About Us
Established in December of 1996, The Refined Canine, LLC follows the philosophy of The LIMA Principle, which means we employ the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive methods or tools to help foster a strong relationship, trust and respect between dogs and their people. Our focus on enhancing the human-animal bond is at the forefront of our work. All training methods are simple, based on universal learning principles, and proven to work. We offer a unique, family-focused approach to training and encourage all family members to participate, including children when possible.
Michelle & Adiva
Michelle Douglas, CPDT-KA, CDBC
Michelle Douglas is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC). She is featured in the books Top Tips from Top Trainers (©2010 TFH Publications) and The Dog Trainer's Resource, The APDT Chronicle of the Dog Collection (©2006 Dogwise), and has a blog on DogStarDaily.com, the website of Ian and Kelly Dunbar. She is a Certified Fear Free Professional Trainer, a certified member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, a member of the Association of Professional Humane Educators, a licensed Family Paws Parent Educator for the Dogs & Storks™ and the Dogs & Toddlers™ programs, an approved AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, a Mentor Trainer for Animal Behavior College, a member & past president of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), the largest professional organization for pet dog trainers worldwide, and the Founder of the Connecticut Dog Trainers Association.
Michelle has been a recurring guest on Good Morning Connecticut on WTNH News 8 and the Chaz and AJ morning show on 99.1 FM WPLR, and has also been a guest on Pet Talk on Southern Connecticut Cablevision's Channel 12, as well as the My Doggie Says radio show out of Phoenix AZ. The Refined Canine, LLC has been featured in The New Haven Register and The Connecticut Post newspapers.
Jessy & Bo
Jessica Tsutsis, CPDT-KA
Jessica Tsutsis (Training Instructor) ~ Jess came to The Refined Canine as a student in 2008 with her dog, Bo. She and Bo attended classes for nine years until his passing in 2017. Jess has attended dog training camps and workshops, and become a valuable asset to our team as an expert trainer. in 2021, Jess obtained her CPDT-KA Certification and will begin instructing some of our classes as a lead trainer in 2022. She is also offering private training for puppies and basic manners under the name Clever Canine, LLC. Jess also makes Snuffle Mats and Tug Toys, which you can purchase on her Facebook page JP Gifts, along with scarves hand-made by her mom, Priscilla.
JP Gifts Facebook Page