The human behind the leash.

Hi! I'm Danielle Willems, 49 years old, and I've been surrounded by dogs for over four decades. That's no exaggeration—I was 10 when my sister and I got Scottish Collies. My sisters and I shared them (although we all secretly thought they preferred us). Since then, my life has never been without dogs.

When I moved out on my own, I soon came across two shelter dogs, followed by a stray dog. We've seen it all, from a litter of puppies to dogs dying of old age and everything in between. I have now cared for dozens of dogs, large and small — and there are usually at least two in our own household. We have other animals and six children, so it's nice and busy. Chaotic? Sometimes. But it also helps me to keep learning, and makes life beautiful, and fun! This has certainly made me an expert in dog-human relationships.

Through my years of practical experience (almost 40 years!), I have not only learned how to train dogs, but also developed a keen eye for their behavior. Not just from books, but from hundreds of real-life situations. My top priority right now is to put this to use, so we can discover what your dog really needs.

I have an NHOC dog trainer diploma, have taken many more courses, and have read piles of literature on everything to do with dogs. I still take courses, read professional literature, and continue to gather knowledge in order to gain new insights and stay up to date with the latest developments. But what really defines my approach is my background in education. Thanks to my experience in education and working with people with ASS and ADHD, I can quickly sense what both people and dogs need to feel safe and understood. I regularly work with people (young and old) for whom a standard dog training school is simply not an option. Think of overstimulation, social stress, physical barriers, or simply: it's not a good fit.

That's why I offer guidance in a way that suits you and your dog. Calm, structured, tailored to your needs. Whether it's families with dogs and children/teenagers, a young family with a dog and a baby, a child with their own dog, a household with multiple animals, or adults who just need a little more support: I don't look at what is not possible, but what can be accomplished. If you take that as a basis, so much more is possible!

My approach is practical, friendly, and realistic—with an eye for both people and animals. No strict rules or fixed formats, but training that really fits into everyday life.

So: do you want a dog that feels safe in your family? That knows where it stands, even when there is commotion, children, or changes? And do you want to learn how to offer that peace and clarity — in a way that suits you?

I'm happy to help you, so sign up, and let's get to work!