People come to professional dog training in all kinds of ways. Michelle Bailey came to it through a lifelong love of animals, a pregnancy, a rescue dog who was biting, and one lesson that changed the way she saw dogs entirely.
Michelle is your Bark Busters trainer in Hamilton, Brantford and Haldimand. We asked her what brought her to training, which breeds she cannot resist, and what she wishes every dog owner knew.
What Brought You to Dog Training?
“Weirdly, becoming a mom! I had always grown up around animals and had all kinds of pets, but it was our Pittie/Heeler mix, Major, that brought me to professional training. I was pregnant with my daughter, and this new rescue of ours was starting to bite other dogs, and bite people coming into our home, and none of my usual knowledge was working.
I knew we could not bring a child into this situation, so my husband and I hired Bark Busters. From the first lesson I was hooked. It was incredible to actually understand the canine mindset and get through to this very stubborn dog in a way I had never been able to with treats or tricks. I’d always thought of myself as an incredibly dog-competent person, and learning a completely different method that actually worked, was, honestly, a little humbling – in the best way possible.
After my maternity leave was over, going back to my previous job wasn’t making me happy anymore. The hours were very long and out of my control. I didn’t feel like I was making any difference in the world. I wanted to really help people. I had been taking animal nutrition and animal welfare courses, and thought I might go back to school to be a vet. It was really the training that I loved though, so I called my Bark Busters trainer and asked her how I might get into this. I’ll never forget her words to me – “You’d better love people. If it’s only about dogs, be a dog walker instead”. She was absolutely right.
Long story short, by the next year I was on my way to trainer training, and I have never looked back!”
What Is Your Favourite Breed?
“I have a big soft spot for the squishy face of a bully breed, but all dogs can get to me, with those eyes and soft ears! I’m also a big sucker for an animal with a human name. I share my life with my Cane Corso/Presa mix Olive (and two cats named Steve and Martha). “
What Is a Favourite Moment You Have Had While Training?
“I love the moments when there are tears of joy. Clients who have never been able to pet their dog without biting, or the first time someone sees their dog look up at them lovingly on a walk. Seeing that bond start to form in real time always reminds me why I got into this in the first place. It never gets old.”
What Do You Wish You Could Tell Every Dog Owner?
“A good trainer will never scold you for what you have done in the past. I think a lot of people resist getting help because they are so worried about being judged. For me, I care about what happens from today onward. We have all made mistakes. It is part of being human.
It is not about what is ‘good’ or ‘bad’, it is about what is effective and working for you and your dog.
When you know better, you do better.”
Ready to Work With Michelle?
If you live in Hamilton, Brantford, Haldimand, Ancaster, Dundas, Caledonia, Cayuga or the surrounding communities, Michelle is your local Bark Busters trainer. As a certified Behaviour Therapist and Grand Master Trainer, she helps families with dog aggression, separation anxiety, puppy training, leash pulling, excessive barking and general obedience, all in the comfort of your home.
Every Bark Busters training program includes our Life Of Dog Support Guarantee, so you have ongoing support for the life of your dog.
Call or text Michelle at 905-853-0195 to book your in-home training session.
(Not in Michelle’s area? No problem! Scroll to the bottom and fill out the form to be connected to your local trainer!)