Linda is a trailblazing influencer dog welfare advocacy.
Linda Michaels, M.A., Psychology, author of the ground-breaking, best-seller, The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook, is the founder of the “First, Do No Harm” approach in dog training. Linda Michaels, M.A., Psychology, author of the ground-breaking, best-seller, The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook: Featuring the Hierarchy of Dog Needs, is the founder of the “First, Do No
Harm” approach in dog training. Available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble online, and Dogwise— fine booksellers and libraries through Ingram Spark~ https://amzn.to/3Ptt14g
Linda is a trailblazing influencer in canine behavior consulting and animal welfare advocacy. Her internationally acclaimed Hierarchy of Dog Needs guide offers a clear, dog-centered alternative to outdated paradigms that include punitive methods. Her new Do No Harm swag store encourages pet parents and trainers to wear their dog care ethics “on their sleeves.”
01/25/2025
01/21/2025
I got 47 reactions and 2 replies on my recent top post! Thank you all for your continued support. I could not have done it without you. 🙏🤗🎉
01/21/2025
01/20/2025
Do No Harm...but Take No S**t. Amen to that.
01/20/2025
Author/Founder. This book 📖 is written for our dogs, who cannot speak for themselves and for the people who love 💋 them. My passion for moving the dog training field forward in the face of difficult obstacles inspired me to create a wellness and training guide 📓 embedded with the Do No Harm ethical code. Get your copy here and start training without force or fear today ~ https://amzn.to/3Ptt14g
A straightforward, force-free, Do No Harm alternative to the traditional teaching model is needed in the unregulated dog training industry. As an ardent animal lover, canine behavior modification professional, and animal welfare advocate, I felt compelled to write The Do No Harm Dog Training® and Behavior Handbook to support The Hierarchy of Dog Needs® (HDN) guide. Given the strong movement toward human-animal bonding, there is a societal imperative to develop a more dog-friendly, dog-needs based model of care and training. Too often, basic needs are either not met or are under met. The Do No Harm approach make dogs lives better because it is truly dog-friendly, safer, has longer lasting results; moreover, it is more effective when compared to punitive training.
The Hierarchy of Dog Needs concept as a wholistic system of care had been brewing within me for many years. I dreamt about it a lot. I was in a rather unique position of responsibility that spurred me to speak out on behalf of the dogs. My disappointment and frustration with the dog training field’s direction toward shock, prong, choke collar devices, and other punitive methods inspired me to sit down and find a way to get my ideas into an easily understood visual form.
My academic background in experimental psychology and learning, graduate training and research in behavioral neurobiology, plus hands-on experience training dogs and wolfdogs, prepared me to create a one-page teaching tool in the form of a handout that is easy-to-understand and easy-to-use. The development of The Hierarchy of Dog Needs came to life through considerable trial and tribulation and some tears. The Do No Harm ethic grows naturally from The Hierarchy of Dog Needs and expresses the ideology and practices within this book.
After decades of wading through the ocean of materials available on dog training, I decided to write my own manual where specific items of interest are easy to find for both pet parents and instructors.
01/18/2025
Can you help, lol?
01/17/2025
01/15/2025
Thank you The Doodle Pro for the excellent Review of the Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook!
Thank you to The Doodle Pro for this amazing review of my new book !The Do No Harm Dog Training Handbook is a must have for dog lovers, dog trainers and prof...
01/15/2025
Stop the madness. End dog abuse in the name of dog "training."
01/15/2025
Hi everyone! 🌟 You can support me by sending Stars - they help me earn money to keep making content you love.
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01/15/2025
Discovering Your Dog's Cognitive Needs Sets Your Dog Up for Success. Your dog wants you to learn about Choice and Consent. Figure it out here in easy-to-understand and apply language ~
https://amzn.to/3Ptt14g
Learn how giving your dog more choices builds confidence and makes for a happier dog. Voluntary cooperation built upon trust, will go a long way toward helping your dog cope in what can too often be a very stressful human-dominated universe. Understanding your dog's Cognitive Needs enhances your dog's life by providing
• Enrichment
• Choice
• Consent
• Problem-solving
Did you know that dogs are social beings and have social traits that often mirror our own Social Needs? Learn more here ~ https://a.co/d/9aVFVet
Bonding with a trustworthy pet parent is essential to psychological well-being.
Discover how PLAY in all its various expressions has a vital essential role in behavioral development and should be encouraged.
Explore the critical needs for
• Secure Attachment
• Bonding with other people
• Bonding with dogs
• Play
01/15/2025
Understanding Emotional Needs Is Critical to Well-being
Create your own Doggy Enrichment Land! Inside and Outside (See the Chapter on Separation Anxiety Treatment and Prevention and the awesome sample from our members below) Find it here ~ https://a.co/d/9aVFVet
Learning about your dog's Emotional Needs nurtures the relationship between pet parent and dog and helps prevent behavioral problems. Physical and emotional wellness go hand-in-glove.
Discover the importance of
• Emotional Safety
• Trust
• Consistency
• Love
• Novelty
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Videos
Hi everyone! 🌟 You can support me by sending Stars - they help me earn money to keep making content you love.
Whenever you see the Stars icon, you can send me Stars!
#StarsEverywhere
VIDEO. Check out Rhodies Zeke, big brother, and Zeb, baby rascal of the family playing for the first time!
PLAY...but Is it Fair Play?
I could watch dogs for hours on end...they are so fascinating. I've learned quite a bit about what to look for when Introducing a Puppy to an Adult Dog...OR ANY ill-matched pair in differing size or age...or ANY new dog to your household.(Learn all about here in our Amazon Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook.
https://amzn.to/3Ptt14g
" Contrary to some widely held opinions, well-socialized adult dogs are generally quite tolerant of puppies and do not actively, or frequently correct puppies with neck grabs, shakes or any type of aggressive behavior. If play becomes too rough the adult dog typically simply walks away, effectively ending the fun, therein, teaching the puppy what is appropriate and what is not. (See Chapter 9, Dog-Dog Play Rules.)"
Michaels, Linda. The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook: Featuring the Hierarchy of Dog Needs® (p. 236). Do No Harm Dog Training. Kindle Edition.
Linda Michaels, M.A. Psychology, Del Mar Dog Training, serves clients in Del Mar and San Diego County from La Jolla to Carlsbad, plus Rancho Santa Fe, Hollywood, and Beverly Hills
📷
Linda Michaels, M.A., Psychology, PCT-A was recently rated one of the top ten dog trainers in the United States, by Top Ten Magazine. Linda has a master’s degree in Experimental Psychology (Hons), and is the creator of the Hierarchy of Dog Needs®(HDN) and author of the Do No Harm Dog TrainingTM and Behavior Manual for both trainers and pet parents. 📷Linda is the Founder and Head Administrator of the wildly popular Do No Harm Facebook Group where force-free advocates from around the world gather to share resources, solve dog behavior problems, and promote animal welfare.
Linda worked with some of the most difficult behavior cases at the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA for five years, and then became an animal welfare advocate for positive/force-free training and non-aversive collars. She is a certified Fear, Aggression and Reactivity consultant and focuses on the psychological aspects of dog behavior that often mirror human psychological conditions, such as: fear, separation/attachment disorders, and dog aggression toward humans and other dogs. She is a sought-after speaker.
Linda’s laboratory research experience in behavioral neurobiology examined the interface between behavior and the brain. Her unique combination of scientific training and hands-on experience with dogs and wolfdogs creates a bridge between the worlds of research, dog trainers and pet parents as demonstrated in her presentation at the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) inaugural summit: Understanding Research: Making the case for force-free training. Linda is a proud Affiliate of the International School of Canine Psychology (ISCP), the International Companion Animal Network – Welfare First (ICAN), and the Association of INTODogs force-free training, veterinary and welfare organizations where the Hierarchy of Dog Needs is prominently featured. Linda is an accomplished author of numerous behavior articles in publications such as BARKS from the Guild (PPG) international trade magazine, the countywide UT-San Diego Scratch and Sniff column, Rancho Santa Fe Review, Del Mar Village Voice, Solana Beach Sun, Natural Awakenings magazine, San Diego Pets magazine, and Carmel Valley News. Linda is a certified veterinary assistant and the flagship SoCal Victoria Stilwell-licensed behavior consultant. She appeared as a featured expert on Huffington Post Live, Gawker.com, Wolf Dog Radio and PPG World Services. She was also a member of the Advisory Board for the Art for Barks charity, in Rancho Santa Fe, CA, and was the first Behavior Advisor for the WolfEducationProject.org in Julian, CA.
Linda teaches private, customized basic manners/obedience lessons for dogs of all ages and every breed. Her practice, Do No Harm Dog Training, serves pet parents in Del Mar, La Jolla to Carlsbad, Rancho Santa Fe, Hollywood and Beverly Hills areas.
The development of the Hierarchy of Dog Needs ® (HDN) — Standards of Care and Best Force-free Practices, is a wellness and force-free behavior modification guide. This is one of Linda’s most significant contributions to animal welfare and training. The Hierarchy of Dog Needs closes the door on the perceived need and advisability of using punitive or aversive methods to train our pet dogs. It offers a clear, easy-to-use force-free alternative to some of the most popular teaching paradigms now available. The Hierarchy of Dog Needs is in use internationally by veterinary behaviorists, veterinarians, dog trainers (including working-dog and police-dog trainers), groomers, shelters, rescues, animal welfare advocates, as well as pet parents, and is now available in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Danish, and German.
Do No Harm Dog Training Facebook Group. Founder and Admin. 2017 – Current
CREDENTIALS
Master of Arts/Experimental Psychology with Distinction. San Diego State University
University Scholar Award. Psychology Department, San Diego State University
McNair Science Scholar
Behavioral Neurobiology Research
Behavioral Trials and Histological Examinations
Certified Veterinary Assistant
FAR Beyond Licensed. Canine Aggression, Reactivity and Fear Specialist. 2011 – Current
PCT-A. Professional Canine Trainer — Accredited. Pet Professional Guild (PPG). 2015 – Current
VSPDT. Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training. 2010 – Current
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. 2002 – 2016
AKC Community Canine Evaluator. 2013 – 2016
International Association of Animal Behavioral Consultants. (IAABC) Member. 2010 – 2011
Pet First Aid for Cats and Dogs. American Red Cross
Class Assistant Trainer. San Diego Humane Society
Volunteer Council Representative. San Diego Humane Society
Shelter Trainee and Volunteer. 5-year Veteran, San Diego Humane Society
Basic First Aid, Zoonoses and Animal Diseases Certified. Project Wildlife
BEHAVIORAL ADVISING POSITIONS AND MEDIA📷
Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Manual. Author.
Pet Professionals Guild. Contributing Author, Professional Member, Speaker. 2012 – Current
Wolf Education Project. Behavior and Training Program Advisor. Julian, CA. 2013 – Current
Positive Pet Professionals of San Diego. Founder and Director: 2011 – 2016
Art for Barks. Advisory Board Member and Contributing Author. 2013 – 2016
U~T San Diego. Scratch ‘n Sniff Columnist. SD’s Countywide Newspaper. 2012 – 2013
Natural Awakenings Pet Magazine. Roving Pet Reporter Contributing Writer. 2011 – 2012
Rancho Santa Fe Review, Del Mar Times, Solana Beach Sun and Carmel Valley News. “You and Your Dog” Columnist. 2009 – 2010
Head Trainer and Behavioral Consultant. The Daily Pet, Del Mar Highlands. 2006 – 2007
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Pet Professional Guild Inaugural Summit Speaker. “Understanding Research: Making the Case for Force-Free Dog Training.” Conference 2015. Tampa FL
Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training First Annual Member Conference. “Science-Based Dog Trainers and Science: Research Counts.” Roundtable with Linda Michaels, MA and Victoria Stilwell. 2013. Atlanta, GA
Del Mar Solana Beach Rotary Club Speaker: Morgan Run Club & Resort, 2016📷
Hotel Indigo Del Mar, Bow Wow Brunch Speaker. “Dog Park and Dog Beach.” 2014. Del Mar, CA.
Hotel Indigo Del Mar, Bow Wow Brunch Speaker: “When and How to Train Your Dog!” 2014. Del Mar, CA
Point Loma Veterinary Clinic. Lunch and Learn Presentation to Staff. 2014. Point Loma, CA
Rancho Santa Fe Historical Society. McKenna Long & Aldridge, Mini Behavioral Consultations and Celebrity Judge. Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Pet Orphans of Southern California Shelter, “Top Ten Things to Teach Your Dog.” Van Nuys, CA
Veterinary Presentation, Lunch and Learn, VCA Animal Hospital. Encinitas, CA
PAWS Fiesta, Mini Behavioral Consultations. San Diego, CA
Annual Doggie Street Festival, Adoption Event. “Ask the Trainer” Professionals Booth. San Diego, CA
Cavalier Circle, “Positive Reinforcement and Top Ten Things to Teach Your Dog.” VCA Hospital, Sorrento Valley, CA
Strut Your Mutt, Best Friends Animal Society “Ask the Trainer”. Los Angeles, CA
Positive Pet Professionals of San Diego (PPPofSD), “Non-Aversive Training.” Encinitas, CA📷
Yorkie Lovers Meetup, La Jolla, CA
Westie Rescue of OC Benefit, Mini Behavioral Consultations. Huntington Beach, CA
Take Your Dog to Work Day, Seminar: “Positive Reinforcement and Your Dog.” Carmel Valley, CA
Three Dog Bakery Pet Store, “Ask the Trainer”. Del Mar, CA
Pupologie Pet Store, “Ask the Trainer”. Encinitas, CA
Babies by the Sea Boutique, “How to Keep Your Baby Safe and Your Dog Happy”. Cardiff By the Sea, CA
Muttropolis, Seminar: “Pesky Pooch Problems?” Solana Beach, CA
Saks Fifth Avenue, “Dog Days of Summer” Event, Dog Psychologist Behavioral Consultations. La Jolla, CA
