Michele Pouliot worked 42 years as a professional guide dog trainer for the largest guide dog school in North America. Before entering the guide dog field, she studied under Linda Tellington Jones and Wentworth Jones at The Pacific Coast Equestrian Research Center, working for them after graduating with honors. In 1972, Michele acquired her first dog, sparking her interest in dog training. Michele discovered Clicker Training in 2000 and has never looked back. Michele has been responsible for promoting science based Clicker Training to the international guide dog field. Michele actively assists and consults guide and service dog programs around the world in adopting positive reinforcement techniques. In addition, Michele has successfully competed in horse and dog sports since 1970, having competed in extensively in Competitive Obedience, Agility and, Canine Musical Freestyle. Over 18 years in competitive obedience, she gained 3 OTCH titles on her Labradors and numerous titles on clients’ dogs.
Since 2006, Michele has been involved in the sport of canine musical freestyle. She thoroughly enjoys the creative challenge in this artistic sport that combines precision movements with trick behaviors to music. Michele has won 5 international competitions and attained 8 Championship Titles with 3 canine partners. In 2008, Michele made freestyle history in the World Canine Freestyle Organization when she received perfect scores of double 10’s for Technical and Artistic in a performance. Michele repeated this remarkable accomplishment with her celebrated Australian Shepherd “Listo” an incredible 24 times. Currently, Michele is performing with her English Springer Spaniel “Déjà vu” and her Australian Shepherd “Saké”. Since 2007, Michele has been an admired member of Karen Pryor’s faculty for Clicker Expo Conferences, presenting at all Clicker Expos in the USA and Europe. Michele’s enthusiasm in teaching effective clicker training is infectious and she has a remarkable amount of hands on experience (over 45 years) to draw upon. Michele is sought after for seminars and workshops due to her clarity of instruction, incredible training skills, along with her entertaining presentation style. Michele’s website: michelepouliot.com