I’m an honors graduate of the prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers, a Fear Free Certified Professional, and I hold a B.S. in Animal Science from the University of Connecticut.
I also know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to sort through endless dog training advice online—all claiming to have the answer, yet often contradicting each other. That confusion is exactly why I’m here: to give you a clear, effective path forward so you can see real progress, improve your dog’s behavior, and enjoy life together again.
I’ve helped hundreds of families improve their dogs’ behavior through practical and easy-to-maintain training. From mouthy puppies to aggression and reactivity, I'm here for you and your family.
Get in touch so you can finally feel relief and start moving toward a calmer, happier life with your dog.
meet your dog trainer
My name is Michelle and I am a certified, professional dog trainer and dog behavior SPECIALIST in YORK, PA.
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior stands behind reward-based training and cautions dog owners to steer clear of painful or frightening punishment in dog training as research shows it is detrimental. I take these findings seriously and as a result, I work as a dog trainer using only reward-based, force-free methods. When you work with Modern Manners, training your dog will be a fun and joyful experience for both of you!
This is a judgment-free zone. I am happy to work with dog owners who have used other methods in the past and now want to train their dog with reward-based training. All are welcome here.
Studies show that dogs learn best through reward-based training.
Simply put, dogs must be motivated in order to work.
You can motivate dogs using either rewards or fear/pain.
Certifications and Continuing Education
Certified Trainer and Counselor, Academy for Dog Trainers
Fear Free Certified Trainer
Stranger Directed Aggression Course, Lisa Mullinax CDBC
Resource Guarding in Dogs, Kenneth Martin, DVM
Addressing Noise Aversion in Dogs, Kenneth Martin, DVM
Modern Ethical Dog Training Conference (MET) 2025
Pet Professional Guild Conference 2023
(AKA I didn't just "grow up with dogs"
when i'm not working with clients and their dogs, you can find me ...
Spending time with my husband, Adam, our dog June and our senior rescue cat, Aster
Doing Nosework with June
Training for my next marathon or triathlon
Tending to our pollinator garden
Reading fiction - my most recent favorite was 'Banyan Moon' by Thao Thai
Visiting friends and family up in New England
feeling frustrated with your dog's behavior on walks?
tired of stressful, reactive walks?
you need this free guide!
