District Canine

Pet Services

Michael has been passionate about working with dogs since his earliest memories. He offers a lifetime of broad dog experience. With over six years of work experience in the veterinary field, Michael is well-versed in canine health and its effect on behavior. He has been offering freelance training services to dogs of all shapes and sizes since he was in middle school. With this background, it was a natural progression to launch District Canine, LLC as a full-time dog training business, serving the DC-metro area.

Michael's approach to training focuses on establishing a clear understanding of both the owner's desires and the dog's needs. He seeks to empower owners to achieve confidence utilizing science-based positive reinforcement methods. Michael graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and is a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. He also has a background in training and showing Great Danes in AKC conformation shows. Read more

4 recommendations

  •  
    Beth Mennonna

    Shared on facebook.com

    My wife & I adopted a scraggly, sweet, high energy pup. She is the happiest, most destructible girl ever. She had a very hard time with "come". We were worried that if she couldn't get it she could get lost or hurt. We had 2 different dog trainers come help us, with no avail. Finally we found Michael! I can't even tell you how fast he helped all of us. I thinks we had 2 or 3 sessions. He gave us great tools to use to keep us relaxed & her interested & happy to come when called. It is such a game changer to not worry that we could loose her, or take her for a fun, relaxed walk. Michael really has a gift.

    Original recommendation
  •  
    elizabeth m.

    Shared on yelp.com

    My wife & I adopted a scraggly, sweet, high energy pup. She is the happiest, most destructible girl ever. She had a very hard time with "come". We were worried that if she couldn't get it she could get lost or hurt. We had 2 different dog trainers come help us, with no avail. Finally we found Michael! I can't even tell you how fast he helped all of us. I thinks we had 2 or 3 sessions. He gave us great tools to use to keep us relaxed & her interested & happy to come when called. It is such a game changer to not worry that we could loose her, or take her for a fun, relaxed walk. Michael really has a gift.

    Original recommendation
  •  
    Sima Bedoya

    Shared on facebook.com

    Y'all...As a first time dog owner with a 9 week old puppy who has rocked (destabilized) our world--our time with Michael was invaluable (understatement). He is incredibly knowledgeable, supportive and a great teacher. Michael left us not only feeling better prepared, but also more confident in knowing we were going to be better parents to our sweet pup.

    Original recommendation
  •  
    Mrika K.

    Shared on yelp.com

    I cannot recommend Michael/District Canine highly enough. After adopting an adult Golden Retriever there were some behaviors that I needed help modifying. Michael helped me to feel confident as an owner but also provided me with helpful tips/tools when it comes to training as well as caring for dogs. In particular, he helped me with how to effectively get my dogs attention and how to give her commands properly. He also helped me train her to wait before coming in and out of doors, waiting before she eats when the food is placed in front of her, not to jump on people when she's excited, and is helping me teach her not to sneak food. In the future I look forward to work with him on getting my dog certified as a therapy dog. ...

    Original recommendation