We like to have fun around here.

Dog training should be a good time.

I make sure we do just that while learning the most effective and ethical ways to build a trusting and working relationship with your dog. There are no real definitive rules when it comes to dog ownership. Every human, dog, and situation is very unique and I try my best to ensure I help you meet your individual needs. My dogs sleep in bed with me but they wait at doors before given the ok to go. That works for us. Let me help you find what works for you.

Hi, I’m Meg Mills

I’ve been a professional dog trainer since 2011 and an avid animal enthusiast for most of my life. While I can’t say I knew I was destined to work with animals from the beginning, I’ve definitely found my calling with dog training.

My training philosophy follows LIMA principles (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive) with a touch of my quirky antics. The scientific community has influenced me over the years from my work with Dr. Shlomit Flaisher-Grinberg as her adjunct instructor for the Canine Behavior and Learning class at Saint Francis University.

I believe every dog and owner requires an individualized approach to achieving their goals. It’s also important to note that everyone has different standards and desires when it comes to how you interact with your dog and what you allow. If you want your dog to sleep with you in bed, thats cool, mine do.

On my time off I play dance and cheer mom to my two incredible teenage daughters. I also enjoy time in the outdoors with my boyfriend Brent and our two dogs Cash & Randy.

Credentials

  • This extensive hands-on mentorship/home-study course hybrid, which includes LIMA (least invasive minimally aversive) compliant training techniques, provides a solid academic and functional foundation in dog training. ABC’s dog training course is designed to provide trainers with the knowledge to teach dog owners the skills to train their own dogs humanely and effectively.

    The dog training course also emphasizes the need to understand dog behavior problems, as well as provide solutions using training techniques based on scientific research and experience.

    I graduated with honors from this program in 2011.

  • CGC is a ten-skill training program that’s open to all dogs–purebred and mixed breed–that focuses on teaching the basics of good manners and obedience, instilling the values of responsible ownership, and strengthening the bond between you and your dog at home and out in the community.

    The CGC title is also a prerequisite for many therapy dog certifications, as well as a great introduction to more advanced dog sports and activities. Some homeowners’ insurance programs even offer discounts for CGC dogs, and an increasing number of apartments and condos see CGC awards as a major bonus for becoming a resident.

  • Aa a mentor trainer I assist dog training students in observing and participating in the instruction of basic obedience cues, such as: sit, stay, come, down, heel, & loose leash walking. We also cover handling common behavior issues such as jumping, barking, digging, nipping, door bolting, chewing, and housetraining problems. They have a chance to work with individual dogs under my guidance and supervision.

    Students apply various dog training techniques observed from their time with me as well as the ones learned in the course curriculum. I then evaluate their teaching performance and provide suggestions, guidance and constructive critique of skills.

  • Strong professional ethics, education, and expertise within our profession are crucial to the wellbeing of the animals and humans we serve. The Standards of Practice is a set of cross-association guiding principles that will allow practitioners to understand what it means to be a competent, ethical professional in our field, and offers recourse to those rightfully demanding excellence in the field.

    These shared standards provide a framework of principles, professionalism, skills, and values in positive reinforcement-based training. As members/certificants, each individual will undertake the following as a condition of membership/certification:

    To understand and promote Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) training and behavior work

    To continue professional development by reading relevant material; attending conferences, workshops and seminars; and pursuing other educational opportunities