Let's Train Together!

Have a new puppy, struggling with common issues with your adult dog, maybe your shy or fearful canine companion would benefit from a confidence boost?

I am here to help! Let me set you up for success through a private positive reinforcement training experience. With a customized plan in place, we will train, problem solve and improve behaviors. All the while strengthening your relationship with your dog!

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Meet Michelle

Certified Professional Dog Trainer

I am the owner of Clicks offering positive, effective and fun dog training that is a humane experience, reliable in real world situations.

My journey to animal training began over 25 years ago as a Marine Mammal Trainer, later it specialized in human talent development and today is the perfect combination of both.

About

I can support you and your dog with...

Puppy Training

proactive training of good manners and fundamental behaviors
- look, touch, sit, down, wait, come, stay, place, leave/drop it, loose leash walking and others!
troubleshooting puppy specific behavior
- potty and crate training, biting, chewing, etc.
enrichment and management techniques to support puppy safety and development

Basic Manners

training and strengthening of fundamental behaviors
troubleshooting and resolving misbehaviors
- front door manners, coming when called, polite walking, settling on a mat, barking and being quiet on cue and others!
enrichment and management techniques to support safety and cognitive/physical well-being

Fearfulness*

building confidence through a non-invasive, kind, strategic approach to FAS (fear, anxiety, stress)
- training targeting, middle, focus and others!
understanding the underlying FAS and applying behavior modification to help alleviate discomfort
enrichment and management techniques to support safety and aid in tackling fearfulness

Specialties

*I do not specialize in or offer aggression or seperation anxiety services.

Pawsitively Happy Clients

- Olivia Hamilton

"With contagious enthusiasm and a certainty of a successful outcome, Michelle cheerfully coaches you to train your dog or puppy. After each session, Michelle leaves me feeling like I am one amazing dog trainer who is doing a wonderful job. In the following few days I look forward to receiving a personalized, detailed report with, not only all the material from our training session, but scads more information, including links to articles of interest, available resources I can find to help with the specific challenges I am having with my puppy, as well as beneficial training videos. I can't recommend Michelle highly enough!"

- Heather Smith

"I cannot thank you enough for connecting us to Michelle Smith. She has done such amazing work and on top of being an amazing trainer she also writes wonderful reports so you can track progress and learn. I would recommend her highly to anyone. Slowly, with Michelle's help, Bee is coming out of her shell and finding the confidence she needs."

- Lucy Hodgson

We’ve wrapped up all the core puppy fundamentals! 🐾 With continued practice — lots of healthy reps, ongoing shaping, and real-life applications — we’ll sprinkle in future sessions as needed to fine-tune, build on, and expand behaviors. This is exactly why I love offering à la carte sessions to my amazing clients!

This morning I reunited with this sweet, sensitive boy for another training session, and I’m so proud to see the progress he’s made since the winter.
One thing my clients really value is the flexibility to reach back out whenever they’re ready. I only offer a la carte services, so whether it’s been weeks or months, I’m always here to pick up where we left off. Progress isn’t always linear, but it’s always worth it! 🐾

We’re helping this pup keep his “cup” from overflowing when he gets too close to other dogs on walks.

I explained to his Guardian that his brain works like a cup—every exciting or scary thing adds a little more water. If too much pours in too fast, it overflows—and that’s when we see those big reactions she’s hoping to change.

We’re using psychology and the concept of a “threshold” to help him stay calm and learn in a manageable state. With consistent practice and patience, his cup will start to fill more slowly, and he’ll be able to handle being closer without spilling over.

So far, so good—for both ends of the leash!

Training this future therapy dog is a joy! Clicker training has helped us build on his strong foundation, add new skills, and have fun together. Yesterday we started proofing behaviors in dog-friendly stores—he’s nearly fluent and ready to be formally assessed.
The frisbee is his ‘station’—a new cue that allows him and his younger Lab sister to train together at their own spots.”

My regulars deserve the spotlight every now and then—especially this handsome guy I get to hang with every Thursday! Today we explored a new walking route and practiced his ‘wipe’ cue, where he adorably dabs his mouth on a towel after a drink. Hydration with manners!💦💧💦💧

Yesterday was our last session — or at least it was supposed to be! I showed up ready to teach the “middle” cue, and her dad was already using a hand target instead of a food lure. AMAZING! That’s a seriously impressive training move.

Her mom worked with her every single week, and this tiny genius flew past the basics and into advanced behaviors like it was nothing. She’s smart, sweet, and surrounded by an incredible family.

I’m hopeful we’ll work together again soon… because I’m definitely not ready to say goodbye just yet.

Go melt hearts, cause chaos (the good kind), and make someone ridiculously happy, you perfect little goofball.

She might be a late bloomer, but she’s blooming beautifully! 🌸 With private lessons and lots of love, she’s learning so much—polite leash walking is our top priority. Her favorite reward? A squeeze of something soft and tasty from her treat tube!

Meet my sweet client who has megaesophagus, a rare condition where dogs need to eat in an upright position to safely digest their food. Enter the Bailey Chair—an awesome invention that helps make that possible.

We took things slow and positive: first desensitizing her to the chair, then introducing targeting, paws up, leave it, and stationing near the chair. Using the shaping method (breaking a skill into small, rewarding steps), she learned to feel comfortable enough to eat her meals sitting up.

Her guardians have been AMAZING—so patient, loving, and skilled. Working with them has been a total joy, and the bond I’ve formed with this pup is something really special. I treasure the update texts they send me, and I can’t wait to go back and teach her even more.

This journey is still ongoing, but seeing her progress is such a beautiful reminder of how powerful positive training—and teamwork—can be.

Missing this little face since we’ve had to hit ‘paws’ on training for Spring break. He’s such an eager learner, and I’m excited to hear how his trained behaviors were ‘generalized’ (aka practiced in new environments) and how everyone’s experience went!”

Patience is key when it comes to training. Dogs need patience with their Guardians as they learn new techniques and skills. Likewise, Guardians must have patience with their pups, who may need a few extra moments to process a cue after it’s been given. It’s a partnership built on understanding and time. In today’s session, we saw this in action as this lovely girl and her sweet Guardian worked together so beautifully.

This little superstar is absolutely crushing it in training! Whether it’s nailing those touches (nose boops), rocking his recall, or just being the best pup to his Guardians and older fur-sister, he’s proving hard work (and lots of treats) pays off! Keep shining, little rescue pup! The sky’s the limit for you! ✨⭐️🌟🤩

Had a breakthrough in training today with my client while shaping the ‘down’ cue! We were expecting too much too soon, but once we celebrated the ‘almost down’ and reinforced that, things clicked. After a few more reps, we had a solid ‘down’! Remember accepting less can actually lead to more and quicker progress.

“It’s always so rewarding to see a dog instinctively default to a behavior we just introduced in their last session—proof that their Guardian has been putting in the work! And I have to admit, I may have given this guy excessive pets during our training session… he’s just so soft and sweet! ☺️🐾”

I gave my dear friend’s new puppy a Bills jersey and a quick intro training session last week when I was briefly back in town. These acts led to a great foundation for positive learning and an AFC East title! Let’s go Bella and the Bills! 💙❤️🐾

When I first started my Dog Training business, I was often told that, overtime, you discover your niche. For me, that niche has become clear – working with shy and fearful pups. This sweet girl is one of my current clients, and I can’t even put into words how much joy it brings me to see her progress every other week. She was rescued from a puppy mill, where she spent the first four years of her life as a ‘breeding female.’ Watching her transformation has been a true reminder of why I love what I do.

I’ve enjoyed working with this handsome puppy’s guardians. In their case and at other times, my clients may benefit from certain accommodations during sessions to ensure both their comfort and safety. This might include adjustments to the pace of training, modification in physical activities, or personalized techniques that consider any mobility or sensory limitations. My goal is to provide a supportive and effective training experience tailored to each individual’s needs.

When I arrived at this guy’s house, I immediately saw a copy of Kerry Nichols’ book Puppy Brain: How Our Dogs Learn, Think, and Love. I knew this was going to be an awesome client! I was not wrong! We trained all the foundation behaviors and implemented a few management techniques. Today we discussed a dedicated food dispensing toy for when having company over. I use this approach with my dogs, it helps redirect excitement to the special toy versus the guest.

This puppy client went to being shy and a little fearful to so fun-loving and savvy! As I had shared in his initial consult, clicker training can (sometimes even quickly) build confidence in timid pups. It’s always delight to experience the transformation with the dog/puppy and their Guardians.

This is my new puppy Murphy! He’s thirteen weeks old and we’ve been working on potty and crate training along with a smooth integration with my two other dogs. He’s clicker and exposure training. He’s been the most perfect addition to our family! 🐶🐶🐕🤍🤎🖤

This client of mine was rescued by the kindest couple. They’ve been working so hard to harness his big brain to battle his big feelings towards triggers that move (bikes, dogs, motorcycles, etc). Foundation behaviors ➕patience, determination, consistency ➕ Step 1 in Click to Calm protocol = progress 🖤🐾

It’s just the coolest when your client says “next year I’ll be teaching AP Psychology” and you can go all dog training geek on them and they understand and embrace it! This adorable boy is extremely bright and catching on to new behaviors so quickly! He and his Dog Mom are the perfect pair!

This little man is literally the sweetest pom in the world! He did an amazing “sit pretty” before we started formal training. At our first session we taught him to “sit regular” by capturing a moment that he typically sits (in his bed), clicking, treating and integrating a verbal “sit” cue.
I came a week later for his next session and he’d perfected his sit and could do it all over the place when asked. 🙌🏻

I loved hearing “this was so much fun” as I was leaving this golden girl’s house last night. Her Guardian (who has used other training approaches in the past) was overjoyed at the end of our session. Overall, incorporating fun into dog training not only makes the process more enjoyable for both you and your dog but it also enhances the effectiveness of the training and strengthens your bond.🐾💘 🐾

The hardest part of dog training sometimes isn’t modifying behavior, coaching humans on positive reinforcement training skills or any of the other challenges that comes with this field… it’s falling in love with the dogs and knowing they won’t always need professional training support! Like this boy, I simply adore my time with him!

Can’t wait to spend this sweet girl’s last session on Saturday at a local park. We will be working on leash skills with distractions as well as taking our first decompression long line walk! I’ve loved being a part of her post-adoption integration into her new family! 🥰

My newest day training client!
What is day training you might be wondering?
Instead of the Guardian being directly involved in the training sessions, I take on the responsibility of working with the dog on various cues, behaviors, and skills at minimum twice a week. Each session includes a loose-leash walk (for either training purposes, including reactivity support or enrichment). After the session, I provide a recap and guidance (via notes and videos) on how to maintain and reinforce the training.
Day training can be a convenient option for Guardians who may not have the time or circumstances to train their dogs effectively. It allows for consistent training and can be especially beneficial for addressing specific behaviors by a pro. I love the relationships I get to build by spending one-on-one time with day training client pups! 🐶♥️👱🏻‍♀️

Another day training client who has a special place in my heart. She and I have been together for years! She’s gone from skittish to savvy. Things that were once fearful are now familiar. I am so proud of her and cherish our long relationship! 🐾🖤🐾

I love my day training clients so much! This guy and I have the best time on Thursdays! We’ve gone from mayhem to manners and trouble to tricks!

As he was struggling to learn to sit, his Guardian had a wonderful idea… “when he goes in his crate he sits,” she said. So we started to have him enter the crate and worked our way to saying “sit” right as he went into his auto sit mode. After many repetitions, he caught on. Next they were successful in cueing him to sit outside the crate. They’ve since generalized his sit to various places and circumstances. I’m so proud of these clients and their pup! 🐶👩🏻👧🏼

This beautiful girl and her Guardian are learning to use a clicker not only to train new behaviors, but also as it relates to the emotional association to its sound in challenging environments. It’s a spectacular tool to curb any puppy over-excitement to triggers in a stimulating experience such as an outdoor walk! 💙🌎

This handsome client of mine is learning all his puppy foundation cues (and fast might I add!) Cues are important because they allow for clear communication and canine problem solving. As puppies learn to associate certain actions with specific cues, they develop cognitive abilities that can be beneficial in various aspects of their daily life.

This beautiful sweet boy brought his Mom and I together and we had so much fun clicker training today! His wild excitement when he first heard the click almost had me wondering if we’d only use a marker word instead but after a few clicks and treats he seemed to better grasp the concept.
*In dog training. a clicker is often used as a signal to indicate the dog has performed a desired behavior correctly. The clicker itself doesn’t have inherent value, its significance is established through association with positive reinforcement such as treats or praise. Over time, the sound of the clicker becomes a conditioned reinforcer, meaning it elicits a positive response from the dog due to its association with rewards. @lculp46214

Was the “spin” cue on this girl’s formal training plan? Nope! But did we have a great time training it anyway? Absolutely! Tricks are beneficial because they channel energy, build confidence, provide exercise, promote bonding, give entertainment, the list goes on and on! 🤩

One size does not fit all for training a behavior or modifying one. We’ve re-thought various positive reinforcement approaches (e.g., shaping, capturing, adjusting his environment, etc.) to do what we can to set him up for lots of clicks and treats, progressing his learning in an enjoyable way.👏🏼

We’ve labeled her EXUBERANT and she’s awesome! We embrace her enthusiasm but are helping her control her loving emotional excitement. 🥰

We implemented the steps to @dogtrainer.emmaparsons The New Click to Calm and had wonderful results with walk over-excitement around dogs and squirrels. This cutie’s Guardians had an incredible positive reinforcement training approach already so it was a joy to get to enhance that with this protocol and teach them a few other helpful foundation behaviors and tricks. In a few weeks, with further practice, we’ll meet again to continue the process.

Nothing makes me happier than spending time with this beautiful puppy on Fridays! Her Guardians are as sweet and enthusiastic as she is to train! We are working on some typical puppy challenges but at a bit of an XL level simply due to her size and energy. It’s honestly a joy being with her! 🥰

I had boiled chicken…Mom had a standard training treats…guess who she ran to faster with the “come” cue? This is one of my new puppy clients and she taught her Mom treat value matters! 😆
I coach my clients on treat values, treat location delivery, treat reinforcement schedules and more during our training sessions. 🍗🦴🌭🍎🍖

I don’t know which I love more, this sweet boy or his Mom who has a heart (and head) for dogs like no other client I’ve had! While he’s learning the puppy foundation behaviors with clicker training, we talk about how so many of the techniques and protocols can also be applied to his multiple rescue siblings. Such a sweet boy in a special family! 🤎

This little client cutie of mine is marked by the words “good boy” when he does something correct or desirable. His pawrents prefer these words over a click or the typical “yes.” They felt it just naturally comes out before they deliver a reward and they preferred to use it. Giving agency (choice, empowerment), whether it relates to the dog being trained or their guardian, can contribute to successful outcomes! So “good boy” it is for this family!

This little girl gets super excited to train and I love it! But, sometimes puppy energy can work against us when it comes to them focusing during a training appointment. This is why my job professionally coaching her Guardians is so critical. I use our 45 minutes together to demo, instruct and give feedback. After, I share materials that can further help them to train on their own in fun, positive and practical mini sessions and informally.📚📝👩🏼‍🏫🐶

Last night we were discussing this adorable puppy’s tendency to not want to drop the ball during fetch… “toss a matching ball as he returns with other” I suggested! Then integrate the “drop it” cue into the game. Additionally, I suggested Chirag Patel’s counting game to combat the “chase me I’ve got something I shouldn’t” behavior. As he grows a bit, we’ll also use a flirt pole exercise combined with the ‘drop it’ cue. Of course since we are clicker training, we can also simply capture and/or lure the dropping of an object. So many ways to teach one behavior! 🐾 🎾🎾🐾

She feels safe with Mom and Dad after being adopted recently, but that’s about it with who she is comfortable around. We are using Open Bar, Closed Bar (c/o Jean Donaldson) to foster a positive association with people in her home. She’s also being clicker trained for sit, look, target and down to help build her confidence and strengthen her relationship with her new guardians! All of this in conjunction with environment management techniques and enrichment opportunities should help ease her fear over time. 💖

This handsome dude is along for the ride while his sister gets “training.” Even if he doesn’t have any “behavior problems” doesn’t mean he can’t enjoy the learning process with her! It’s been so fun watching him pick up new skills too! 🖤

I’ve had an influx of new clients recently so after vacation Clicks IG will show lots of new faces! For this gorgeous rescue we are working through some fear with human males using counter-conditioning. Her Mom has also embraced clicker training and I’m delighted with all of their progress! 🩷

I train behaviors and teach enrichment! 🐶🧠

Today me and my favorite bulldog practiced his “stay” all over the place!!! It’s called proofing the behavior. This approach teaches him to use restraint and execute the behavior he knows rather well in various places and situations. Knowing him, I understand it’s not something he’s going to naturally be able to do simply on his own - he needs practice!
💪🏻🏆There is a lot more to our “stay” training, but this is the Instagram caption shortened version of our dynamic process.

Dogs, as individuals, each learn this behavior a little differently. It’s taught in small increments using positive reinforcement shaping principals. The materials are a cutting board, gritty anti-slip tape, clicker and treats. Using a clicker is beneficial to quickly mark the scratch movement as well as later in the process to withhold marking to train duration of scratches (to get the dog to scratch more times before rewarding).

Because digging can be self-rewarding in dogs and they find it satisfying, digging can be difficult to extinguish. For my dachshund, who finds digging enjoyable, I’m shaping his behavior and teaching him to dig in a preferred location by creating him a dig pit!

This little beauty had training today with her three human siblings and Mom. I LOVE training with families, it’s great for consistency and lots of fun! 💞🦋

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