About Me
Hi my name is Michaela, but most people know me as Mish, a Czech word for 'mouse'.
I am an IMDT Qualified & Approved Dog Trainer with over 18 years of experience with animal care and training.
I have been extremely passionate about animals ever since I can remember. All of my books had something to do with animal adventures and by the time I was 10, I could list more dog breeds than Pokemon, which is a real skill, if you're a child of the 2000s.
I grew up surrounded by animals, from tiny dachshunds to majestic cows. When I was about 11, I joined an animal care club where I spent most of my after school time learning to care for small pets. From hamsters, parrots and fish to pythons, lizards and chinchillas, I learned how to feed them, keep them happy, safe and thriving.
I have always wanted to work with animals. Even dreamt of being a vet. Until I found out the amount of times you have to stick your arm up a cow’s rear end. Luckily, my love of animals unwaveringly prevailed over the years. I have continued animal sitting, caring, training and walking. Even volunteering in a zoo and at an elephant sanctuary.
Eventually, I arrived at a crossroads - stay a 'grown up’ forever. Or see if I could make my dream of helping dogs and their owners a reality.
Here I am, countless hours of study, courses, shadowings, clients and classes later, seeing my dream through day in and day out.
My methods are grounded in what I firmly grew up believing in that all animals should be treated with love, kindness and given a chance to have as much an agency as possible in the otherwise restricted life that humans bound them to through domestication.
I use only force-free methods and I will never waver from my ethical standards as science has proven more than satisfactorily time and time again that we do not need to use punishment or aversive tools such as choke collars or slip leads to train our dogs to walk nicely or to address any behavioural challenge we may be facing with them.
I apply this ethos also with my clients. When you come to me, I want to hear how you feel and how challenging it’s been so I can find the best way to support you and your dog. I will always do my best to offer you a safe space to navigate from the confusing labyrinth that you may have been woven into by sudden change of your dog’s behaviour or the overwhelming sea of poor advice from social media.
The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers
I have never been a believer in any type of punishment when it comes to teaching animals. When discovering The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT) , whose Code of Ethics and training methods align with my personal and professional standards, I knew I wanted to become part of this great community of dog professionals.
From the moment I started attending the courses, I have been building incredible connections with other professionals with different types and levels of experience. They always keep me on my toes by sharing their unique experienced. Dorka from ALEDO K9, Charlotte from Charlotte's Canine Care and Dan from K-9 Kare have become my dog trainer family. Founded on shared love of dogs and learning. This bond is a wonderful testament to the type of professionals IMDT attracts.
I have also been supported by the fantastic team at Friendly Creatures where I was able to participate in a mentorship program that allowed me to shadow other experienced trainers and later on also cover classes as well as kick off and lead my first Easy Peasy Puppy Course in 2024.
IMDT Project Rescue
Every day, Rescue Organisations are working hard to give many dogs a safety net when life has taken a difficult turn.
As Dog Trainers and Behaviourists we recognise how much pressure Rescue Organisations are under and have designed some free training resources to go some way to support them and to say thank you.
As part of this initiative, I support the incredibly hard working staff at All Dogs Matter with training, consulting on rehoming strategies for their dogs and also providing support to the new owners and fosters.
Qualifications
