OUR TRAINERS
Michelle is the owner of Wise Canine Training & Behavior and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (KPA CTP) through the Karen Pryor Academy. She is also a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, which qualifies her to support families dealing with complex behavior issues such as fear, anxiety, reactivity, and aggression.
Michelle is a Certified Puppy Start Right Instructor and a Predation Substitute Training Certified Instructor, specializing in helping dogs with strong instincts to chase wildlife. She has additional certifications in aggression, early puppy socialization, and therapy dog team training.
In addition to her dog training credentials, Michelle has completed Person-Centered Dog Training—a course led by a licensed therapist focused on building strong client relationships, effective communication, and supporting client success through a compassionate, human-centered approach.
Michelle shares her life with Timber, a senior American Bully mix, and Flash, a young Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Michelle has a special interest in predatory chasing, and complex dogs who need extra support to feel safe and thrive.
Jenn is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (KPA CTP) and a Certified Puppy Start Right Preschool Instructor through the Karen Pryor Academy of Animal Training & Behavior. She is also a Predation Substitute Training Certified Instructor, and specializes in addressing challenges with dogs who have strong predatory instincts. She is also a Fear Free Certified Professional and has a certification in Aggression in Dogs. Jenn has completed training programs focused on Cooperative Care, Therapy Dog Training, Canine Freestyle. She is also a Professional Member of the Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers.
In addition, Jenn has a Bachelor of Science with a specialization in Psychology which has provided her with valuable knowledge in learning theory and behavioral intervention. These are key principles in creating behavior change in all learners, including dogs.
Jenn is owned by Eva, a senior Belgian Malinois, and two Elkhound and Bear Dog crosses named Blitz and Donner
Jenn has a special interest in handling and cooperative care, predatory chasing, and complex behavior concerns including fear, anxiety, reactivity and aggression.
Kieran is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (KPA CTP) and a Certified Puppy Start Right Preschool Instructor through the Karen Pryor Academy of Animal Training & Behavior. Kieran has further enriched his knowledge and skills by completing the Aggression in Dogs Master Course for Trainers and Behavior Consultants. This intensive program, led by world-renowned aggression expert Michael Shikashio, CDBC, equips trainers with advanced strategies to assess risk, enhance safety, and implement effective behavior modification techniques for dogs displaying aggression.
With his comprehensive training and certifications, Kieran excels in addressing various behavioral issues, from basic manners to reactivity. He combines empathy with scientifically backed methods, ensuring personalized care and effective results for each dog and their owner.
In addition to teaching classes for Wise Canine, Kieran owns and operates Halliminga Dog Services, where he offers dog walking, dog training walks, group walks for reactive teams, and private coaching.
Leslie Joanisse is Wise Canine’s resident puppy expert, bringing over two decades of experience in raising and training puppies to our team. Certified as a Puppy Start Right Instructor through the Karen Pryor Academy, Leslie specializes in providing essential early training and socialization for puppies, setting them up for a lifetime of good behavior.
Leslie has been a responsible breeder of CKC Registered Bernese Mountain Dogs for more than 20 years. She has personally raised 21 puppies of her own into adulthood and nurtured 23 litters, ensuring they grew into happy, confident companions for their new families.
Whether you’re raising your first puppy or looking to give your puppy the best start possible, Leslie’s knowledge, patience, and dedication make her the ideal partner for your journey.