JOANNE CHEN
General Manager | Lead Trainer | Certified Dog Trainer | Student Instructor
Specialty: Fear Aggression, Puppy Development & Canine Nutrition
A core pillar of the DTA team, Joanne wears many hats serving as both Lead Trainer and General Manager. Since 2020, she has worked closely with Dave to help shape the direction of training programs all while managing the academy’s day-to-day operations. She is also the Co-Founder of Wag Crew & Co and Lead Trainer at Ollie & Hana, extending her influence and leadership well beyond DTA. Alongside Dave, she frequently co-speaks at events and seminars, sharing her knowledge and representing DTA at industry platforms. Within the academy, Joanne leads workshops and theory classes for student trainers, while also organizing team building activities that strengthens bonds inside and outside the classroom. If there’s a job to be done at DTA, Joanne is the one to tackle it. Her ability to juggle multiple roles is what makes her the team’s true jack-of-all-trades.
With dual degrees in Nutrition and Animal Sciences from The Ohio State University, Joanne brings a wealth of knowledge on canine science, trick training and all things dog-related. She also earned multiple certifications in dog training and aggression, canine nutrition, HRD TTT Trainer, fundamentals of dog breeding, canine First Aid & CPR. Her experience spans zoos, veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and farms, even as a puppy raiser for guide dogs with Pilot Dogs Inc. USA, preparing puppies for a future in service work.
Known for her bubbly, down to earth energy, and her ability to make owners feel comfortable and supported throughout the training journey; clients appreciate her genuine care and love for their dogs, treating each one as if they were her own.
Fun Fact: Not only a Disney Geek & a proud Banana 🍌(picked up Mandarin at DTA), but she’s also the singing voice behind DTA’s official jingle.
Her Motto: “It’s not about ‘fixing’ the dog, it’s about teaching them to thrive in their world.”
TANG MING HAO
Certified Dog Trainer | Student Instructor
Specialty: Aggression & Behavior Modification – Reactivity & High Prey/Play Drive
Minghao is one of DTA’s most experienced trainers and the go to expert for aggression, dominance, and high-drive behavior. With a strong grasp of canine psychology and body language, he thrives working with dogs that need structure, boundaries, and confident leadership. Known for his assertive presence and a quiet, mysterious personality, he’s the trainer dogs instinctively take seriously.
He also serves as a student instructor at DTA, where trainees turn to him for guidance, providing reliable support when facing challenging aggression related cases. Since joining DTA in 2020, MingHao refined his skills and becoming an invaluable part of the team. His training style is direct, no-nonsense, and grounded in discipline, much like his personal life. He lives by what he teaches, walking his Husky, Oreo, a minimum of 3 times a day, rain or shine. This personal discipline mirrors his professional approach: reliable, focused, and rooted in the belief that consistency builds results.
Fun Fact: Avid Diver 🤿 & self proclaimed Mala hot pot connoisseur 🌶️
His Motto: “Consistency in walks, consistency in behavior.”
EDISON NG
Certified Dog Trainer | Student Instructor
Specialty: Aggression & Behavior Modification – Reactivity & Overexcitability
Edison specializes in aggression, reactivity, and behavior modification cases. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from INTI International University but followed his passion for dogs, furthering his knowledge through Michael Shikashio’s Master Course in Aggression and AKC’S Fundamentals to Dog Breeding.
You’ll often find Edison out on housecall training sessions more than at DTA kennel, as he works directly with owners in their homes. Known for his “Golden Retriever energy,” Edison brings an easygoing and approachable presence to every session. While his foundation lies in balanced training, he adapts his methods based on temperament, energy, and learning style. For Edison, flexibility and good judgment are key to long term success.
As a proud German Shepherd owner himself, Edison shares a strong bond with his dog Brandy. Together, they actively compete in dog shows, which has not only strengthened their partnership but broadened his perspective in the show world. Edison understands that lasting progress comes not just from training the dog but from actively involving the owner every step of the way.
Fun Fact: Loves travelling & is a die hard NBA fan 🏀
His Motto: “Owner’s commitment is an essential key in their dogs’ training progress.”
JENSEN LEE
Dog Trainer | Assistant Instructor
Specialty: Obedience & Behavior Modification – Socialization Issues
Hailing from Taiping, Jensen may be the most introverted member of the DTA team, but that’s exactly what what makes him shine. Even though quiet and soft spoken, he has a natural ability to break down training concepts into clear, simple digestible steps, helping owners understand the “why” and “how” behind each training step. Jensen’s strength lies in clarity and with his patient approach, he helps build confidence in both dogs and their owners.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Taylor’s University and a background in sales and marketing, Jensen brings communication skills and structure to his training approach. Before joining DTA, Jensen worked in a pet store, gaining hands on experience and developed a deeper understanding of dog care and behavior.
At DTA, Jensen plays an important role in supporting training classes for trainees under the mentorship of certified instructors. Clients and student trainers appreciate his thoughtful approach and his ability to make training feel accessible and manageable, no matter the behavior challenges at hand. Jensen also serves as DTA’s handyman, assisting with kennel maintenance, repairs, and general upkeep to keep the facility running smoothly, while contributing his creative side as the team’s official photographer.
Fun Fact: Karaoke King 🎤, Book Nerd📚 & Street Photographer 📸
His Motto: “Do it slowly = faster” – (Slow and steady wins the race)
DANIEL NG
Dog Trainer | Assistant Instructor
Specialty: Obedience & Behavior Modification – Cooperative Care
A Malacca native, Daniel Ng is the calm, patient trainer and also the most philosophical member of the DTA team. Prior to joining DTA, Daniel worked in a grooming parlour, where he honed his skills in grooming techniques, coat care and pet maintenance. Today, Daniel continues to put those skills to use, handling most of the grooming and bathing of dogs at DTA, ensuring every pup not only trains well but also feels and smells their best.
His training style is rooted in patience, consistency, and rhythm. Understanding that every dog learns differently and that meaningful progress requires not just structure but calm and thoughtful guidance. For Daniel, true progress comes from training dogs with patience, consistency, and empathy especially when they need a little more time to adapt to the world around them. Beyond his role at DTA, Daniel is also a dog walker for Wag Crew & Co, where his patience and reliability make him a trusted handler for dogs of all temperaments.
Daniel is the proud owner of a Shihpoo, whom he rescued in December and named her… December! 🎄
Fun Fact: Skilled Chinese Flute Player & passionate Chinese Calligraphy Enthusiast🖌️
His Motto: “Dog training is hope; a bridge to a better future between dog and human. It is also a mirror, quietly reflecting our truest self.”
DORCAS TEOH
Dog Trainer
Specialty: Obedience & Behavior Modification – Nervous & Anxious Dogs
Born and raised in Mainland Penang, Dorcas began her journey in hospitality, working as a barista and waitress. While she once served people with coffee, today she serves something just as meaningful: guidance, patience, and compassion to dogs.
Inspired by the joy of being around dogs, Dorcas found her calling in helping fearful and nervous pups feel safe and supported. For her, training isn’t about control, it’s about creating a safe space for dogs to be themselves while helping humans understand what their dogs are truly feeling.
Her specialty lies in teaching impulse control, particularly through the “Leave it” command, an essential tool for dogs with resource guarding tendencies. In addition to her work at DTA, Dorcas is also a dog walker with Wag Crew & Co. Her empathetic approach recognizes that every dog has its own unique story, and her mission is to bridge the gap between dog and owner through trust and understanding.
Fun Fact: Coffee Junkie, Dessert Lover & Latte Art Hobbyist ☕
Her Motto: “Training a dog is essentially training the human.”