Business Details
30 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dog Training Partner in Monroe, CT
Founded in 1996, Refined Canine has established itself as Southern Connecticut's premier dog behavior consulting and training provider. Our approach is rooted in the LIMA Principle (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive), emphasizing science-based methods to build trust and strengthen the human-animal bond. We offer tailored solutions including group classes, private training, and behavior consulting, led by certified professionals with decades of combined experience. Our team includes industry-recognized experts like Michelle Douglas, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, and Lis Polard, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. We specialize in family-focused training, puppy socialization, and addressing complex behavior issues, serving clients through in-person and virtual platforms.Our commitment to continuous education is reflected in our partnerships with organizations like the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and Animal Behavior College. We prioritize practical, accessible training programs that adapt to modern families' needs, including specialized courses for households preparing for new babies. With a focus on prevention and early intervention, we help pet owners establish lifelong positive habits. Our services are supported by a comprehensive online resource library and flexible scheduling options. This dedication to innovation and expertise has made us a trusted resource in canine training for over 25 years.
Services
Dog Training
Behavior Consulting
Group Classes
Private Lessons
Puppy Socialization
Virtual Training
Aggression Management
Family Education
Canine Good Citizen Prep
Scent Work Classes
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- Certified trainers with 25+ years of combined experience in canine behavior
- LIMA-compliant methods prioritizing animal welfare and trust-building
- Family-focused training programs accommodating all household members
- Specialized courses for puppies, reactive dogs, and families with infants
- Hybrid virtual/in-person options for flexible learning access
Services
Dog Training
Our dog training programs use LIMA-compliant methods to build communication and trust between pets and owners. We offer beginner to advanced courses covering obedience, manners, and behavior modification. Classes accommodate puppies and adult dogs, with specialized tracks for reactive or fearful animals.
Behavior Consulting
Certified consultants address complex behavior issues through customized modification plans. Services include aggression management, anxiety reduction, and reactivity training using science-based techniques. Initial consultations assess environmental factors and create actionable improvement strategies for long-term success.
Group Classes
Structured group sessions teach foundational skills in social settings. Options include puppy socialization, basic manners, intermediate skill development, and specialty courses like scent work. Classes emphasize practical application and real-world scenario practice with professional guidance.
Private Lessons
Customized in-home training addresses specific behavioral challenges and goals. Sessions focus on personalized instruction for households requiring individualized attention or dealing with severe behavior issues. Packages include progress tracking and follow-up support.
Puppy Socialization
Early socialization programs prevent future behavior problems through controlled exposure to new experiences. Curriculum follows Dr. Ian Dunbar's Sirius Puppy Training principles, teaching bite inhibition and impulse control while promoting positive human-dog interactions.
People
Michelle Douglas
Founder & Lead Trainer
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with 25+ years experience. Author featured in top industry publications, media personality, and founder of Connecticut Dog Trainers Association. Specializes in aggression management and family-integrated training.
Lis Polard
Training Instructor
Certified Professional Dog Trainer with expertise in cooperative care and scent work. Mentor trainer for Animal Behavior College, AKC evaluator, and graduate with honors from Animal Behavior College's training program.
Questions
What training methods do you use?
We exclusively use LIMA-compliant methods focusing on positive reinforcement and science-based behavior modification techniques that prioritize animal welfare and long-term relationship building.
Do you offer virtual training options?
Yes, we provide Zoom-based private lessons, behavior consultations, and virtual access to our classroom resources including instructional videos and training materials.
What puppy socialization programs are available?
Our 6-week Puppy Social Skills Class follows Dr. Ian Dunbar's curriculum, teaching bite inhibition and impulse control through structured off-leash interactions for puppies up to 5 months old.
How do you handle aggressive dog behavior?
Certified behavior consultants conduct detailed assessments to identify aggression triggers, then develop customized modification plans combining environmental management, communication training, and desensitization techniques.
Are there family-focused training options?
Our Dogs & Storks and Dogs & Toddlers programs prepare families for life with dogs and infants, including home safety assessments, behavior planning, and practical skill development for all household members.
Videos
