Linda Michaels, M.A., Psychology, author and speaker, is rated one of the top ten dog trainers in the United States, by Top Ten Magazine. Linda holds a master’s degree in Experimental Psychology (Hons), conducted laboratory research in behavioral neurobiology examining the interface between behavior and the brain, and is the creator of the internationally acclaimed Hierarchy of Dog Needs®—Standards of Care and Best Force-free Practices, now in use internationally in 12 different languages.
Her NEW book, The Do No Harm Dog Training® and Behavior Handbook: Featuring the Hierarchy of Dog Needs is now available on Amazon, Dogwise, Barnes & Noble, Powell’s Books (online), and Ingram Spark (for booksellers), as both an illustrated trade-quality paperback and an eBook. The book is designed for both new and seasoned trainers, other animal related professionals, and pet parents too!
Linda applied her academic training to shelter and rescue, working with the most difficult cases at the San Diego Humane Society, laying the foundation of all that she does today in the area of animal welfare—speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves—the heartbeats at our feet.
Linda’s unique combination of academic excellence and hands-on skill with dogs, wolfdogs, and the famed Belyaev foxes, creates a bridge between the worlds of research, dog trainers and pet parents, establishing herself as an influencer in animal welfare advocacy. A sought after speaker, Linda illustrated empirical findings with case-study references in her presentation at the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) inaugural summit: Understanding Research: Making the case for force-free training.
Linda focuses on the psychological aspects of dog behavior that often mirror human conditions, such as: fear, separation/attachment disorders, and dog aggression toward humans and other dogs—without using dominance methods or shock collar devices that often worsen behavior problems. She is a certified Fear, Aggression and Reactivity consultant and certified veterinary assistant.
Considered one of the modern-era experts in canine behavior consulting, you will find her in international trade magazines, as a featured expert in Psychology Today online, Newsweek online, Huffington Post Live, Gawker.com, Wolf Dog Radio, BARKS from the Guild (PPG) international trade magazine, PPG World Services and as an accomplished columnist writing for the countywide UT-San Diego newspaper Scratch and Sniff section, The Rancho Santa Fe Review, The Del Mar Village Voice, The Solana Beach Sun, The Carmel Valley News, Natural Awakenings magazine, San Diego Pets magazine, and was a contributing writing expert to MEL Magazine in Los Angeles, and the Victoria Stilwell Positively group. 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, California. Linda has worked with the famed Belyaev foxes at the Judith A. Bassett Canid Education and Conservation Center in Santa Ysabel, California and was the flagship Victoria Stilwell-licensed behavior consultant in Southern California (VSPDT).
Linda pioneered her behavioral modification Do No Harm practice onto social media platforms by grounding the Hierarchy of Dog Needs as the ethical standard in dog care and training. As founder and head administrator of the wildly popular Do No Harm Dog Training group, where behavior experts and pet parents from around the world gather to share resources and solve dog behavior problems, Linda leads a team of group moderators who all agree on the shared principles of Force Free dog training, answering the call to provide unparalleled training and behavior guidance.
The carefully crafted Hierarchy of Dog Needs ® Standards of Care and Best Force Free Practices catapulted Linda into a leadership role in the dog training and animal welfare fields offering a clear, easy-to-use Do No Harm alternative to other popular teaching paradigms.
Linda is a proud Affiliate of the International School of Canine Psychology (ISCP) and the International Companion Animal Network—Welfare First (ICAN), a veterinary and welfare organizations where the Hierarchy of Dog Needs is prominently featured.
Linda with Wolfdog Journey
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—2019
Do No Harm Dog Training Facebook Group, Founder and Admin. 2017—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
APDT, CPDT-KA, Association of Professional Dog Trainers
BEHAVIORAL ADVISING POSITIONS AND MEDIA
The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook: Featuring the Hierarchy of Dog Needs, Author, 2022
Do No Harm Dog Training Facebook Group, Founder and Lead Administrator. International, 2017—Current
MEL Magazine, Contributing writer for Staff Reporter, Ian Lecklitner. Los Angeles, CA., 2018—2021
Pet Professionals Guild, Advocacy Panel Member, Contributing Author, Professional Member, Speaker, 2012—Current
Wolf Education Project, Behavior and Training Program Advisor. Julian, CA., 2013—2015
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, Class Instructor, and Behavioral Consultant, The Daily Pet , Del Mar Highlands. 2006 – 2007