THUNDERDOGZ

18/01/2025

Well, hello. Taking a hot second to introduce myself. I’m a certified Dog Trainer from the Victoria Stiwell Academy. I started my business five years ago in South Philadelphia, PA- originally I named it Train With Underdogs. Then renamed it Train with THUNDERDOGZ two years ago for no other reason than it was what people thought my instagram handle said anyway! 😉

I started my business from nothing and grew it into something exceptional within just 2 years. Then after winning best Dog Trainer from Philadelphia magazine 2021 I hit the lowest low of my entire life. My mental health crashed. I didn’t ask for help because I truly believed I wasn’t worthy of it. I essentially set my life on fire🔥, began drinking and screwing around with drugs, moved to FL…then CO…(whilst moving Allie with me $$!!) trying to grip a sense of belonging again.

I’ve been trying to figure out how to navigate not only this industry of dog training that so often seems to be a dumpster fire, but also trying to navigate how to balance my life to where I am a little more happy and a little less sad each day. Like most of us I am neurodivergent as f**k. My dog-daughter Jolene and horse-daughter Allie are the two things that keep me the most sane even when they occasionally cause me the most stress.

Only right this moment do I feel my feet are just becoming grounded again. Meditation & the gym discipline help a lot. The ebbs and flows of life!

❤️‍🔥My passion is not only helping people better understand their companions that they live with, but also to better understand themselves. I’m trying to understand and honor my forever wild untamed brain on a daily basis.❤️‍🔥

This world is absolute chaos, and I strive to be a grounding human in the mess of it all.

I’m a Dog Trainer, Performing Artist, Runner, Fitness Freak, Yoga Instructor and Photographer.

I’m a big fan of all things F**k The Patriarchy. You probably are too if you’re here.

I do believe at the end of the day community is a big part of what keeps us all going. In my own tiny way, I hope to bring some relatability here and in person to those I work with.

Thank you for reading!!!

01/01/2025

Me and my best employee ❤️. Now serving all of Bucks County, Philadelphia and New Jersey.

10/10/2024

My life revolves around her and I refuse to have it any other way.

15/09/2024

⚡️Now Offering Walk & Train ⚡️

It’s just as important for me to enrich your life as it is to enrich your dogs life. A really fantastic way to do this is to simply walk together with your dog. As we do this you’ll be able to ask me anything and everything and we will work through behaviors that we both agree are most valuable for your dog at this time.

I only want to do this exclusively at my favorite park that’s in Bucks County, Pennsylvania because there is no off leash dog bu****it.

The service will be available to anyone who wants guidance on how to be the best dog gaurdian possible.

Price is a reasonable.

Text or call: (215) 868-5226

This will be the exclusive offering from me until it gets frigid outside. Even then, as someone who doesn’t mind the cold at all, I would love to go out with you and work together.

Chat soon ❤️,
Michelle
www.trainwiththunderdogz.com

21/08/2024

I met this little lady today. Her name is Fetty. She is looking for a new home. She is the sweetest and chillest dog I’ve ever met. Don’t tell Jolene.

She is confident and gets along with other dogs. She is not a fan of cats. Not dog reactive considering mine can be and barked at her. Fetty gave a shoulder shrug towards Jolene (my shep mix)…didn’t faze her at all.

If you would like to meet her please let me know and I’ll forward your info.

29/06/2024

Virtual Learning is available from yours truly.

21/05/2024

21/05/2024

20/05/2024

My star child. Jolene the Queen.

She’s almost 8 and no one believes me. I attribute her overall health to me thank you very much 😆.

20/05/2024

I will A L W A Y S be an advocate and admirer of all things pittie and terrier mix. These babes are one of the most misunderstood dogs.

It’s been human error on such a massive level for them. They are from what I know and experience some of the most affectionate cuddle monkeys on the planet and they deserve a chance just as much as the next damn doodle.

Love youse guyz.

Right is my first pittie mix Nova and left is my newest student Nikko.

THUNDERDOGZ: Where all things dog welfare, advocacy and training happen.

20/05/2024

I see so many stories on here about dogs being kicked out of their long-term homes because the dog growled. This is a natural behavior and communication tool dogs use to tell is - they need space -.

A growl does not mean the dog is going to progress into full kugo. It does not mean it’s possessed. It does not mean “bad or usless dog.”

We need to give them time to learn with us, to heal, to help them understand what is safe and what is not. If they effectively communicate “hey I don’t feel good about this!” Why is the knee jerk reaction to punish in some way?

19/05/2024

This boo bear and her parents brought me on to work on certain behaviors whilst there’s a dinner party. Call me the Dinner Party Trainer? 😎

08/05/2024

Achilles, gorgeous inside and out. His ma and pa have hired me to work on foundational skills so he can be his most fullest and comfortable self. He’s a recent adoption from a local shelter. We’re going to do wonderful things little big sir!

21/04/2024

Another day, another convo.

20/04/2024

09/02/2024

New mini course alert! Whether it’s platonic or romantic we want our relationships to be full of understanding and love. Wouldn’t it be great if the dogs in our lives got along too?! This is where I come in.

What this course will cover:

💗 Who is your dog- what do they love, tolerate and dislike.

💗What do your dogs stress signals look like and how can you identify them in the dogs you want to be around.

💗 What management needs to be implemented in certain environments with your dog and your beaus dog(s)?

💗 What it means to go at your dogs pace.

💗 The first meet! What should that look like?

💗 Games to play to grow familiarity.

💗 Planning the first big adventure outdoors together whether it be a vacation or camping trip.

💗 Guidance and plans to keep the love and peace thriving without sacrificing the dogs wellbeing.

- No two dogs are the same! Each individual will be getting very different advice and guidance. -

In addition: you’ll have the option (which I hope you take!) to set up weekly check ins with me for 45 minutes each. I want to hear wants going well and troubleshoot what could be going better.

Sign up by emailing: [email protected]

Woo!!