Saint Charles, MO
Michelle Charboneau
Michelle Charboneau, CPDT-KA, has a BA in Psychology and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Missouri. She has been training dogs since 2009 when she volunteered at an animal shelter.
While working at the shelter she discovered that adorable puppies adopted today were often returned within a few months as unruly adult dogs. The bad behavior was typically due to a lack of appropriate training or lack of timely socialization. Often these "bad" dogs were euthanized.
In 2010, Michelle completed the Assistant Trainers course offered by the Greater St. Louis Training Club, and learned the magic of positive reinforcement dog training. Ultimately R+ training is about teaching pets and their people how to communicate with each other. In 2013, Michelle completed the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Program, and in 2014, she earned her Animal Welfare Certificate through the St. Louis Community College. In 2017 she completed the Fear Free Animal Trainer Certification.
Training Philosophy
Pooch Positive Training LLC uses positive reinforcement rather than punishment. We never use any aversive training methods. Force-free training is based on scientifically proven principles of behavioral psychology, including operant and classical conditioning. Simply, dogs repeat behaviors that are rewarded, and cease behaviors that are not.
We do not shock, prong, or choke our dogs to get them to engage in appropriate behavior. We reward, praise, pet, play and LOVE them.
Services
- Private In-Home Lessons
- Puppy Socialization & Vet Prep
- Virtual On-Line Training
Certifications
- CPDT-KA
- Animal Welfare Certificate
- Fear Free Animal Trainer Certification
Specializations
Puppy training, basic manners, behavior issues, socialization, vet prep, virtual training
Training Methods
Positive reinforcement, force-free training
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
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.
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.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
