ABOUT MICHELLE
Wise Canine Training & Behavior is owned and operated by Michelle Wieser, KPA CTP, CDBC, SDC, PST-CI
Michelle Wieser, KPA-CTP, SDC, CDBC
Karen Pryor Academy, Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) Certification Number: 75133
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC)
Certified Service Dog Coach (SDC)
Predation Substitute Training Certified Instructor (PST-CI)
Canine Good Neighbour Evaluator
Therapy Dog Evaluator
Canine Parkour Certified Instructor & Evaluator
CWAGS Scent Detection Judge
Michelle is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) and Certified Professional Dog Trainer, with credentials from leading organizations including the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). Her work focuses on building practical skills, confidence, and enrichment for dogs and their handlers through ethical, evidence-based training. She is also a Certified Service Dog Coach (SDC) through Cooperative Paws, supporting owner-trained service dog teams.
Michelle has completed Handlers & Humans, a continuing education program taught by a licensed therapist and former professor of counseling psychology, which strengthened her ability to support clients through clear communication, empathy, and effective expectation-setting.
In addition to her core credentials, Michelle is a Certified Predation Substitute Training Instructor, Canine Parkour Instructor & Evaluator, Canine Good Neighbour Evaluator, and Therapy Dog Evaluator and a Scent Detection Judge for Canine Work & Games. She is a professional member of both the IAABC and the Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers, and participates in ongoing education each year to stay current with canine behavior science and humane training practices.
Scroll down for a detailed list of Michelle’s education and certifications.
Michelle's Dogs
Flash is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier who has completed much of his foundation training and enjoys activities like Predation Substitute Training, Cooperative Care, Parkour, and Nosework. He also supported Michelle in completing the Service Dog Coach (SDC) Certification Program by helping demonstrate and practice service dog training skills.
Lumi is the newest addition to Michelle’s family—a Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy currently learning about the big world and building her foundation through positive, force-free training.
Timber was Michelle’s senior American Bully mix, who passed away in late 2025. Her struggles with anxiety, fear, and reactivity inspired Michelle to pursue extensive education in force-free behavior modification and life skills training, shaping the compassionate, evidence-based approach she uses today.
Michelle Wieser
All Certifications, Courses, Seminars & Workshops
2026
Canine Parkour Instructor & Evaluator Certification
Michelle has completed the coursework and evaluation process through the International Dog Parkour Association, demonstrating a strong understanding of canine parkour philosophy, training methods, and safety guidelines. This certification qualifies her to teach canine parkour skills and evaluate dog–handler teams for official titles.
2025
Service Dog Coach Certification
Michelle has completed the Service Dog Coach™ Certification through Cooperative Paws Service Dog Education. This advanced program trains professional, reward-based dog trainers to prepare service dogs for public access and to teach specialized tasks such as mobility support, hearing alerts, and psychiatric assistance.
Person-Centered Dog Training - Handlers & Humans
An 8 week specialized course created by a licensed therapist and former professor of counseling psychology, focused on the human side of dog training. This program teaches trainers how to build strong, supportive relationships with clients, communicate more effectively, and approach difficult conversations with empathy. Topics include connection and engagement, client mindset, expectation setting, and helping clients cope and succeed using a strengths-based approach.
Predation Substitute Training for Instructors Course (Certification)
A 10-week course focused how to teach clients to manage their dog’s predatory behaviour with fun, force-free methods and amazing results. Instructors learn how to skillfully address challenges faced by owners of dogs with strong predatory instincts. Instructors learn how to help clients enjoy relaxed walks and a deeper connection with their dogs.
2023
Canine Good Neighbor (CGN) Evaluator
Candian Kennel Club
Evaluators require extensive experience and a sound background in the training and handling of dogs of a variety of breeds. The CGN program identifies and rewards responsible and caring owners and their canine partners. Canine Good Neighbours can be counted on to present good manners at home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs.
Therapy Dog Team Training
Karen Pryor Academy
Learned essential skills for successful therapy dog work including reading canine body language, teaching dogs to be comfortable and confident performing required skills and behaviors in hospitals, nursing homes, libraries, school classrooms, and other environments where therapy work often takes place.
2022
Errorless Learning in Scent Detection with Dr. Carla Simon - In Person, Whitehorse, YT
Incorporate errorless learning by adapting trial-and-error dog training, reduce or prevent errors. Understand normal predatory behaviors and contrast them with the ideal performance in scent detection.
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
Passing with an overall score of 95%. IAABC certifications are the most rigorous in the field. IAABC Consultants provide animal behavior consulting and training worldwide using ethical standards and Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) practices.
Clicker Expo - The World's Most Innovative Animal Training Conference
3 Day Online Conference for professionals to improve their skills, keep up with the latest techniques, and learn from world leaders in positive reinforcement.
2021
The Aggression in Dogs Conference
3 Day Online Conference for professionals to learn from the world's foremost experts on aggression in the fields of Veterinary Behavior, Shelter Behavior, Dog Bite Sports, Applied Animal Behavior, Rehabilitation and Wellness, Animal Welfare and Enrichment, and Psychology.
Clicker Expo - The World's Most Innovative Animal Training Conference
3 Day Online Conference for professionals to improve their skills, keep up with the latest techniques, and learn from world leaders in positive reinforcement.
Aggression in Dogs - Master Course for Trainers and Behavior Consultants
Taught by world renowned aggression expert, Michael Shikashio CDBC, with additional modules presented by Dr. Chris Pachel DVM, DACVB, CABC, Jessica Dolce CCFE and Kim Brophey CDBC.
Leash Reactivity
Jessica Wheatcraft CDBC, CPDT-KA
Understanding Livestock Guarding Dogs
What you need to know for aggression cases
Erin Williams, Livestock Guardian Dogs Australia
Recognizing Pain in Dogs
How to recognize pain in dogs that can lead to aggressive behavior
Dr. Debbie Gross Torraca
Dog to Cat Aggression
Katenna Jones, ScM, ACAAB, CDBC, CCBC, CPDT-KA
Beyond the Bite: Crucial Consulting Skills for Working Aggression Cases
Effective client counseling skills to facilitate behavioral change in aggression cases
Melanie Cerone Ph.D., CPDT-KA
Using Enrichment to Treat Aggression
Assessing enrichment needs for aggressive dogs
Emily Strong CDBC, CPBT-KA, SBA and Allie Bender CDBC, CPDT-KA, SBA
How to Break Up a Dog Fight
Trish McMillan MSc, CDBC, CPDT-KA
Husbandry and Aggression - How to Navigate Blurred Lines
Dog aggression during veterinary, grooming, and general handling procedures
Kelly C. Ballantyne, DVM, DACVB & Laura Monaco Torelli, KPA Faculty, CPDT-KA
2020
3-Day Virtual Conference - Fenzi Dog Sports Academy & International Association of Behavior Consultants
Treating Separation Anxiety - Nancy Tucker
Facilitating Safe and "Healthy" Dog Play in Shelters - Mara Velez
"Come!" The Art and Science of Recall Training - Chrissi Schranz
Client Communication with Compassion & Efficacy - Dr. Christopher Pachel
Dog Bite Interpretation - Jim Crosby
Modifying Resource Guarding Behavior - Michael Shikashio
Desensitization and Counterconditioning - Nancy Tucker
Anatomy of Attention - Suzanne Clothier
Impulsivity and Hyperactivity - Dr. Kristina Spaulding
4 Steps to a Training and Behavior Modification Plan - Ruth Larocque
What Makes a Nosework Class Therapeutic and Why - Peta Clarke
Here's some stuff
2019
Anxiety Disorders in Dogs: Why Do They Happen, and How Can We Help? (Webinar)
Dr. Jennifer Summerfield, Veterinarian and Professional Dog Trainer
Understanding anxiety and how it differs from a fear response or phobia. Risk factors for the development of anxiety disorders. Clinical approach to treatment, including behavior modification and drug therapy options
Anxiety in Dogs: The Whole Story (Webinar)
Jessica Hekman, DVM, PhD
The biology behind anxiety: the roles of genetics, early environment (as early as in mom's uterus!), and socialization.
Aggression Treatment: A Review of Popular Protocols (Webinar)
Dr. Ken Ramirez, Executive Vice-President & Chief Training Officer, Karen Pryor Academy
A professional review of popular protocols to address aggressive behavior in dogs including Constructional Aggression Treatment, Look at That, Engage Disengage, Behavior Adjustment Training, Click to Calm, and Incompatible Behaviors.
Living and Learning with Animals for Veterinary and Animal Professionals, Edmonton Alberta (Seminar)
Dr. Susan Friedman
A professional course on the fundamental principles of learning and behavior and behavior analysis. With this information, animal professionals are able to guide clients to proactively teach companion behaviors and effectively analyze and resolve behavior problems that inevitably arise.
Adding a Second, or Seventh Dog to Your Home: How to Promote Success and Avoid Problems (Workshop)
Michael Shikashio, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
How to encourage successful introductions and avoid the conflicts when a new dog joins the family. Looking for an ideal match, safe dog to dog greetings, handling dogs with existing issues with other dogs, key concepts to encourage successful relationships between resident dogs and newly acquired dogs.
2018
Stressed Out: Does it Look Like You Think it Does? (Workshop)
Amy Cook, PhD
Understanding signs of stress from the most overt to the most subtle, and considering strategies for lessening stress when it comes up from the environment and from your training choices.
Stressed Out: Dogs, Hormones, and Stress (Workshop)
Jessica Hekman, DVM, PhD
The original evolutionary purpose of the stress response; what stress hormones do in the body; the difference between acute and chronic stress and the different effects they have on dogs' health; and what we know about how long it takes the body to clear stress hormones. How the brain works and what that means for a dog's ability to focus through stress.
Puppy Start Right for Instructors (Certification)
Ken Martin DVM, DACVB and Debbie Martin RVT, VTS (Behavior), KPA CTP
Karen Pryor Academy
A comprehensive course developed by a Veterinary Behaviorist and Certified Trainer covering puppy socialization curriculum, growth and development, problem-solving, preventing or solving common puppy behavior problems, interrupting play appropriately, and safe class and teaching set-up.
Intra-Household Dog to Dog Aggression (Workshop)
Michael Shikashio, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Case studies and behavior modification strategies for intra-household aggression. Determining a prognosis for a likely outcome in a case. Safely managing dogs with a history of conflict. Addressing competition over resources including food, toys, bones, beds, or owners.
Aggression and Reactivity, Vancouver, BC (Seminar)
John McGuigan, Glasgow Dog Trainer & Behavior Consultant
How to prevent, manage and implement training and behaviour modification strategies to improve aggressive and reactive behaviour. This course coveres lead handling, movement and working in harmony rather than against your dog to maximize the effectiveness of your behaviour modification program.
Behavior Medications (Workshop)
Dr. Jennifer Summerfield, Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
On overview of medications used to treat behavior problems (such as anxiety, reactivity, or aggression) in dogs. Goals of using meds in behavior cases; different classes of drugs and how they work; natural supplements and calming aids.
Empowerment for Problems Concerning Noise, Balance, Space, Environment (Course)
Julie Daniels, Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
Exercises to teach dogs to meet new environments and novel stimuli with tail wagging and head held high - for babies and adult dogs, dogs with confidence issues, dogs with general anxiety issues, reactive dogs, and dogs with very specific problems concerning noise, balance, space, environment, or performance.
Dog Trainer Professional Certification Program (Certification)
Instructor & Evaluator: Terry Ryan, Karen Pryor Academy
CTP Certification Number: 75133
Provides the knowledge and skills needed to attain to the highest standards of positive reinforcement training, and effectively teach these skills to others. Based on the most up-to-date behavior science, from foundation knowledge to advanced concepts in animal training, and behavior management solutions.
2017
Ready, Steady Squirrel! Skills for Focus Around Critters (Course)
Mariah Hinds, Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
Teach the skills needed for your dog to be able to focus on you when there is the scent, sound or sight of a critter or a combination of all of the above.
Basic Pet First Aid (Course)
Dr. Candace Stuart, All Paws Veterinary Clinic
Control Your Canine - Impulse Control (Course)
Mariah Hinds, Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
Self control games and strategies around distractions including food, toys, things in motion (cars, critters, people, dogs).
TEAM Sports Foundation: Level 1 and 2 (Course)
Heather Lawson, Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
Engagement and Focus, Heeling, Recalls, Fronts & Finishes, Distance work, Targeting, Jumping, Retrieving, Scent Work, and Impulse Control. Introducing all the core areas from the start makes sure that obedience remains fun for both the dog and the handler!
2016
Nosework Intro & Skill Building 2-day Workshop, Whitehorse, Yukon (Seminar)
Donna Toews CPDT-KA, CNWI, Reflection Pet Services
Introductory and intermediate scent detection training and handling skills.
Developing Advanced Nosework Skills (Course)
Stacy Barnett, Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
Develop the teamwork necessary for successful trialing. Environmental considerations around airflow and weather conditions, aged hides, how to set up and work through distractions, how to effectively search an area, multiple hides, and problem solving individual team skills.
Dealing with the Bogeyman - Helping Fearful Reactive and Stressed Dogs (Course)
Dr. Amy Cook Ph.D, Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
Address the issue of fearful and reactive dogs, including how to make your dog comfortable, confident, and focused in novel and challenging environments.
Growl Class - A Workshop for Reactive Dogs (Course)
Dr. Ian Dunbar
Dealing with dogs that are aggressive towards other dogs in a group class setting. The use of classically conditioning to rehabilitate and re-socialize dogs to once again enjoy the company of other dogs.
2015
Introduction to Nosework (Course)
Julie Symons, Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
Basic concepts in searching for odor, proper use of equipment, how to handle odor, how to make and place hides, how to make the search for scent extremely important to the dog.
Introduction to Nosework Search Elements (Course)
Melissa Chandler, Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
Work through each of the four elements of Nosework competition including interior, exterior, container, and vehicle searches. Learn handling techniques that help support your dog in his search.
Management for Reactive Dogs (Course)
Amy Cook Ph.D, Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
Learning strategies for managing and controlling dogs that are reactive to dogs and people. Leash handling skills for real-life dog walking, tricks to distract and create calm, strategies for minimizing in-home reactive barking, and advocating for the dog.
2014
Recallers 12 Week Program (Course)
Susan Garrett
Fun games based training techniques to create brilliant recalls, and teach you to train your dog to make good choices by playing games only 5 minutes a day.
Agility Seminar, Whitehorse, Yukon (Seminar)
Sandra Katzen, Vortex Agility, Kent Washington
Agility Seminar, Whitehorse, Yukon (Seminar)
Janet Ooms, Calgary Canine Centre
Behaviour Adjustment Training (Course)
Grisha Stewart, Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT) is one of the most popular force-free techniques to rehabilitate and prevent aggression, frustration and fear in dogs and even other species. Learn how to: use a leash to maximizes your dog's learning and comfort, read your dog's body language, and safely manage walks and training set-ups to maximize learning and minimize stress.
2003 - 2013
Aggression Seminar, Whitehorse, Yukon (Seminar)
Monique Anstee, The Naughty Dogge, Victoria, BC
Agility Seminar, Whitehorse, Yukon (Seminar)
Michelle Ooms, NADAC Judge Calgary Alberta
Fiesty Fido Seminar, Edmonton, Alberta (Seminar)
Dr. Patricia McConnell Ph.D
Simple strategies for addressing dogs that react to others by barking, growling, stiffening, or hiding behind your legs.
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