About Us
The Refined Canine, LLC is Southern Connecticut's premier dog behavior and training source! Established in 1996, our training methods focus on building a strong relationship between you and your dog. We are committed to using force-free, science-based, universal learning principles that are proven to help transform undesirable behaviors into desirable ones.
Michelle & Adiva
Michelle Douglas, CPDT-KA, CDBC
Michelle Douglas is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC). She is featured in the books Top Tips from Top Trainers (©2010 TFH Publications) and The Dog Trainer's Resource, The APDT Chronicle of the Dog Collection (©2006 Dogwise), and has a blog on DogStarDaily.com, the website of Ian and Kelly Dunbar. She is a Certified Fear Free Professional Trainer, a certified member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, a member of the Association of Professional Humane Educators, the Animal Behavior Management Alliance, the International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association, a licensed Family Paws Parent Educator for the Dogs & Storks™ and the Dogs & Toddlers™ programs, an approved AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, a Mentor Trainer for Animal Behavior College, a member & past president of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), the largest professional organization for pet dog trainers worldwide, and the Founder of the Connecticut Dog Trainers Association.
Michelle has been a recurring guest on Good Morning Connecticut on WTNH News 8 and the Chaz and AJ morning show on 99.1 FM WPLR, and has also been a guest on Pet Talk on Southern Connecticut Cablevision's Channel 12, as well as the My Doggie Says radio show out of Phoenix AZ. The Refined Canine, LLC has been featured in The New Haven Register and The Connecticut Post newspapers.
Follow Michelle’s journey with Breast Cancer on YouTube: A Refined Me
VITAE OF MICHELLE DOUGLAS
Remington & Lisé
Lisé Polard, ABCDT, CPDT-KA
Lisé Polard (Training Instructor) ~ Lisé came to The Refined Canine in 2009 as an intern from Animal Behavior College. Lisé owns and operates Creature Comfort LLC. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). Lisé graduated with honors from Animal Behavior College. Lisé now mentors students of her own as a mentor trainer for Animal Behavior College. Lisé is interested in cooperative veterinary care and husbandry skills and has recently become a Certified Fear Free Professional Trainer. Lisé is a full member of the Pet Professional Guild who is dedicated to constantly improving her training skills and knowledge through continuing education. She is particularly interested in positive reinforcement methods including lure-reward training and marker training. Lisé is an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen-approved evaluator. Lisé and her dog, Remington Steele achieved the Performance Scent Dog Novice title. She is experienced with dogs of all sizes and a variety of breeds (from a 2-pound Chihuahua to a 260-pound Old English Mastiff). Private Training with Lisé is offered through her company, Creature Comfort, LLC.
Jessy & Bo
Jessica Tsutsis, CPDT-KA
Jessica Tsutsis (Training Instructor) ~ Jess came to The Refined Canine as a student in 2008 with her dog, Bo. She and Bo attended classes for nine years until his passing in 2017. Jess has attended dog training camps and workshops, and become a valuable asset to our team as an expert trainer in 2021. Jess obtained her CPDT-KA Certification and began instructing some of our classes as a lead trainer in 2022. She is also offering private training for puppies and basic manners under the name Clever Canine, LLC. Jess also makes Snuffle Mats and Tug Toys, which you can purchase on her Facebook page JP Gifts, along with scarves hand-made by her mom, Priscilla.