about michelle

Wise Canine Training & Behavior is owned and operated by Michelle Wieser, KPA CTP, CDBC

CONTACT MICHELLE

Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner

About Michelle Wieser, KPA CTP, CDBC

Karen Pryor Academy, Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)

CTP Certification Number: 75133

Karen Pryor Academy Listing

Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants

Michelle Wieser is limiting private coaching offerings fear, anxiety, reactivity and aggression cases. Private coaching will be prioritized based on urgency and severity.

Wise Canine Training is owned and operated by Michelle Wieser Certified Trainer and Dog Behavior Consultant. Michelle has taught and assisted in dog training programs in Whitehorse for 20 years. Michelle provides training and behavior consulting services through the effective use of Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) practices.

Education & Certifications

Michelle's education includes a Professional Dog Trainer Certification and Puppy Start Right Instructors Certification from the Karen Pryor Academy of Animal Training and Behavior. The Karen Pryor Academy is widely acknowledged as one of the most outstanding and rigorous training programs available to serious professional dog trainers. Founded by world-renowned trainer an author Karen Pryor, this intensive program sets its graduates apart in an industry without professional standards.

Michelle is also a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). The goals of the IAABC are to standardize and support the practice of animal behavior consulting. IAABC certifications are the most rigorous in the field, and assess people working in multiple species, with private clients and in shelters.

Michelle has completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course for Trainers and Behavior Consultants taught by world renowned aggression expert, Michael Shikashio, CDBC. This comprehensive program has equipped her with the knowledge and skills to assess risk, improve safety, and implement behavior change strategies designed to reduce aggressive behavior.

In addition, Michelle is a Professional Member of the Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, a Canine Good Neighbour Evaluator, and a Certified Therapy Dog Evaluator. She has completed coursework focused on aggression, early puppy socialization, behavior assessment and prevention, managing fearful, reactive and aggressive behavior, addressing self control issues, increasing focus for highly distracted dogs, therapy dog team training, and scent detection. Each year, Michelle participates in continuing education programs to ensure the training you receive is based on modern research.

Scroll down for a detailed list of Michelle's Education & Credentials to learn more about her certifications and how and she can help you achieve your training goals using modern, humane training methods.

Michelle's Dogs

Timber is a senior American Bully Mix. She's highly intelligent, sensitive, and struggles with anxiety and fearful behavior. She has motivated Michelle to complete a number of additional training courses on force-free behavior modification and life skills training. These methods have had an incredible impact on Timber's behavior, well-being, and our relationship.

Flash is a CKC Registered, Staffordshire Bull Terrier from Rustik Staffords in British Columbia. He is a happy, social young boy who has worked through a lot of his foundation training, and is now playing with Therapy Dog Training, Nosework, and Rally Obedience.

Michelle Wieser

All Certifications, Courses, Seminars & Workshops

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

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.