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.

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.