Michelle McCarthy is Founder and Director of Training for K9 Home Schooling, which provides instruction based on positive reinforcement/clicker training methods since 1999. Michelle is a nationally recognized Certified Therapy Animal Consultant and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants(IAABC). Dog Behavior Consultants are required to demonstrate competency in five core areas including assessment and intervention strategies, counseling skills, behavioral science, knowledge of animal behavior, and species-specific knowledge in order to obtain certficiation through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Michelle has completed advanced certification programs in canine behavioral studies and stays current by attending seminars by certified trainers, behaviorists, veterinarians and other credentialed experts. Michelle offers group classes and clicker training workshops in Ann Arbor, Saline and Chelsea. She teaches Companion Obedience for puppies and adult dogs. She developed a unique training program, Charm School, which teaches behavior modification and prevention techniques for puppies and adult dogs. For students who prefer In-Home training, private In-Home Training and Behavior Consultations are available throughout Washtenaw, Lenawee, Jackson and Livingston Counties. Michelle developed the first Therapy Dog Training Program in Southeast Michigan. Therapy Dog Prep School is unlike any other class in that it is geared specifically towards the training needs of those pursuing Therapy Dog Testing. Michelles expertise in the field of Animal Assited Therapy allows her to prepare canines and humans for testing by national therapy dog organizations. In 2005 Michelle worked closely with the staff of Chelsea Community Hospital to develop a Therapy Dog Program, Paws-itive Comfort, officially launched in September 2006. She serves as their Consultant for Testing and Screening of new Therapy Dog Teams. Michelle and her Registered Therapy Dog Leo make weekly visits to Chelsea Community Hospital where Leo participates in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy sessions with patients. Michelle and Leo visit the St. Louis Boys Center in Chelsea aswell as various residential facilities in Washtenaw County. Michelle and Leo launched the first R.E.A.D. Programs (Reading Education Assistance Dog) in Washtenaw County at the Chelsea and Ann Arbor District Libraries. Michelle is a member of Therapy Dogs, Incorporated, Tester for Therapy Dogs Incorporated and R.E.A.D. Pet Partner. Michelle and Leo routinely give presentations to help others learn more about Animal Assisted Therapy. Aside from raising and training her own dogs, Michelle has works as a Training Consultant for various Therapy Dog and Service Dog Programs. Michelle has raised and trained a variety of working dogs who have gone on to careers in Search and Rescue, Therapy Work and Service Work. Michelle lives in Chelsea, Michigan with her husband, three children and 2 Labrador Retrievers Leo and Faye.