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Certified dog trainer
Erin Nichole Richardson
Erin Nichole Richardson

Houston, TX

Michael Baugh

Michael Baugh began his professional work with families and their dogs in 1999. He graduated with honors from the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers and the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior. Michael has a degree in communications with a secondary concentration in psychology from Loyola University of New Orleans. He also studied community counseling at the Graduate School of John Carroll University.

Training Philosophy

Michael understands that every dog and family has unique needs and goals and he tailors his programs accordingly rather than trying to force dogs into a 'one size fits all' training style. Michael offers a level of support for owners between appointments that is feel is unmatched by any other trainer.

Services

Michael's Dogs offers private training and behavior consulting for people who have dogs with behavior problems. They specialize in aggressive dog training in Houston but also offer online consultations for clients around the world. Their in-person consultations are limited to the Houston, Texas metro area.

Services:

  • Aggression and Fear in Dogs
  • Fixing Unruly Dog Behavior
  • Getting Ready for a New Baby with Your Dog
  • Online Courses
  • Live Video Behavior Consultation
  • In-Person Dog Behavior Help

Pricing:

  • Initial 60 minute Live Video Behavior Coaching with Aggressive Dog Training Foundations course included $215 (best value). Book Now.
  • Initial 60 minute In-Home with Aggressive Dog Training Foundations course included $235. See service area map below.
  • Initial 90 minute Live Video Behavior Coaching $295 (does not include Aggressive Dog Training Foundations)
  • Initial 90 minute In-Home $315 (does not include Aggressive Dog Training Foundations)
  • Online 60 minute follow ups $195
  • In-Home follow ups $215

Certifications

  • Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) - Awarded by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
  • Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge and Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA) - Awarded by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers
  • Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT)

Specializations
Aggressive Dog Training, Fearful Dog Training, Separation Anxiety Training

Training Methods
Positive Reinforcement Dog Training, Clicker Training

Customer Reviews

'Michael understands that every dog and family has unique needs and goals and he tailors his programs accordingly rather than trying to force dogs into a 'one size fits all' training style. Michael offers a level of support for owners between appointments that is feel is unmatched by any other trainer.' — Dr. Lore Haug, Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist

'Michael was our savior when we introduced a new puppy to our home. We have a border collie mix that can act anxious around new people and other animals, so when we brought our new dog into her territory we had a few conflicts. Michael worked with all of us to ensure that our home would be a safe and happy place for people and dogs alike.' — Alex Herbots, Houston

'Michael was recommended to us by our daycare after our dog started displaying guarding behavior, as well as the usual craziness when anyone is in our yard / at the front door. Our dog is a 50l b, 18 month old ridgeback x Staffordshire with a huge amount of energy. Michael really went into detail asking about the circumstances around our dog's behavior and her background before we even met and he came to us with lots of insight and advice. He explained things we had no idea about and was in constant contact during the 4 weeks we worked with him, offering feedback and input online.
We have finished our sessions with Michael and our dog is back in daycare at kennels with no issues. As with anything, you have to take advice to make a change and work at it – we train, following Michael's advice, every day. There is no magic, instant solution but Michael can advise you on how to get the best out of your dog, to communicate with them well and really promote positive behaviors, all done with kindness and understanding. We were surprised however, how quickly our dog's behavior in certain situations changed. She is a happier, calmer dog for her sessions with Michael (which she loved) and we would not hesitate in recommending him to anyone looking for a behaviorist.' — Kay T., Houston

'Our dog was one bite away from being put down. Michael came in and taught us the tools needed to help him relax when people come over. We now have people over all the time … I couldn't recommend him more highly – he truly saved our dog's life.' — Kim B., Houston

'Michael Baugh has done an amazing job working with us and our protective dog over the past few months. We knew when we got a herding dog that there could be some protective aggression issues, but after working with countless other trainers, we were frustrated and dismayed with claims of 'aggression-resolution' techniques that turned out to be nothing more than overpriced obedience training and refused to work with trainers utilizing shock collars and other severe punishment techniques. Working with Michael for the last few months is the first time we have made any real progress in the past two years.' — Hannah J., Houston

'I have used Michael Baugh as a dog trainer several times. I found him when my own dog developed issues and then I called him back for a rescue dog in our program who was also having difficulty. Michael not only uses positive training methods, clicker training being at the foundation of all training, but he develops a plan for the owner(s) that is interactive not only with the dog, but with Michael as well. This IS 'not a send the dog off' to train it place (which does not work for long) but a you learn to train your dog and maintain that training situation. I like Michael's insights into the problem behavior as much as I like his training methods.' — Lucinda Howard, STAR (South Texas Aussie Rescue)

We've got the answers for your questions

Who are the dog trainers listed on this page?

We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.

How can I select the right trainer for my dog?

Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.

How do I ensure these trainers are competent?

All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.

Why is positive reinforcement emphasized, and what is it?

Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.

Are these trainers equipped to address specific behavioral problems?

Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.

How do I initiate a training program with a trainer?

Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.

How do group sessions differ from private ones?

Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.

Which training techniques do these trainers abstain from?

All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.

When can I expect to see results using positive reinforcement training?

Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.

Can I attend a training session to observe before committing?

Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.

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