Michele Will
West Chester,PA
Summary
Accomplished Dog Trainer with a proven track record, adept in behavior modification and creative problem-solving. Spearheaded an Enrichment Program, enhancing dog obedience and resolving behavioral issues through positive reinforcement. Excelled in private lesson instruction, demonstrating exceptional ability to interpret dog body language for tailored training solutions.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Dog Trainer
Canine Creature Comforts
10.2022 - 04.2024
- Developed and instructed group obedience classes, individual private lessors and specialty classes for dogs and their handlers.
- Obtained historical background on dogs, observed and evaluated them, and provided tailored instruction based on temperament of dog and learning styler of handlers.
- Screened for behavioral anomalies, and provided recommendations for behavior modification to resolve aggression issues, fear-based behaviors, and other concerns based on observations, feedback from staff, and dog owners.
- Incorporated a self-created Enrichment Program, described on XXXXX.
Owner
Enrich & Engage Canine, LLC
04.2021 - 04.2024
- Instructed lessons in private and group settings.
- Conducted detailed, in-depth discussions with dog owners and families, and observed relationship between dog and owner, assessing areas of concern, providing feedback for improvement, and creating highly-tailored focus plan to address undesirable animal behaviors.
- Incorporated Enrichment Program, described on XXXX.
- Created comprehensive pricing model and managed all aspects of administration related to starting a business from the ground-up to ensure profitability and fair market valuation of instructor time.
Dog Trainer
Cubby's Canine Castle
04.2021 - 09.2021
- Instructed individual private lessons and conducted behavior assessments in a daycare/boarding facility environment.
- Created and executed a comprehensive schedule of instructing dogs at the boarding facility.
- Logged all sessions and provided owners with session videos and written summaries regarding their dogs performance and behavior.
- Observed large groups of dogs in common areas, assessing new dogs for concerning behavior and implemented interventions where necessary.
Lead Supervisor
What A Good Dog
10.2016 - 04.2021
- Supervised daily operations of a high occupancy boarding and daycare facility.
- Managed customer-focused efforts through personalized videos, text messages, emails and phone calls regarding dog performance, comfort, and health concerns.
- Dispensed medication as necessary.
- Onboarded new hires, ensured they were trained in operational procedures to work independently, with team concurrence.
- Managed inventory of all kennel supplies, to include food, cleaning, and support equipment.
- Implemented Enrichment Program, described on XXXX, as a value-added option to reduce dog stress and relieve kennel boredom.
Front Desk Receptionist
Veterinary Referral Center
08.2014 - 09.2015
- Managed patient check-in and check-out at a specialty clinic for animal opthalmology.
- Collected payments, ensured accuracy of discharge papers, entered client information into ImproMed and Cubex databases.
- Retrieved patient histories and triaged patients during emergencies.
Education
Certificate - Patrol/Detector Dog Trainer
American Canine Interdiction (AK9I)
Carrsville, VA08.2024
Certificate - Pet Loss Companion
Two Hearts Pet Loss Center
05.2023
Certificates -
Northeast K9 Conditioning, LLC
Maine11.2022
Certificate - Prong Collar Assessment
Herm Sprenger
04.2022
Certificates -
American Kennel Club
04.2021
Certificate - Pet First Aid & CPR
E-Training For Dogs
04.2021
Certificate - Massage Therapy
Cortiva Institute of Massage Therapy
King Of Prussia, PA12.2010
Certificate - Business Ethics
Institute of Somatic Therapy
2010
Certificate - Phlebotomy
Neumann Unversity
Aston, PA06.1993
High School Diploma -
Penncrest High School
Media, PA06.1981
Skills
- Behavior Modification
- Obedience training
- Creative Problem-Solving
- Positive Reinforcement Training
- Dog Body Language Interpretation
- Private Lesson Instruction
- Puppy Socialization Techniques
- Prong collar training
Accomplishments
Canine Handling Experience
- Canine Partner Jack, Malinois/Shepherd: AK9I Certified in the following: Explosive Detection, Tracking, Mobile Odor, CGC, May 2024 through Present;
- Canine Partner Talon, Dutch Shepherd: Certified Level 1 Trailing Dog, AKC CGC, training for fire arms detection, 2022 through 2024;
- Canine Partner Lenny, Boxer: tracking and scent games, 2013 through 2023;
- Canine Partner Carson, Boxer: Certified in Human Remains Detection, Water Recovery, and Therapy Dogs International. Deployed in support of Pennsylvania Emergency Management (PEMA) to Waveland, MS in response to Hurricane Katrina, 2005. Deployed to numerous missing persons cases, co-hosted cadaver search seminar at local State Park, instructing 20 K9/handler teams in executing cadaver search operations; 2003 to 2014;
- Canine Partner Louie, Boxer: Certified in Human Remains Detection and Water Recovery. Deployed for 2 weeks as one of the first K9 teams to clear debris from World Trade Center in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. Deployed in support of multiple missing persons, homicide cases, and drownings; 1998 to 2003.
Affiliations
- International Association of Canine Professionals
- United Schutzund Club of America
- American Mantrailing, Police & Working Dog Association
- Working Dutch Shepherd Assocation of America
- PA Search and Rescue Council
- Northeast Search and Rescue International
Additional Information
ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
PASAR Training
Timeline
Dog Trainer
Canine Creature Comforts
10.2022 - 04.2024
Owner
Enrich & Engage Canine, LLC
04.2021 - 04.2024
Dog Trainer
Cubby's Canine Castle
04.2021 - 09.2021
Lead Supervisor
What A Good Dog
10.2016 - 04.2021
Front Desk Receptionist
Veterinary Referral Center
08.2014 - 09.2015
Certificate - Patrol/Detector Dog Trainer
American Canine Interdiction (AK9I)
Certificate - Pet Loss Companion
Two Hearts Pet Loss Center
Certificates -
Northeast K9 Conditioning, LLC
Certificate - Prong Collar Assessment
Herm Sprenger
Certificates -
American Kennel Club
Certificate - Pet First Aid & CPR
E-Training For Dogs
Certificate - Massage Therapy
Cortiva Institute of Massage Therapy
Certificate - Business Ethics
Institute of Somatic Therapy
Certificate - Phlebotomy
Neumann Unversity
High School Diploma -
Penncrest High School
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