Association of Pet Dog Trainers - Dog Training Resources

BOD Members

Michelle L. Douglas, CPDT-KA, CDBC

President

Michelle L. Douglas, CPDT-KA, CDBC

Michelle Douglas CPDT-KA, CDBC has been a member of the APDT since 1998. She has served on the Member Communications and Member Relations Committees since 1999 and was Chair of the Member Relations & Services Committee from 2002-2004, until it was merged into the Member Relations & Communications Committee. As Chair, Michelle played a key role in increasing member benefits and volunteer development, including the creation of a centralized volunteer database. She was elected to the Board of Directors in 2008, was appointed Vice President in 2009 and has served as Board Advisor to the Member Relations & Communications Committee, the Elections Committee and the Conference Committee.

Michelle formed THE REFINED CANINE, LLC and began training dogs and their people in 1997. The Refined Canine, LLC follows the philosophy of the LIMA Principle, using the Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive training methods possible to foster a strong relationship based on trust and respect between the dog and his people. Michelle offers group classes, private lessons and behavior consultations; she is a Presenter for the Dogs & Storks™ Program, an AKC Approved CGC Evaluator and a Mentor Trainer for Animal Behavior College. She has published articles on various aspects of owning and training dogs, has a regular blog on Dog Star Daily, and is a featured author in the book The Dog Trainer’s Resource, The APDT Chronicle of the Dog Collection. Michelle has been featured in major local media and is a regular guest on the top-rated local morning radio show: ‘Chaz & AJ in the morning’ on 99.1 FM WPLR in New Haven CT. Michelle also volunteers with several animal rescue groups.