MICHELLE GAMAGE
CPDT-KA, CTDI, PDT, LVT

Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Certified Trick Dog Instructor, Pro Dog Trainer, CGC and Tricks Evaluator, and Licensed Veterinary Nurse. 

 

I have a passion for using games and tricks to boost the confidence of shy and reserved dogs.  My dog Willa, rescued as a puppy, sparked this interest as I was searching for training methods that would work with her unique personality, cautious, sensitive, watchful, and precarious.  We over came many obstacles to make it into the finals at the 2019 Stunt Dog Nationals.  With her great success, I believe that no dog is lost.  I can help you along your dog training journey towards your future goals.  

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I founded Loyal-T Dog Training in 2021 because of the growing demand for innovative concept-based dog training in the Charlottesville and Richmond areas.  I believe that this new approach to dog training will satisfy your need for a well-behaved canine companion and your dog's need to have choices in training while doing the things they enjoy the most, instinctual dog behaviors.  Relationship building games cement the foundation for making good choices, those that value you more than the environment.  

 

Concept training is more than just training with positive reinforcement.  It builds good habits where the dog chooses the right behaviors for the situation, without much prompting from you.  Concepts such as confidence, optimism, grit, calmness, proximity, and focus make training those essential behaviors every dog owner wants easy.  Games easily engage your dog, work with the behaviors they naturally find rewarding, running, sniffing, playing, chasing, tugging and eating, with you at the center of the excitement.