Meet Our Team
Meet our Team at Surf Hounds
Our Dog Training Company
At Surf Hounds, we offer force-free and humane dog training with a holistic approach. We focus on education and understanding in order to help people enjoy lives with their dogs again. We are here for all of the ups and downs with you and your dog. We know parenting a dog is not always rainbows and butterflies. It can feel quite lonely at times! We aim to provide services that help you and your dog feel supported, while bringing joy back into your relationship.
Our mission is to educate our students and the public on positive ways to interact with our dogs. We want to make an impact on the way people see and train with their dogs. If we can change even one person’s mind from some older ideas, we will feel like we’ve won. I will always advocate for our dogs and the way that we treat them. I hope to provide understanding into our dogs and tools to build success.
Meet Michelle
Our Lead Trainer
International Academy for Canine Trainers, CAPDT, PACTA
I have been working with dogs and their humans for 12 years. Growing up in New Jersey with a Golden Retriever — the result of a 12-year campaign to convince my parents I needed a dog — sparked my lifelong love for these incredible animals. (That little wooden pull-toy dog I toted everywhere just wasn’t cutting it!)
Today, I’m proud to run Surf Hounds and my virtual education center, 4PawsIQ. I was the previous owner of All Paws on Deck in Langley for 6 years where we were voted #1 two years in a row. I’m certified privately in the U.S. and graduated from the International Academy for Canine Trainers in BC, where I gained hands-on experience working with dogs of all kinds. I continue my education by attending multiple seminars throughout the year to stay up to date on the latest research.
I specialize in prevention, puppy raising, fear, anxiety, reactivity, and light aggression. My training philosophy centers on empathy and understanding, not just for your dog but for you as well. I take time to learn about your lifestyle, so I can design practical, personalized plans that fit seamlessly into your life.
At Surf Hounds, your dog’s well-being is always my top priority. Whether you’re a new dog owner feeling a little lost or someone navigating challenges with a reactive dog, I’m here to guide you. Watching those “aha!” moments from both ends of the leash — when communication clicks and bonds grow stronger — is why I love what I do.
Together, we’ll ride the waves of training and build a partnership with your dog that you’ll cherish furever. ????????
Why I LOVE Dog Training
Being a dog trainer is an absolute privilege. I get to step into your family’s world, learn about your unique lifestyle, and discover what matters most to you when it comes to raising your pup. Private training offers a special and unique look into your life, allowing me to tailor solutions that fit your needs while guiding you toward success in a way that feels natural and achievable. I love providing multiple options and seeing my students — both human and canine — thrive. Along the way, I’m constantly learning from you, which helps me become an even better trainer. So, thank you to everyone who has trusted me with their beloved pets — this journey has been nothing short of amazing, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
I am accredited by the Canadian Association for Professional Dog Trainers (CAPDT) and the Professional Animal Care and Training Association of BC (PACTA). These organizations are committed to promoting humane, science-based training methods, and I’m proud to align with their values. CAPDT ensures I stay up to date by requiring ongoing education each year, while PACTA offers a supportive community of trainers collaborating to tackle even the toughest behavioral challenges.
For me, learning never stops. Whether it’s attending classes, engaging with other trainers, or exploring the latest research through seminars, I’m always striving to grow and bring the best to my students. Riding the waves of new discoveries keeps me inspired, and I’m so grateful to share that journey with you and your dog. ????????
Continued Education
Here’s a sneak peak into some of the seminars and courses I’ve taken:
Rescue 101: Navigating the Adoption System
Canine Communication and Body Language
Beyond Basic Obedience: The Power of Enrichment
Working with Fearful Dogs
Dog Behavior Conference (3 day intensive) 2022 and 2023
Hosted by Victoria Stilwell
Decoding Your Canine 2022 and 2023
Separation Anxiety Foundations (Rescued by Training)
What Reactive Dogs Really Need (Marilyn Mele)
KIENO 2024 (Paws Up Dogs)
Parenting Sensitive Dogs: Dog Wisdom Workshop
Barking Up The Right Tree: Month-Long Reactivity Seminar
Aggression In Dogs: Master Course
Michael Shikashio
