Refined Canine

At The Refined Canine, LLC, we believe that building a strong relationship between dogs and their families is the key to a happy and harmonious household. As a premier dog training and behavior consulting firm, we have been proudly serving Southern Connecticut for over two decades. Our team of expert trainers and consultants are dedicated to providing comprehensive training and behavioral guidance to families with dogs of all ages and breeds.

Our Philosophy

Our philosophy is based on the LIMA Principle - Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive - which emphasizes the importance of positive reinforcement, respect, and trust in building strong relationships between dogs and their families. We believe that every dog is an individual with its unique personality, needs, and learning style. Our trainers and consultants use simple, science-based, and universal learning principles to help transform problem behaviors into desirable ones.

Our Team

Our team is led by Michelle Douglas, a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) and certified dog behavior consultant (CDBC). With over 25 years of experience in the field, Michelle has been recognized for her expertise and has been featured in various media outlets, including the New Haven Register and the Connecticut Post. Our team also includes Jessica Tsutsis, CPDT-KA, who has extensive experience in training and behavior consulting. Together, our team provides personalized guidance and support to families with dogs of all ages and breeds.

Our Services

At The Refined Canine, LLC, we offer a range of services designed to meet the unique needs of each family and their dog. Our services include:

Group Classes

• Virtual Puppy & Manners Beginner Puppy & Basic Manners Class: This virtual class focuses on forming a strong bond and good family dog by setting clear house rules and setting your puppy up to form good habits.
• Puppy Social Skills Class: This class is designed for puppies up to 5 months old and focuses on impulse control, bite inhibition, and socialization.
• Basic Canine Life Skills Beginner Class: This class is for puppies and dogs 5 months old and up and focuses on creating a common language between owners and dogs while setting a foundation for all future learning.

Private Training

• Private Training: Our trainers and consultants work one-on-one with you and your dog to address specific behavioral issues or achieve specific training goals.

Behavior Consulting

• Behavior Consulting: Our expert consultants work with you to identify and address behavioral issues, such as barking, chewing, or stealing.

Kids & Dogs

• Kids & Dogs: We believe that children and dogs can learn and grow together. Our training and consulting services are designed to promote harmony and understanding between children and dogs.

Links & Resources

• Links & Resources: We provide a range of online resources, including articles, videos, and webinars, to help you learn more about dog behavior and training.