MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Michelle Shadwick
Hi, I’m Michelle, a Certified Canine Athlete Specialist, AKC Fit Dog Instructor, and Canine Good Citizen and Trick Dog Evaluator with over a decade of hands-on experience training dogs of all ages, sizes, and energy levels. I specialize in canine fitness and conditioning, with a background working with everything from energetic sport dogs to beloved senior pets. My mission is to help everyday dog owners understand the "why" and "how" behind keeping their dogs fit, healthy, and injury-free—starting with simple, safe exercises anyone can do.
As an educator, I believe learning should feel approachable and empowering—not overwhelming. I love breaking down canine fitness into clear, actionable steps that build your confidence and your dog’s skills at the same time. Whether I’m teaching in-person or online, I always aim to make training fun, supportive, and rooted in science-backed methods.
Trick dog training is one of my favorite topics. Why? Because the human has the most fun! Obedience, manners, sport competitions are fun, but they're different. When students see skills presented as a trick, it's "playing a game" instead of "going to work."
I’m so excited to welcome you to this class and help you kick off your dog’s fitness journey. Let’s build a stronger, healthier bond—one paw at a time!
