So as you may have guessed, I’m Evelien 😁 I live in a picturesque little piece of paradise in Helenaveen, in the south of the Netherlands, with my husband Jamie and our dogs. I used to work as a software developer and later as a product manager, facilitating alignment between clients and developers — helping both sides understand each other. Dog training is remarkably similar: handler and dog each have their own wishes and expectations, and it is my job as trainer to help them align.

Our achievements

I’m currently competing with my Australian Shepherd San in FCI A3. Together we’ve run at the World Agility Open and soon Crufts, and achieved podium placements at national events, all of which are dominated by border collies. Under ASCA, all my Aussies have earned their ATCH (Agility Trial Champion) titles.

My handling style is characterised by solid foundations, which create very consistent obstacle performance and crystal-clear understanding of my many verbal cues.

Running through challenges

In October 2022, I developed a chronic hip injury that kept me from running for almost three years. What felt like a setback ultimately became a gift — it pushed me to develop San’s independence to a degree I never would have otherwise.

Throughout that period, I tried to stay positive, even when doctors gave up on me! If I could not run, I would look for a way to train my dog so I did not have to. With perseverance, creativity, and solid dog training, there’s always a way.

To this day, I try to view my glass as half full, and I prefer to see opportunities when faced with challenges!

Be kind

This extends to how I view our dogs. Dog training can feel like an uphill battle, and can be frustrating at times (at the very least). I believe the dog is always just giving us feedback on our training so far. If we don’t like what we’re seeing, it’s up to us to create a better training plan.

I believe it’s never the dog’s fault. As Susan Garrett puts it: “Our dogs are doing the best they can, with the education we have given them, in the environment that we are asking them to perform”.

This gives us ownership. It’s up to us to make that change!

And the best thing? This doesn’t just apply to dog training. It applies to everything in life! That’s why I want, above all else, to be kind. It is my hallucination that the world just seems a little bit brighter if we approach it with kindness first. ☀️

So let’s have grace. For our dogs, who give their best every single day. For our friends, family, and fellow competitors. And the hardest one, have grace for ourselves. No one is perfect, and it’s okay to make mistakes. 🙏🏻

Areté

Areté is an ancient Greek concept roughly translating to excellence; not perfection, but the full realisation of potential. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself, whatever that looks like for you.

I chose this name because it captures exactly what I believe training should be. Not measuring yourself against others, but discovering what you and your dog can achieve together. Your areté will look different from mine, because your dog is different, your goals are different, and your journey is your own.

I’d be honoured to be part of yours.