How did this start?

I can honestly say that long before I began working with dogs I was fascinated with dog psychology. I spent endless amounts of time reading about and watching videos on dog training. I began by fostering Greyhounds that arrived directly from the track and who had to learn from scratch how to be in a home. I then went on to foster all types of breeds, learning something new from each one of them. However, the serious deep dive into training methods began after adopting my own dog and quickly discovering that we were going to be working through some severe reactivity issues. Like many dog owners, the vision you have for life with your pup quickly changes when you watch your sweet and loving pup become reactive to triggers in the outside world. It is true when they say you get the dog you need, not always the one you had in mind. He has made me a far better trainer and handler, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

I come to dog training with 25 years in education. Breaking down skills into manageable steps for human or canine students is not so different. It is, of course, us humans that usually need the training. I quickly realized this was a natural skill and passion and became an accredited trainer through the Will Atherton Canine Academy, where the focus is on providing loving leadership through a balanced training approach. I am also a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP).

Dog training is an art and I look forward to setting the stage for the greatest success for you and your dog.

-Michael Burnett