Meet Our Team

Michele Miller, CPDT-KA, Founder and Lead Trainer: Like many animal care professionals, Michele's journey into professional training began with one dog. Determined to help her foster Newfoundland, Lucie, live a happy and Newfiful life, Michele sought help from the force free community as well as her regional breed club and working dog group. She began the work that would not only change Lucie's life, but hers as well. Over the past 7 years, Michele has worked with skilled trainers, attended Intern Academies with world renowned author, trainer, and behavior consultant Pat Miller, and provided support to the Colonial Newfoundland Club's Working Dog and Education committees. She's the Vice President of Colonial Newfoundland Rescue where she manages intakes and provides training support to fosters and adopting families. While Michele enjoys working with dogs of all kinds,  she's driven by her commitment to improving how we assess and manage the behavioral needs of dogs in the rescue and shelter environment, and to promoting the use of force free training methods in the working dog and dog sports communities.  

Michele is certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), a member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG), and a founding member of the Animal Positive Coalition (APC). 

She resides in Baltimore, MD with her dogs Lucie, Rosa, and Garrett, and cats Neko and Lucy too. She’s an active member of her Newfoundland working dog group, exhibiting in and organizing Water Rescue and Draft Work training events and trials.

Lucie: Lucie is a hard working girl and always willing to help. She blew into our lives like a hurricane 7 years ago, an adolescent Newf without skills to help cope with her conflicted emotions. These days, Lucie exemplifies all that is possible. Her resume includes neutral/helper dog volunteer, water rescue dog, draft dog, Canine Good Citizen, trick dog, tamer of adolescent foster brothers, and dog labor law specialist.

Garrett: Super senior Garrett is a dedicated helper dog and skilled in assisting with reactivity, confidence building, and socialization. He LOVES puppies and often drops by puppy classes and social hours to say hello, demonstrate skills, and ensure they have a positive experience with a guy of his 'stature'. Whether it’s one-on-one at your home or during a group session, Garrett is there to help your dog feel comfortable and confident!