Michele is certified with knowledge assessed from the International Academy of Canine Trainers ("IACT").    Her training included: breed genetics and effects on temperament, operant and classical conditioning, dog behaviour, body language, signals, consulting clients and much more.  She has an extensive combination of experience working with clients and their dogs of all ages and breeds on behaviour and professional development. Training is based on today's standards of positive reinforcement training and is rooted in evidence based scientific learning theory. The IACT Academy is a private career school registered with B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education and is regulated and registered with the Private Career Institutions Agency of BC (PCIA).  The curriculum is based on requirements outlined by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT.com).   Michele has worked with shelter dogs, shadowed classes, assisted with stray dogs and wildlife in trouble, continues with professional  development webinars, courses and self study.   She is also a member of the IAABC (International Association of Animal Behaviour Consulting).  After graduating Michele enjoyed working one to one in private training so she could put her magic into where the behaviour was happening in real life situations.

Additional Behavioural Certifications:

• Stress and Anxiety With Dogs - Anders Helgren
• Talk With Me! Simple Steps for 2-Way Understanding Between
  Dogs and People
• Safety and Defensive Handling - Michael Shikashio and Trish McMillan
• Close Encounters Leash Reactivity in Urban Environments - Sarah Dixon
• Dog to Dog Aggression - Michael Shikashio
• Dog to Human Aggression - Michael Shikashio
• Treating Aggression - Dr. Karen London, Ph.D., CAAB
• Danger at the Door - Sarah Dixon
• Food Guarding - Dr. John Ciribassi, BS, DVM, CVBC
• Dr. Patricia McConnell, PhD, "The Other End of The Leash"
• more to come ...

Starting at a very early age I advocated for the welfare of animals.  My understanding of their behaviour is from experience training and caring for our family pets, farm and wild animals.  My childhood years were spent on farms in Alberta.  I understood a lot about animal behaviour well before studying it.  I learned how to coax hens off their nests to remove their eggs with little disturbance and when a cow signals to relieve herself during milking.   I also spent a lot of time with my uncle at horse training centres and shows and my cousin is an equestrian coach.  Dogs were always around whereever I was, including owning and training my first dog at ten.   During the cold winters in Alberta we took in strays.  At fifteen,  I rescued animals both wild and domestic from situations where these animals were either in need of immediate medical attention, lost or abused.    One memory is of an injured owl that was hit by a train that we rescued and ensured proper medical care.  Outside of work, my husband and I support wildlife preservation and conservation, sanctuary protection for wildlife and safe havens for abused domestic animals. We both enjoy time outdoors, family, friends, and of course the family dogs!

To discuss your goals, and delve deeper to the root of the behaviour.    In the consultation, you'll be provided with help to get you started on some immediate issues.  All behaviour modification and training requires an assessment.

If you suspect medical problems a vet visit is first priority.

 For Puppies 8-14 weeks  socialization - positive fun exposures, play sessions, sights and sounds, welfare and handling, parenting tips, basic puppy manners.   Potty training and crate training, if required.   Take treats along for vet visits.   For puppies 4 months or older and adult dogs that have no training and need a refreshment training.   

A behaviour analysis is required to make a customized plan to get to the root of the problem.    Behaviour modification is for dogs with lack of impulse control, hypervigilant, reactive, noise sensitivity and fearful.   Sometimes these dogs have come from rescue situations or adopted with unknown histories.     Behaviour modification takes time, and the time it takes to change the behaviour depends on the severity, genetics, health, environment, and ongoing advocacy and consistent training.   In some cases a vet behaviourist may be required.      Ensure your dog is not in pain, or have an underlying health issue as one root to the problem. 

Is your dog not listening to you?  Did your dog do well in puppy class and now the behaviour has changed?   Is your dog jumping at guests, running out doors, pulling you while on leash?  Other behaviour such as nipping, chewing,  counter surfing, excessive barking, digging  to name a few?    Are you and your dog on a different page?  Learn how to change behaviour.  I can coach you to teach your dog to listen to you and create a calm dog.  You and your dog will both be able to relax.     If your dog has no professional training or strong basic training foundation sets your dog up for success in further behaviour work.