Our Trainer

Michelle Jackson

With over 30 years’ experience in the Northern Virginia dog training community, Michelle Jackson, North Oatlands Pet Center’s dog trainer, brings with her a wealth of experience ranging from dog shows and private training to group classes. Michelle taught dog training at the Dulles Gateway Obedience Training Club in Herndon, VA, and for a veterinary practice in Fairfax, VA.

“Dog training is my passion. When one can understand how dogs learn, think, and follow our lead, great strides can be made in the relationship between a dog and its owner. Many people are perplexed by their dog’s actions, but we can take simple steps to redirect the behavior and turn it into a helpful, purposeful, and meaningful behavior.

“In puppy classes, we get to grow doing things the right way from the beginning. In basic obedience, we welcome new family members, showing them proper guidance and leadership to provide consistency that encourages and reinforces the newly learned behaviors. Many of us don’t give our dogs enough credit for how smart they really are. Working together is much more rewarding than working against each other to get what you want. I teach clients how to communicate with their dogs in a way that fosters a mutually harmonious relationship. The simple step of taking a class or private lessons can go a long way. Every dog is trainable!