About the Trainer

​Michele has a Master of Education degree with certification in Biology, Psychology and Sociology.  She has over 29 years of high school and college biological science classroom experience and has won multiple awards for excellence in teaching and faculty development.  Michele also teaches horseback riding lessons and works with a variety of students and animals daily.  After being inspired to enter the world of dog training by her wonderful but challenging youngest Doberman, she became a nationally Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA).

​ As a teacher and college professor, Michele believes in life long learning and continually strives to update her knowledge and skills via animal behavior conferences and continuing education programs.  Michele views dog training as both an art and a science.   She uses her background in education and biological science to present dog training in an understandable and engaging fashion. She wants to help others develop a strong relationship with their dogs built on fun, play, trust and mutual respect.
​​Pawsitive Play Inspiration​
Previously, I set aside a special time and place for training. I was never consistent because neither my dog nor I enjoyed it, and it became a chore rather than something fun. My dogs were "trained" and could preform behaviors like sit, down and stay but were not dependable out side of my home. My Doberman, Ryder, did not enjoy regular obedience training. His attention wandered quickly and sessions were frustrating.  Has this happened to you?

A revelation occurred when I introduced fun, play and games into my training. The more fun we had, the more my dog learned. The more he learned, the more excited I was about our developing relationship. Play and games are reinforcing to both you and your dog! If you and your dog are enjoying the training experience, it is more likely to reoccur.

I began to train for small amounts of time everywhere… everything presented a new opportunity to work with my dog. My dog engaged with me, and through time, I found that he was able to use the skills in new, distracting environments! Games bring energy and fun into your training sessions and allow you to reward good choices made by your dog in new and limitless ways. ​​

Our relationship flourished!! He began to choose to spend time with me over the lure of the distractions. That was a powerful moment of inspiration for me as a dog owner and trainer!

So, I hope that you can be inspired by your dog as well!
​Do You Want:
  • to develop a fabulous relationship with your dog based on trust, respect, and fun?
  • a confident, well-behaved dog at home and in the real world?
  • to walk your dog instead of being walked by your dog?
  • for your dog to make great choices instead of rushing out the door or jumping?
Pawsitive Play Provides:
  • ​One to one training with you and your dog
  • Individualized training goals and programs
  • Onsite or Virtual Training 
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Development of tools to build good foundational skills and behaviors for a well-behaved, mannerly dog
  • Training for real world application 
  • Positive reinforcement for you and your dog
  • Fun lessons and games that develop a true bond with your dog based on mutual trust and play

Play is the secret to a great relationship between you and your dog.