Biographical Information:
Michelle Douglas, CPDT-KA, CDBC formed THE REFINED CANINE, LLC and began training dogs and their people in 1997.
The Refined Canine, LLC has been featured in the New Haven Register and Connecticut Post newspapers, and on Cablevision channel 12
Michelle is a regular guest on the Chaz & AJ morning show on 99.1 FM, WPLR.
Michelle has a blog on DogStarDaily.com, Ian and Kelly Dunbar's web-resource for pet owners and trainers.
Michelle is a past president of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)
Michelle has also served as Vice President and Trustee for the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation dedicated to raising money for research and education in dog training & behavior.
Certifications:
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) #308 (since 12/05)
AKC Canine Good Citizen® Approved Evaluator #28046 (since 2007)
Certified Mentor Trainer, Animal Behavior College (since 2006)
Certified Presenter for the Dogs & Storks™ Program (since 2006)
Certified Presenter for the Dogs & Baby Connection™ Program (since 2011)
Private Instructor Certification through Animal Behavior & Training Associates (2000)
Group Instructor Certification through Animal Behavior & Training Associates (1998-2000)
Published Works:
BLOG: http://www.dogstardaily.com/blogger/1952
Top Tips from Top Trainers (©2010 TFH Publications)
Dogs & Storks, A Program for Expectant Families with Dogs, article published in the APDT Chronicle of the Dog (©2009)
Canine Separation Anxiety, article published on Dr. Jeff Vidt's website (©2007)
The Dog Trainer's Resource, The APDT Chronicle of the Dog Collection (©2006 Dogwise)
Training The Chinese Shar Pei, article published on Dr. Jef Vidt's Website (©2006)
EDUCATION And TRAINING:
Annual Educational Conferences of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) (10) 1998 – 2003, 2007, 2009-2011
* Each conference is 5 days of intense seminars on all aspects of animal training and care
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants Conferences (2) 2007, 2011
Full Moons & Devil Dogs Interactive Workshop for dog trainers (presenter) (APDT Conference) 2010, (DTC) 2011
Aggression Roundtable for Dog Trainers (Dog Trainers Connection ~ moderator) 2011
Dog Trainers rountable NYC 2010
Living with Aggression seminar (presenter) 2007
Biting Dog Conference 2006
Ian Dunbar Teleconference 2006
Sue Sternberg (2 seminars) 2006
Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, Technician Symposium 2005
New England Veterinary Medical Association, Scientific Conference (for Technicians) 2004
Sea World, Animal Keeper for a day 2003
Sea World, Animal Trainer for a day 2001
Dr. Ian Dunbar’s 3-Day Instructor’s Workshop 2001
Cornell University, Preventing & Solving Canine Behavior Problems 2-day seminar 1997
New England Dog Training Association, Solving Behavior Problems 2-day seminars 1996 & 1997
Connecticut K-9 Education Center, Graduate, Professional Dog Training 1997
Southern Connecticut State University, Major: Business 1996
Mount Ida College, Newton, MA, Major: Veterinary Technology and Canine Science 1995
University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, Major: Music and Pre-Veterinary Medicine 1993 - 1995
Memberships:
· Association of Pet Dog Trainers Board of Directors (VP 2009, President 2010) 2008 - 2011
· Professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) 1998 - 2012
· Certified Member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) Since 2005
· Member of the IAABC Standards Commision Applicant Review Board 2006 - 2007
· Member of the IAABC Animals As Other Nations Award (2007) Committee 2006 - 2007
· Volunteer with Peis and Strays Rescue Organization Since 2005
· Founding Member of the CT Pet Projects Pet Squad Since 2005
· Volunteer with North American Shar Pei Rescue Since 2002
· Volunteer at several local (CT) animal shelters (independent) Since 1999
· Member of APDT Member Relations & Communications Committee Since 1999
· Chair of APDT Member Relations Committee 2002 - 2004
· Member of the Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America (CSPCA). Since 1995
· Competed and advanced to the finals in Talent America. 1993
· Member of the Black Onion Players summer theatre group:
*performer and Dance Captain for the production of Jesus Christ Superstar. 1993
· Performed with Yale University’s Summer Chorus. 1992
Professional Work Experience:
PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINER & BEHAVIOR CONSULTANT Jan 1997 – present
The Refined Canine, LLC (Owner)
Animal Behavior & Training Associates contracted with PetCo (1998-2000)
- Conducting private lessons, behavior consultations and all levels of group classes using positive reinforcement techniques.
- Researching, diagnosing and developing gentle treatment programs for a wide range of behavior problems.
- Volunteering with rescue groups, assessing behavior and educating shelter staff in gentle training methods.
- Designing specialty training classes for common problems, reactive dogs and other advanced programs
- Developing an extensive apprenticeship program to educate and foster professional growth in new dog trainers
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN 2004 - 2005, 1996 - 1997
Several hospitals while in college
Smith Ridge Veterinary Center
- Assisting in surgery and restraining for examinations, vaccinations and treatments.
- Keeping hospitalized and boarded animals clean, comfortable and exercised.
- Various aspects of hospital maintenance and medical treatments
- Greeting clients and creating a rapport with animals and care-giver
- Answering client questions by phone, maintaining good relationships
- Reason for leaving: birth of my first child, staying at home
References Available Upon Request