Hi! I’m Michelle Smith, owner and lead trainer at Clicks Dog Training, a private, in-home dog training service based in Loveland, Ohio. 

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Because dog training is an unregulated field, I’ve intentionally pursued multiple nationally recognized dog training certifications and ongoing continuing education to ensure my clients are working with a qualified, ethical professional. My training is rooted in evidence-based learning theory, humane methods, and clear communication.

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I am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP). I specialize in positive reinforcement dog training, behavior modification, and confidence-building without the use of choke chains, pinch collars, or shock collars. The training methodology I use today is the same science-based approach I applied while working in the zoo and aquarium field.

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My professional experience includes five years as a Marine Mammal Trainer at the Aquarium of Niagara, followed by 15 years in Corporate Human Resources and Communications. I founded Clicks Dog Training in 2020 to combine my background in animal behavior with my passion for working one-on-one with dog guardians—helping families build calmer, more confident relationships with their dogs.

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I am an active member of  Fear Free Pets (certified professional), the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). Ongoing conferences and continuing education ensure I stay current on the latest science-backed dog training and behavior research.

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My formal education includes a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, a Master’s degree in Public Relations, and a Graduate Certificate in Creativity and Change Leadership—a combination that supports both the science of dog training and the human side of behavior change.

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To learn more about my training philosophy, visit my  blog.