THE REFINED CANINE, LLC

Celebrating TEN Years  1997 - 2007

 

Biographical Information:

Michelle Douglas, CPDT, CDBC formed THE REFINED CANINE, LLC and began training dogs and their people in 1997. 

The Refined Canine, LLC follows the philosophy of LIMA-First training (Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive). 

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 currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).

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

VETERINARY TECHNICIAN

Smith Ridge Veterinary Center                                                                                                                                     2004 - 2005

Several hospitals while in college                                                                                                                                  1996 - 1997

·         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

Certifications: 

Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) #308 (since 12/05, exp 12/08)

Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) #3010110 (9/01, renewed 10/07, exp 12/10)

AKC Canine Good Citizen® Approved Evaluator #28046 (2007 - 2008)

Certified Mentor Trainer, Animal Behavior College (2006 - 2008)

Certified Presenter for the Dogs & Storks™ Program (2006 - 2008)

Private Instructor Certification through Animal Behavior & Training Associates (2000)

Group Instructor Certification through Animal Behavior & Training Associates (1998-2000)

Published Works:

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)

Other Articles, previously published on a now-defunct website called membersresources.

EDUCATION And TRAINING:

Annual Educational Conferences of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) (7)                             1998 – 2003, 2007

 * Each conference is 5 days of intense seminars on all aspects of animal training and care

Living with Aggression seminar (presenter)                                                                                                           2007

International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants Conference                                                       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   (election 10/07)                                              2008 - 2010

·         Professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)                                                   Since 1998

·         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

References Available Upon Request

Send mail to me@refinedcanine.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2007 The Refined Canine, LLC

Not affiliated with The Refined Canine Dog Beds.