Angie Madden, CPDT-KA, CCUI

My Background:

I graduated from the University of Maryland with a B.S. in Biology and the intention to become a veterinarian.  After working part-time as a veterinary technician, I realized that I wanted to work with animals in a different capacity.  I learned the joys of training at the Pets Ahoy show in Sea World Orlando and transferred those skills to my job as a Feline Keeper at the Central Florida Zoo.  I completed the AZA Animal Training Applications in Zoo and Aquarium Settings course and became a Carnivore Keeper at the Denver Zoo.  

When I left the zookeeping profession, I attended an ABMA conference where Lindsay Wood Brown gave an amazing presentation on reducing food bowl aggression in dogs at the shelter.  After speaking with Lindsay, I became an intern at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley's Training and Behavior Center.  Based on what I learned there, I became a certified dog trainer and love my work!

Training Philosophy

I use reward-based training, as this is the most humane and effective method of training.  (For more information on the scientific evidence, check out the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior's position statement on Humane Training.) My focus is on communication between dog and handler, and I primarily use a form of "conversational" training developed by Leslie McDevitt in her Control Unleashed program. My goal is to help you and your dog develop a harmonious relationship. 

Professional Certifications and Memberships:

Certified Control Unleashed Instructor, 2020
The Pet Professional Guild Member, 2020
​Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, 2017

Continuing Education:

Conference Unleashed, 2020, 2021
ClickerExpo, 2019, 2021
Aggression in Dogs Conference, 2020, 2021
Aggression in Dogs: Safety, Defensive Handling, and Training, 2020
Pet Professional Guild Geek Week, 2020
Behavior Adjustment Training for Reactive Dogs webinar,  2018