ABC
Dog Obedience Instruction Program
Canadian Student of the Month
July 2014

Michelle Euteneier

Michelle Euteneier did not always plan on becoming a dog trainer. Before enrolling at Animal Behavior College, she completed 2 years in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Regina in Saskatchewan, Canada. During that time, she also began working at her local PetSmart in Regina. After about a year of working there, Michelle’s supervisor approached her about becoming a dog trainer. Soon after, Michelle began researching different schools. She made a call to ABC, spoke to one of the Admissions Counselors, and decided to enroll. Michelle said she knew that this was the right career path for her. She recently started her externship, where she will mentor under an experienced trainer in Regina. She is on track for graduating with honors from ABC, and would eventually like to open her own training facility.

What was/is the biggest challenge you faced during your externship and how did you overcome it?

I just started my externship, but as a trainer at PetSmart, I think the biggest challenge for me is having owners not committing 100 percent to the training.

What has your experience been like in the ABC Dog Obedience Program?

My whole experience so far has been extremely positive. Everyone I’ve talked to is so helpful, and they all want to see you succeed in the program.

What has been your most rewarding moment during your externship?

My most rewarding moment as a trainer so far has been seeing dogs come so far in the time I’ve worked with them, and seeing how proud the owners are of their dogs.

What are your plans for dog training? Do you want specialize in particular type of training or in training a particular breed of dog?

My goal is to open my own dog training business. Ideally, I would love to work in all different areas of training, but my interest is with aggressive dogs and therapy dogs.

Which dog breed best describes you and why?

I believe that each dog has his/her own personality traits that could be used to describe him or her; so I don’t think there is a specific breed that would best describe me.