for everything that’s to come and great connections we will make along the way!

As you know, we’re big fans of Gentle Wolf Dog Training . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Gentle Wolf Dog Training, we specialize in helping dogs and their humans build better relationships—ones rooted in clarity, calm leadership, and mutual trust. We work with everything from puppies to serious behavior cases, but our heart is in helping the dogs that other programs often overlook—the ones labeled “difficult,” “reactive,” or “too much.”

What sets us apart is our balanced, holistic approach. We’re not stuck in one method or trend—we focus on what the dog in front of us actually needs. That might mean leash skills, impulse control, clear communication, or rebuilding confidence from the ground up. Every plan is personalized. Every session is intentional. And every dog is treated with respect, structure, and care.

We’re known for stepping in where others back away. Whether it’s a fearful rescue, a frustrated owner, or a high-energy pup with no off-switch, we bring the tools and mindset to guide both the dog and the human toward success.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of what Gentle Wolf represents: calm, clear, capable leadership—without ego, extremes, or gimmicks. We’re here to help people not just control their dogs, but understand them. Our Trainer Academy reflects that too—we’re raising the bar for what it means to be a dog trainer in today’s world.

In Kansas City, we offer private training, structured walking programs, and in-depth coaching that meets clients where they are. With our local trainer Hollis leading the charge, backed by my mentorship and our Gentle Wolf method, we’re excited to be part of a shift in how dog training is done here.

At the end of the day, we want readers to know this: you don’t need to “fix” your dog. You just need the right tools, the right mindset, and a trainer who believes in both of you. That’s what Gentle Wolf is here for.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There’s no way Gentle Wolf would be where it is today without the people who’ve stood beside me, challenged me, believed in me, and helped bring this vision to life.

First, my mentors back in Germany—thank you for being my sounding board and my steady support through the years. Even from across the world, you’ve always been there, offering wisdom, honesty, and encouragement when I needed it most.

I’m also incredibly grateful for the colleagues I’ve had the privilege of working with internationally. The conversations, collaborations, and shared passion for helping dogs continue to inspire me every day. There’s nothing like being part of a global community that’s pushing for better—not louder—training.

To Hollis: thank you for trusting me and taking the leap of faith to launch our Kansas City location. You are building something truly special, and it’s an honor to walk beside you as you shape the Gentle Wolf presence here. Your heart, work ethic, and dedication are making a real difference, one client at a time.

To my Birmingham team—thank you for showing up, day in and day out, with integrity, passion, and purpose. The way we collaborate, challenge each other, and always put the client and dog first has helped shape not just our process, but our culture. I couldn’t ask for a better team to grow with.

And last but absolutely not least—Sarah. The true backbone of Gentle Wolf. Without you, none of this would exist. Your belief in this vision, your dedication, and the countless things you do behind the scenes make everything possible. I couldn’t do this without you, and I’m beyond thankful for everything you do—for me, for the dogs, and for this dream.

I’m incredibly lucky to be surrounded by people who not only share my mindset but are also ready to grow, lead, and keep raising the standard in this industry. That’s what makes this journey so powerful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gentlewolfdogtraining.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gentlewolfdogtraining?igsh=NXp1dDNha2pjazgw&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GentleWolfDogTraining