Dog Training & Behavioral Consulting in Cincinnati, OH That Supports Real-Life Dogs and Real-Life People

Clear guidance, practical plans, and support that lasts.

At Gillie’s Peaceful Pets, training is designed to make your day-to-day life with your dog easier—not more complicated.

Meet Michelle

I’m Michelle, owner of Gillie’s Peaceful Pets. With more than 30 years of experience in the animal care and veterinary fields, I help dog guardians who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do next. Whether you’re dealing with reactivity, lack of focus, or everyday challenges at home, my goal is to give you clear guidance and a plan you can realistically follow.

I offer in-home private training, office consults, puppy and adult dog classes, adolescent training, and canine conditioning for health, enrichment, and fun. My approach is not about perfection—it’s about helping you understand your dog, build better habits, and make steady progress.

I hold advanced credentials as an Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, and a Certified Canine Strength and Conditioning Coach through the University of North Carolina School of Veterinary Medicine. I also earned a B.A. in Biology (Pre-Veterinary) and an M.Ed. in Career Technical Education and Biology Teaching.

My background includes teaching veterinary assisting and veterinary technician students, consulting with veterinary clinics on behavior cases, working in emergency veterinary medicine, and learning directly from Dr. Sophia Yin. That experience strengthened my commitment to low-stress, force-free training methods.

As a member of Pet Professional Guild, I use modern, evidence-based methods that build trust and strengthen the bond between dogs and their people.

Why I Do This Work

Walks feel stressful. Behavior feels unpredictable. And before long, it can feel easier to avoid situations instead of enjoying life with your dog. I started Gillie’s Peaceful Pets to change that.

Training should give you confidence—not confusion. It should help your dog fit more comfortably into your life and help you feel capable handling real situations as they come up.

I am firmly committed to aversive-free training because punishment can suppress behavior without addressing the real cause. Many dogs are struggling with fear, stress, pain, or underlying medical issues—not “being bad.” Training should never add fear or discomfort to an animal already having a hard time.

This belief is deeply personal. My first dog was punished for behaviors that were later found to be connected to a brain lesion. That experience changed the course of my career and is a big reason I do this work today. I focus on compassionate, science-based methods that look at the whole dog and create lasting progress through trust, not fear.

My Approach to Training

Every dog and every home is different. That’s why training is tailored to your dog, your routine, and your goals—not a one-size-fits-all program. We use positive reinforcement methods rooted in trust, clear communication, and lasting results—and we never use aversive tools or punishment-based techniques.

We focus on:

Understanding behavior and the needs driving it—not simply trying to suppress it
Rewarding and reinforcing the behaviors you want to see more of
Building confidence, trust, and a stronger relationship between you and your dog
Teaching skills that hold up at home and in real-life situations
Creating structured, realistic plans that set both dog and human up for success
Supporting the emotional and physical well-being of the whole animal throughout training

Why Cincinnati Dog Owners Choose Gillie’s Peaceful Pets

Training that fits real schedules

Clear, step-by-step guidance

Options for ongoing support—not just one-off sessions

Focus on real-life behavior, not just commands

What Working Together Looks Like

We start with an in-home consultation to understand what’s going on and what you need.

From there, we build a plan that fits your dog, your goals, and your schedule—whether that’s private training, classes, or a higher-support program.

You won’t be left guessing what to do next. You’ll have a clear path forward.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re ready for clearer direction, better behavior, and a plan that actually works, we’re here to help.

Get Started

With over 30 years of experience in pet behavior and veterinary medicine, I specialize in dog training and solving pet behavioral issues with compassionate methods that align with the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s “Position Statement on Humane Dog Training.”