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 Her internationally acclaimed Hierarchy of Dog Needs guide offers a clear, dog-centered alternative to outdated paradigms that include punitive methods.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.”
01/05/2025
RIP FF Warrior.
About Karen Pryor Karen Pryor, publicity photo for Oceanic Institute, about 1968. Karen Pryor had many interests. She was an observer of the smallest detail (as a child she studied butterfly anatomy) but what made her life’s work exceptional was that she also saw the big picture. It would have bee...
01/05/2025
Author/Founder/HUGE Ransom Lover. Meet Ransom. Ransom graced my home and office today with a visit AND was like the best boy ever. He's soft as silk and omg, those eyes. Ok, those eyes, those tooths, that nose, those ears, etc., lol. He sat proudly for a photo with "our" book, the Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook Featuring the Hierarchy of Dog Needs. Please pick up a copy today and start training the Do No Harm way...the way that every dog LOVES. You'll love it too :) Fetch here ~ https://amzn.to/3Ptt14g
Author of the Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook. OMG, look at the amazing dog I had the great pleasure to meet today! It's Ransom come to help as media assistant. TY so much for bringing him Emily! Ransom is a Service Dog too and such a good, good boy! Seriously. I needed this Corgi doggo fix today so Ransom made my day with kisses and mutual adoration. WHAT a DOLL! You can get your copy of the book Ransom is endorsing through Amazon at https://amzn.to/3Ptt14g
01/05/2025
Author of the Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook. OMG, look at the amazing dog I had the great pleasure to meet today! It's Ransom come to help as media assistant. TY so much for bringing him Emily! Ransom is a Service Dog too and such a good, good boy! Seriously. I needed this Corgi doggo fix today so Ransom made my day with kisses and mutual adoration. WHAT a DOLL! You can get your copy of the book Ransom is endorsing through Amazon at https://amzn.to/3Ptt14g
01/04/2025
Snuffle mats have come a long way!
The best snuffle mat for dogs will combine sniffing engagement, mental stimulation, and slower feeding into a neat package to entertain your dog.
01/03/2025
The fundamental premise of "balance training" is WRONG.. so everything that follows is WAY OFF.
Do No Harm Dog Training Handbook
01/01/2025
'Balance' trainers are the Poster Child of the Dunning-Kruger effect
DoNoHarmDogTraining.com
12/30/2024
Does your dog suffer from Separation Anxiety? There are things you need to learn about what your dog is experiencing and how we can help decrease the emotional pain of "abandonment" your dog feels from "believing" that you're not coming back! We can build confidence in baby-steps in the comprehensive Separation Anxiety Assessment and Treatment Plan I've written to help you and your dog. It's written in an easy-peasy format. The meme shows how well-meaning pet parents can make a critical mistake by "teaching" their dog that the presentation of food, means, "I'm leaving." How does your dog express anxiety over your leaving? I can help.
Get your copy of the Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook with the Separation Anxiety help here ~ https://amzn.to/3Ptt14g
12/30/2024
"Quadrant Balancing" be like: Learning the alphabet but not knowing how to write a complete sentence.
DoNoHarmDogTraining.com
12/28/2024
Does your dog struggle with being alone? Is it causing both of you heartache? There is no "quick-fix" for this panic disorder in dogs but I've studied about treatments for years and worked with scores of family's who suffer when their dog is traumatized by being left alone. There IS a lot that can be done and I've outlined it, step-by-step in my book (available through Amazon (or Dogwise) https://amzn.to/3Ptt14g ) starting with teeny baby-steps. You must convince your dog that you will ALWAYS come back! We begin with "frequent separations" while you are home and work up from there, after creating your dog's Doggy Enrichment Land (see the comprehensive Chapter on SA). What have you experienced with your dog and what have you done to "make it better."
separationanxiety #ᴘᴜᴘᴘʏʟᴏᴠᴇ
12/28/2024
12/28/2024
Hello fellow dog trainers! Would you like your dog training business to "organize itself"? I dedicated the book that I literally WROTE FOR DOG TRAINERS, the Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook Featuring the Hierarchy of Dog Needs, to you. I've included every type of Treatment Plan and template that I regularly use myself...after many, many years of study and searching out bits and pieces that I put together to create an easy-to-use handbook for trainers teaching classes AND conducting private behavioral consultations. If this is your slow season, pick up a copy at the link below my bio and use this time to put together a framework, or fill in your blind spots, with your own dog magic! Please let me know what you need most!
12/25/2024
Merry Christmukkah! I added 152 followers, created 169 posts and received 6,384 awesome reactions in the past 90 days! Thank you all for your support. I could not have done it without you. 🙏🤗🎉
12/24/2024
LOVE!
12/22/2024
Vow to make a New Year's resolution by feeding your dog a quality, biologically appropriate diet. Give the Christmas Gift that will last a lifetime.
Be careful about what you put into your dog! Read the ingredients list. Feed a super-premium grade food with a specifically named meat as the first ingredient and avoid fillers, by-products, artificial flavoring, preservatives, coloring and sugar. Rotate between meats and brands to achieve variety. Provide at least a little wet food each day or soften kibble with broth every single day. Canine nutritional expert, Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM tells us. “There is no greater obstacle to canine health than poor diet”. Learn to feed a biologically appropriate and nutritionally balanced diet in the Proper Nutrition chapter, page 20.
Learn more here ~
The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook: Featuring the Hierarchy of Dog Needs®
12/22/2024
Meet Vinny. Deaf and Blind merle, wishing you a very happy holiday. Vinny was the very FIRST Do No Harm Mascot. Thank you, DebBauer for all you've done to bring joy to challenged doggies 😍 If you have a Deaf or Blind dog, please get your copy of Deb's "Through a Dark Silence" and learn the secrets of communicating effectively and lovingly with your special dog!
12/21/2024
3 Wise Doggies have an important holiday message for all holiday celebrants who love dogs—No Shock, No Choke, No Prong! Thank you DonnaWatts for sharing with us and very, very merry holiday to you and yours!
Author. Smartest Christmas Messages by 3 Wise Doggies. No Shock. No Choke. No Prong. Thank you, DonnaWatts!😍
12/21/2024
Author. Smartest Christmas Messages by 3 Wise Doggies. No Shock. No Choke. No Prong. Thank you, DonnaWatts!😍
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Videos
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
