About Me – Claudia Lang

I’m Claudia Lang—a dog trainer with heart, over 20 years of dog experience, animal welfare work, founder of fairDogs, and a deep passion for rescue dogs.

My Focus: I specialize in practical, everyday training for humans and dogs, with an emphasis on mixed breeds, rescue dogs, and purebred companions.

The German name Hund aufs Herz literally translates to Heart to Hound – reflecting the focus on trust, connection and understanding between humans and dogs.

My Story

For several years, I lived in Brazil rescuing street dogs and experienced firsthand how much dogs in need require understanding and safety when starting over. I supported shelters, developed and implemented neuter-and-release programs for municipalities, and actively shaped international rescue efforts.

As the creator of the fairDogs Personality Test, I combine knowledge, experience, and empathy—for dogs that don’t simply “perform,” but want to be understood. My training style is calm, solution-oriented, and grounded in daily life—for people ready to let trust grow.

Dogs Have Been My Greatest Teachers

As a child, I wasn’t allowed to have pets. Maybe that’s why I sought out dogs from neighbors and friends. My real turning point came as a young adult in Brazil, visiting my parents’ dogs: Kira (Akita Inu), Leo (German Shepherd), and Lina (Boxer). Their presence left a deep impression on me.

Missing dogs so much, I began volunteering at a shelter in Frankfurt. For two years, I walked multiple dogs every weekend, sometimes even taking one home overnight. That’s also where I met Angel, my first DogSharing dog. From then on, my life revolved around dogs.

My Dogs

Nina (Old German Shepherd Dog, Frankfurt shelter): My first dog, who turned my world upside down and filled my life with joy.
Neo (Miniature Pinscher): Small but full of energy—a bold little superhero who loved tricks and games but disliked being alone.
Thor: My loyal companion to this day. A Brazilian senior who grew from a panicked, insecure puppy (born to street dogs) into a careful, loyal, and reliable partner.
Max, Tina & Tigrão: True street dogs from my Brazilian pack. Max was the peaceful, adventurous leader; Tina had no problem standing her ground; and Tigrão was stubborn, protective, and independent.

Each dog taught me something different—from calmness and consistency to structure, flexibility, and humor. I’ve lived with purebred dogs, mixes, and rescues—sometimes up to ten dogs at once—and I know what truly matters in daily life.

My Path to Becoming a Dog Trainer

At the turn of the millennium, I began volunteering at animal shelters—walking dogs and attending my first training sessions with shelter dogs. Early on, I knew I didn’t just want to own dogs, I wanted to understand and support them.

🐾 Brazil

In 2012, I moved to Brazil, where I began rescuing, fostering, and rehoming dogs. At times, I lived with up to ten dogs simultaneously.

A milestone was my trainer education in 2015 with Aguinaldo Diniz (Adestramento Curitiba), one of the most internationally respected positive trainers at the time:

10 days of intensive practice with at least six dogs daily in one-on-one training
Work with a variety of breeds (German Shepherds, Malinois, Dobermans, mixed breeds)
Focus on obedience, behavior training, impulse control, behavior analysis, daily life and sport training

Afterwards, I offered individual and group training and learned how much dogs thrive when met at eye level. I also organized group outings, often with rescue dogs.

🐾 Switzerland

Since returning, I have continued my education—at least one to two seminars each year. In 2025, I additionally qualified with the recognized Kynology Switzerland (VKAS) certification, accredited by the Swiss Animal Protection (STS) and the Veterinary Office. Starting in 2026, I will also be offering the mandatory NHB courses for new dog owners.

I’ve been inspired by trainers and researchers such as Maja Nowak, Dr. Dorit Feddersen-Petersen, Penelope Smith, Steffan Kirchhoff, Silke Wechsung, and many others—including those who taught me how I do not want to work with dogs.

Familiy & Dogs

As a mother, I understand the unique challenges of raising children and dogs together. I went through pregnancy with two large dogs by my side and later navigated the lively toddler years with my four-legged companions.

This experience makes my family-focused training especially valuable:

Safe leash handling while pushing a stroller
Calm routines despite the busy baby phase
Clear structures for both children and dogs

My goal: to create order and structure so that every family member—whether on two legs or four—feels safe, comfortable, and at ease.

Projects & Achievements

Alongside my work as a dog trainer, I’ve been a pioneer in animal welfare and the dog community:

fairDogs – Founder of Switzerland’s first DogSharing platform with over 7,000 registered users and 3,011 personality tests completed by 2025.
Powher Awards 2023 – Nominated for my social impact work with fairDogs.
STS Research – Since 2022, active for Swiss Animal Protection, documenting issues in dog imports, breeding, and exhibitions.
Community Building – Reached over 35,000 followers on Facebook in Brazil.

BiBo Artikel über Claudia Lang vom Januar 2025: Glückliche Hunde für glückliche Stunden

My Approach

I believe in dog training that combines knowledge, respect, clarity, and empathy. Dogs are not meant to simply “perform”—they deserve to be understood. That’s why I work with:

Clear communication
Respectful interaction
Practical, everyday solutions
And a whole lot of heart for every human-dog team

und viel Herzblut für jedes einzelne Mensch-Hund-Team.

Professional Journey

Since 2000: Volunteer work in animal welfare (shelters, international missions, neuter projects)
2008: Certified art therapist – added skills for supporting people in human-dog partnerships
2012–2015: Dog training & street dog rescue projects in Brazil, lived with packs of up to 10 dogs
2015: Dog trainer certification at Adestramento Curitiba (daily practice with 6+ dogs)
2018: Developed the fairDogs Personality Test with the University of Basel, founded fairDogs
By 2025: Over 7,000 users & 3,011 tests on fairDogs, nominated for the Powher Awards 2023
2021–2023: Research for Swiss Animal Protection (STS) on dog imports and exhibitions
2025: Completed Kynology Switzerland certification (recognized by STS & the Veterinary Office)