Michelle has owned and loved dogs her whole life but began competitively training dogs in the early 2000’s, earning numerous titles in multiple sports such as Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Agility, Field, and Nosework.  After spending 20 years in the corporate world working in Accounting and Human Resources, Michelle decided to pursue a different path and focus on her love of dogs.  She has applied her dog training skills to classroom training for all levels from puppy to advanced, playgroups and reactive dog classes since 2012.  She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers , a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and is a Fear Free Certified Professional.  

Michelle enjoys helping others improve the bond with their canine companions.  She does this through positive, reward-based training methods which builds trust with your dog.  She knows the importance of socialization and basic manners will make not only happy owners, but happy dogs as well.

Michelle volunteers her time doing Pet Therapy, serves as an evaluator for Creature Comfort Pet Therapy as well as a certified evaluator for the AKC Canine Good Citizen programs.  She is also an active member in many dog clubs and serves on the Board as President of the Garden State Weimaraner Club, President of Versatile K9 Sports Club (founding member) and a Board Member for the Twin Brooks Kennel club.  She is an American Kennel Club (AKC) Judge (#103183) for Scent Work, Temperament and Fetch Tests and an United Kennel Club (UKC) Nosework Judge (#500059).

Michelle lives in Union County with her husband and their Weimaraners.

Contact:
Michelle Ostrander, CPDT-KA, Certified Fear Free Professional
Owner Active Paws Dog Training
activepawsdogtraining@yahoo.com
(908) 377-6195