About Us
Linda Michaels, MA Psychology, CPDT-KA
Our home trainer and "Dog Psychologist", Linda Michaels, is proud to join with and
bring her expertise to the Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training network. A
long-time devoted practitioner of the Positive Reinforcement method of training, Linda
provides behavioral modification therapeutic treatment to puppies and dogs of all ages,
personalities, and temperaments. Linda also teaches basic and advanced obedience, as
well as socialization skills and desensitization techniques.
She believes that proper communication is the foundation for happy pet-parenting and
happy, well-behaved dogs.
Her advanced studies in associative and operant learning, as well as her extensive
background working with pure-breeds and rescue dogs, has culminated in the latest
science-based training, generously sprinkled with lots of love.
Linda's credentials are many:
Linda Michaels, MA Psychology, CPDT-KA
Our home trainer and "Dog Psychologist", Linda Michaels, is proud to join with and
bring her expertise to the Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training network. A
long-time devoted practitioner of the Positive Reinforcement method of training, Linda
provides behavioral modification therapeutic treatment to puppies and dogs of all ages,
personalities, and temperaments. Linda also teaches basic and advanced obedience, as
well as socialization skills and desensitization techniques.
She believes that proper communication is the foundation for happy pet-parenting and
happy, well-behaved dogs.
Her advanced studies in associative and operant learning, as well as her extensive
background working with pure-breeds and rescue dogs, has culminated in the latest
science-based training, generously sprinkled with lots of love.
Linda's credentials are many:
| Linda Michaels, MA Psych, CPDT-KA and Patton |
Article: Introducing
Rancho Santa Fe to Linda
Michaels
Rancho Santa Fe to Linda
Michaels
Press Releases:
Local Dog Trainer Earns Professional
Dog Trainer Certification
"Ask The Trainer" Booth at PAWS
Local Dog Trainer Earns Professional
Dog Trainer Certification
"Ask The Trainer" Booth at PAWS
| WholisticDogTraining.com North Coastal and Rancho Santa Fe Where the dogs want to train... 858.259.WOOF (9663) WholisticDogTraining@san.rr.com |
PAWS Fiesta Logo by Tamandra Michaels
P.A.W.S. Annual Fiesta del Sol
First Featured and Endorsed
"Ask the Trainer"
San Diego, 2010
Three Dog Bakery
"Ask the Trainer"
Del Mar, 2010
Dexter's Deli
"Ask the Professionals"
Yappy Hour
Del Mar, 2010
Pet Nutrition
5th Anniversary Celebration
"Ask the Trainer"
Encinitas, 2010
Ugly Dog Contest
Del Mar Fairgrounds
Contests Judge, 2010
2nd Annual Doggie Street Festival
Countywide Shelter and Rescue Adoption Event
Ask the Trainer
Professionals Booth, 2010
Helen Woodward Animal Center
Rancho Santa Fe
Spring Fling Benefit
Silent Auction
Pamper Your Pet, Private In-Home Lesson, 2010
Babies by the Sea Boutique, Cardiff by the Sea
Seminar
How to Keep Your Baby Safe and Your Dog
Happy, 2010
Safer Pet Vaccination & Health Care
Del Mar Hilton
Live Auction: Clicker Lesson, 2010
Muttropolis, Solana Beach
Pesky Pooch Problems? Event
Behavioral Consultations, 2009
Muttropolis, Solana Beach
Seminar
Top 10 Ways to Say "Thank You" to Your Dog,
2009
Paws for Cures
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Foundation
Silent Auction: Clicker Lesson, 2009
1st Annual Doggie Street Festival
Countywide Shelter and Rescue Event
Speaking Engagement
Top 10 Ways to Say "Thank You" to Your Dog,
2009
The Daily Pet
Del Mar Highlands
Head Trainer and Behavioral Consultant,
2006-2009
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club
of Greater San Diego, 2008, 2009
Saks Fifth Avenue, La Jolla
Dog Days of Summer: Event
Dog Psychologist
Behavioral Consultations, 2005
Speaking Engagement and Seminar
Positive Dog Training
Why Use It and How It Works
Part 1. Initiates and
Part 11: Intermediate/Advanced
P.A.W.S. Annual Fiesta del Sol
First Featured and Endorsed
"Ask the Trainer"
San Diego, 2010
Three Dog Bakery
"Ask the Trainer"
Del Mar, 2010
Dexter's Deli
"Ask the Professionals"
Yappy Hour
Del Mar, 2010
Pet Nutrition
5th Anniversary Celebration
"Ask the Trainer"
Encinitas, 2010
Ugly Dog Contest
Del Mar Fairgrounds
Contests Judge, 2010
2nd Annual Doggie Street Festival
Countywide Shelter and Rescue Adoption Event
Ask the Trainer
Professionals Booth, 2010
Helen Woodward Animal Center
Rancho Santa Fe
Spring Fling Benefit
Silent Auction
Pamper Your Pet, Private In-Home Lesson, 2010
Babies by the Sea Boutique, Cardiff by the Sea
Seminar
How to Keep Your Baby Safe and Your Dog
Happy, 2010
Safer Pet Vaccination & Health Care
Del Mar Hilton
Live Auction: Clicker Lesson, 2010
Muttropolis, Solana Beach
Pesky Pooch Problems? Event
Behavioral Consultations, 2009
Muttropolis, Solana Beach
Seminar
Top 10 Ways to Say "Thank You" to Your Dog,
2009
Paws for Cures
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Foundation
Silent Auction: Clicker Lesson, 2009
1st Annual Doggie Street Festival
Countywide Shelter and Rescue Event
Speaking Engagement
Top 10 Ways to Say "Thank You" to Your Dog,
2009
The Daily Pet
Del Mar Highlands
Head Trainer and Behavioral Consultant,
2006-2009
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club
of Greater San Diego, 2008, 2009
Saks Fifth Avenue, La Jolla
Dog Days of Summer: Event
Dog Psychologist
Behavioral Consultations, 2005
Speaking Engagement and Seminar
Positive Dog Training
Why Use It and How It Works
Part 1. Initiates and
Part 11: Intermediate/Advanced
Master's degree in Experimental Psychology
Animal Planet's, "It's Me or the Dog" Star Celebrity, Victoria Stilwell, licensed
trainer.
Animal Planet's, "It's Me or the Dog" Star Celebrity, Victoria Stilwell, licensed
trainer.
| Southern California Events |
| Judge Linda Michaels reacts when Chomper takes the stage as they judge the Ugliest Dog category, 2010. |
Chris Geiser, Assistant and Co-trainer,
and Charlie
Now in his ninth year of teaching adult and puppy
training classes, Chris Geiser is committed to using
humane, effective Positive Reinforcement techniques
to help people and their dogs learn together and have
fun! Chris teaches classes at the local Humane Society
and is the assistant and co-trainer for Wholistic Dog
Training.
Chris's kind and competent assistance brings more
talent to our training lineup, and more customized
attention to your dog.
and Charlie
Now in his ninth year of teaching adult and puppy
training classes, Chris Geiser is committed to using
humane, effective Positive Reinforcement techniques
to help people and their dogs learn together and have
fun! Chris teaches classes at the local Humane Society
and is the assistant and co-trainer for Wholistic Dog
Training.
Chris's kind and competent assistance brings more
talent to our training lineup, and more customized
attention to your dog.
| Linda's Credentials, Conferences, and Training |
Master of Arts in Psychology
San Diego State University
With Distinction
2003
McNair Science Scholar
1996-2003
University Scholar Award
Psychology Department
San Diego State University
1997
Behavioral Neurobiology Research
Histological and Behavioral Lab
1996-1997
Veterinary Assistant Certification
2002
San Diego State University
With Distinction
2003
McNair Science Scholar
1996-2003
University Scholar Award
Psychology Department
San Diego State University
1997
Behavioral Neurobiology Research
Histological and Behavioral Lab
1996-1997
Veterinary Assistant Certification
2002
International Association of Behavioral
Consultants (IAABC) Member, 2010
Association of
Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
16th Annual Educational Conference
Oakland/San Francisco, CA
2009
Drs. Dunbar and Dodman
Behavior, Medicine and Training
San Diego,
2009
Canine Behavior Problems
Recognition to Resolution
Pat Miller and Sarah Kalnajs
Riverside, CA
2008
Association of
Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)
14th Annual Educational Conference
Portland, Oregon.
2007
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
2007
Clicker Expo
Taking It to the Next Level
Los Angeles, CA
2007
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
#7842
Dr. Ian Dunbar
Pet Dog Training
San Diego, CA
2006
Clicker Expo
San Diego, CA
2005
Animal Behavior Management
Alliance Conference (ABMA)
San Diego, CA
Pet Fist Aid for Cats and Dogs
American Red Cross
2005
Canine Class Assistant Training
San Diego Humane Society
Behavior and Training Dept.
Volunteer Council Representative
5-year Volunteer SDHS
2000
Basic First Aid, Zoonoses
and Animal Diseases Certification
Project Wildlife
1998
Consultants (IAABC) Member, 2010
Association of
Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
16th Annual Educational Conference
Oakland/San Francisco, CA
2009
Drs. Dunbar and Dodman
Behavior, Medicine and Training
San Diego,
2009
Canine Behavior Problems
Recognition to Resolution
Pat Miller and Sarah Kalnajs
Riverside, CA
2008
Association of
Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)
14th Annual Educational Conference
Portland, Oregon.
2007
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
2007
Clicker Expo
Taking It to the Next Level
Los Angeles, CA
2007
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
#7842
Dr. Ian Dunbar
Pet Dog Training
San Diego, CA
2006
Clicker Expo
San Diego, CA
2005
Animal Behavior Management
Alliance Conference (ABMA)
San Diego, CA
Pet Fist Aid for Cats and Dogs
American Red Cross
2005
Canine Class Assistant Training
San Diego Humane Society
Behavior and Training Dept.
Volunteer Council Representative
5-year Volunteer SDHS
2000
Basic First Aid, Zoonoses
and Animal Diseases Certification
Project Wildlife
1998
Cinch - Assistant Trainer
We are thrilled to feature Cinchy Hopper as the
newest member of the Wholistic Dog Training team.
Cinch, Canine Private Assistant Trainer, assists Linda
in both other-dog reactivity desensitization and puppy
socialization. Dog clients have benefited greatly from
Cinch's "social butterfly" personality and excellence
as a training model.
Cinch has appeared on-stage at the First Annual
Doggie Street Festival (2009) and the Ugly Dog
Contest (2010) with Linda and Kathy Hopper, master
groomer, demonstrating his obedience skills and
modeling harness-wear as well as showing off his
comic abilities.
We are thrilled to feature Cinchy Hopper as the
newest member of the Wholistic Dog Training team.
Cinch, Canine Private Assistant Trainer, assists Linda
in both other-dog reactivity desensitization and puppy
socialization. Dog clients have benefited greatly from
Cinch's "social butterfly" personality and excellence
as a training model.
Cinch has appeared on-stage at the First Annual
Doggie Street Festival (2009) and the Ugly Dog
Contest (2010) with Linda and Kathy Hopper, master
groomer, demonstrating his obedience skills and
modeling harness-wear as well as showing off his
comic abilities.
Brochure:
About CPDT Trainers
About CPDT Trainers
| Web design, all content, pictures and videos on this website are ©opyrighted and strictly prohibited to be used without prior express written consent from WholisticDogTraining.com and Positively.com Back to top |
| Victoria Stilwell Positively.com |
Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training is a comprehensive network of
highly qualified, like-minded trainers who subscribe to Victoria’s philosophy
of positive reinforcement dog training. Victoria herself personally oversees
the recruitment of the very best positive reinforcement dog trainers in the
world to join her team and bring her message of positive reinforcement to the
entire dog-loving world.
All Victoria Stilwell Positively dog trainers:
All Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Trainers have worked with Victoria
personally and share her passion for positive training and her ability to
achieve unparalleled results without using force or dangerous dominance-
based techniques.
These hand-selected trainers will help get you and your dog back on the path
towards balance and harmony using the scientifically-based methods Victoria
is helping to bring back to the mainstream on It’s Me or the Dog. Stilwell,
V. (2010). positively.com
highly qualified, like-minded trainers who subscribe to Victoria’s philosophy
of positive reinforcement dog training. Victoria herself personally oversees
the recruitment of the very best positive reinforcement dog trainers in the
world to join her team and bring her message of positive reinforcement to the
entire dog-loving world.
All Victoria Stilwell Positively dog trainers:
- * Have been hand-selected by Victoria
* Train dogs using positive reinforcement
* Avoid force and outdated dominance-based methods
* Work personally with Victoria and have direct access to her
* Share Victoria’s uncanny ability to talk and think dog
- * Practice the highest level of courtesy and professionalism
* Are fully insured
* Respect you and your dog at all times
* Ensure that a portion of all Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog
All Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Trainers have worked with Victoria
personally and share her passion for positive training and her ability to
achieve unparalleled results without using force or dangerous dominance-
based techniques.
These hand-selected trainers will help get you and your dog back on the path
towards balance and harmony using the scientifically-based methods Victoria
is helping to bring back to the mainstream on It’s Me or the Dog. Stilwell,
V. (2010). positively.com
Dog Training Columnist/Author of "You and Your Dog," as published in
the Rancho Santa Fe Review, Carmel Valley News, Del Mar Times, La
Jolla Light and/or the Solana Beach Sun
AKC STAR Puppy and Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certified trainer
and evaluator
Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
Independently tested, professional dog training certification of the
Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) Member
Sought-after speaker regarding the Positive Reinforcement method,
and “You and Your Dog” newspaper column topics
Certified Veterinary Assistant
the Rancho Santa Fe Review, Carmel Valley News, Del Mar Times, La
Jolla Light and/or the Solana Beach Sun
AKC STAR Puppy and Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certified trainer
and evaluator
Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
Independently tested, professional dog training certification of the
Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) Member
Sought-after speaker regarding the Positive Reinforcement method,
and “You and Your Dog” newspaper column topics
Certified Veterinary Assistant
Let Linda bring her extensive training experience, skills and gentle training to you
and your beloved dog.
more...
At San Diego State University, Linda conducted graduate-level laboratory research in the
area of Behavioral Neurobiology in both behavioral trials and brain histology.
She regularly attends scholarly dog training conferences to keep abreast of the
latest scientific behavior modification and methodology advances in her field.
Linda volunteered her training services with humane organizations for many years
and honed her skills working with some of the most difficult behavioral cases at her
local Humane Society. Her ethics and methods are firmly rooted in humane
treatment of companion animals.
and your beloved dog.
more...
At San Diego State University, Linda conducted graduate-level laboratory research in the
area of Behavioral Neurobiology in both behavioral trials and brain histology.
She regularly attends scholarly dog training conferences to keep abreast of the
latest scientific behavior modification and methodology advances in her field.
Linda volunteered her training services with humane organizations for many years
and honed her skills working with some of the most difficult behavioral cases at her
local Humane Society. Her ethics and methods are firmly rooted in humane
treatment of companion animals.
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Training proceeds benefit The Victoria Stilwell Foundation to
help canine assistance organizations.
help canine assistance organizations.
Most recently, Cinch was featured as the Star Dog of Linda's obedience video application
for licensing with Animal Planet's Victoria Stilwell. Cinchy performed all of the skills
taught in Linda's 6-hour Wholistic Dog Training training manual in 30-minutes flat!
Let Cinch help your dog become best dog s/he can be!
for licensing with Animal Planet's Victoria Stilwell. Cinchy performed all of the skills
taught in Linda's 6-hour Wholistic Dog Training training manual in 30-minutes flat!
Let Cinch help your dog become best dog s/he can be!
Victoria Stilwell is best known for her role as
the star of Animal Planet's international smash
hit TV series, It's Me or the Dog, through which
she is able to share her insight and passion for
positive reinforcement dog training, and as a
judge on CBS's Greatest American Dog,
reaching audiences in the US and over 40 other
countries.
It's Me or the Dog has been nominated for a
People’s Choice Award in the US, and a TV
Choice Awards in the UK. The show premiered
in the US on Animal Planet in April 2007, and
to date over 65 original episodes have been aired
worldwide. Stillwell, V. (2010). http:
//positively.com/its-me-or-the-dog/the-show/
Stilwell is a passionate advocate for positive
reinforcement training methods that enhance a
dog's ability to learn while increasing
confidence, resulting in a healthy, well-adjusted
pet. She is a vocal opponent of punitive,
dominance-based training techniques which often
result in 'quick fixes' but ultimately cause more
long-term harm than good while damaging the
owner-dog relationship.
She also remains committed to helping the cause
of animal rescue and to increase awareness of the
horrific practice of puppy mills globally.
Victoria has been featured in numerous
magazines and journals including The New York
Times, Cosmopolitan, The Daily Mail, MSNBC.
com, USA Today, Psychology Today and The
Sun. Stilwell is a regular columnist for The
Bark, Dog World, American Dog and Dogs
Today magazines. She has appeared on
countless talk shows, news broadcasts and radio
shows in the US, Europe and Asia.
Named 2009's Dog Trainer of the Year, Victoria
is certified by the Animal Behavior and Training
Associates and is a proud member of the
Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).
Stilwell, V. (2010). http://positively.
com/victoria-stilwell/about-victoria/
the star of Animal Planet's international smash
hit TV series, It's Me or the Dog, through which
she is able to share her insight and passion for
positive reinforcement dog training, and as a
judge on CBS's Greatest American Dog,
reaching audiences in the US and over 40 other
countries.
It's Me or the Dog has been nominated for a
People’s Choice Award in the US, and a TV
Choice Awards in the UK. The show premiered
in the US on Animal Planet in April 2007, and
to date over 65 original episodes have been aired
worldwide. Stillwell, V. (2010). http:
//positively.com/its-me-or-the-dog/the-show/
Stilwell is a passionate advocate for positive
reinforcement training methods that enhance a
dog's ability to learn while increasing
confidence, resulting in a healthy, well-adjusted
pet. She is a vocal opponent of punitive,
dominance-based training techniques which often
result in 'quick fixes' but ultimately cause more
long-term harm than good while damaging the
owner-dog relationship.
She also remains committed to helping the cause
of animal rescue and to increase awareness of the
horrific practice of puppy mills globally.
Victoria has been featured in numerous
magazines and journals including The New York
Times, Cosmopolitan, The Daily Mail, MSNBC.
com, USA Today, Psychology Today and The
Sun. Stilwell is a regular columnist for The
Bark, Dog World, American Dog and Dogs
Today magazines. She has appeared on
countless talk shows, news broadcasts and radio
shows in the US, Europe and Asia.
Named 2009's Dog Trainer of the Year, Victoria
is certified by the Animal Behavior and Training
Associates and is a proud member of the
Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).
Stilwell, V. (2010). http://positively.
com/victoria-stilwell/about-victoria/
and the Victoria Stilwell Positively team
positively
