ABOUT
Angelique de Kock
Hello! I’m Angelique, the founder of Treat to Train. My journey into the world of animal training began in 2017 with my first puppy—a greyhound—and quickly turned into a lifelong passion. A local trainer invited me to assist with classes, and I never looked back. I’ve always dreamed of working with animals, and that dream now includes everything from dolphins and chickens to tortoises and hawks!
I’m a qualified animal behaviour consultant (DipCABT C.C.A.B.) and trainer, a Blue Level Instructor, and a Level 1 Judge with the World Scent Dog Association. I’m currently furthering my Animal Behaviour and Welfare studies at the University of Chester, and I also work as a zookeeper—gaining hands-on experience with a wide range of species, including sugar gliders, meerkats, porcupines, gidgee skinks, tamarins, and Harris Hawks.
My own dogs—a happy, bouncy border collie named Swift, plus a greyhound and a terrier—keep me on my toes and inspire much of my work. I have a special love for scentwork, reactivity training, cooperative care, and helping dogs and humans live their best lives together.
What I love most about Treat to Train is the team’s passion, knowledge, and heart. We all bring different strengths to the table, and we’re united by our love for dogs and dedication to kind, effective training. I’m especially proud of our “Paws for Change” initiative, where we use our skills to support animals and communities in need.
My dream? Happy dogs, happy owners, and a world where all animals are understood and treated with kindness.
Let’s train, learn, and have fun together!
Mianca Esterhuizen- Head Trainer (Pretoria)
Mianca has been working professionally with dogs for over five years and brings a joyful, connection-focused approach to every session she teaches. After completing her training through Pet Sense, she’s gained experience working with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. For Mianca, training is about more than just cues; it’s about breaking old patterns, having fun, and building lifelong bonds between dogs and their humans.
She has a particular passion for scentwork, which she sees as an incredible way to tap into dogs’ natural seeking systems. In addition, whether it’s shredding, digging, chasing, or sniffing out hidden treasures, she loves helping dogs feel fulfilled and enriched. Engagement is a core focus of her training, and she finds deep satisfaction in strengthening the interaction between dog and guardian, turning everyday moments into opportunities to connect.
At home, Mianca shares her life with Bella, an adopted Italian Greyhound, who inspired her to think differently about training. From starting from scratch to building a trusting bond, Bella has taught her as much as any course ever could (though Bella would tell you that sunbathing, especially in winter, is the true highlight of her day).
Mianca loves being part of Treat to Train because it’s a space that encourages growth, values creativity, and always puts the needs of the dogs and their people first. She loves the collaborative energy of the team and is excited to keep learning, sharing, and helping others along the way.
Sarah Wanless-Trainer (Johannesburg)
Sarah has been an animal lover her entire life, but her journey into dog training truly began during the COVID lockdown, when she adopted two incredible dogs, Shelby (a Labrador mix) and Bentley (a Border Collie). Inspired by working with them, she dove headfirst into learning more about canine behaviour and hasn't looked back since.
She has been training professionally for the past two years and has completed her CertAT through COAPE, as well as specialised courses such as “My Dog is Blind” through IMDT and Smart Dog Training Centre. Sarah works with a wide variety of dogs (from rescues to pedigree pups) using only positive, force-free, reward-based methods. She strongly believes in helping dogs and their people live in harmony through mutual trust and understanding. Sarah is especially passionate about puppy training, teenage dogs, and reactivity, and dreams of one day working with herding dogs. She finds it incredibly rewarding when clients begin to see progress and feel more connected to their dogs through training.
When she’s not helping dogs thrive, Sarah is usually spending time with Shelby and Bentley, her the two pups who started it all, or enjoying her other great love: horses. She’s also planning to begin her formal behaviourist qualification soon. For Sarah, being part of the Treat to Train team means working alongside like-minded people who are just as passionate, supportive, and committed to making a difference in the lives of dogs and their families.
