Linda Michaels, M.A., Psychology, author of the trailblazing, best seller, The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook, is the founder of the “First, Do No Harm” approach in dog training.

Linda is considered one of the modern-era experts and influencers in canine behavior modification and animal welfare advocacy. Her ground-breaking book, is designed for pet parents, both new and seasoned trainers, other animal-related professionals. It includes a foreword written by Dr. Marc Bekoff, behavioral ecologist and co-founder with Jane Goodall of Ethologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Her creation of the  Hierarchy of Dog Needs, translated into 14 languages, catapulted Linda into a leadership role in dog training and animal welfare, offering a clear Do No Harm pathway—shifting dog lovers away from  the use of aversive treatment with the ‘heartbeats at our feet’, and toward meeting our dogs’ real needs.

Introducing the “Do No Harm” behavior approach to social media, Linda founded the wildly popular Do No Harm Dog Training group, solving dog behavior problems for both pet parents and professionals seeking help.

Linda holds a master’s degree in Experimental Psychology, conducted laboratory research in behavioral neurobiology, and has many years of shelter experience working with the most difficult behavioral cases. Her unique combination of academic excellence and hands-on skills with dogs, wolfdogs, and the famed Belyaev foxes, creates a bridge between the worlds of research, dog trainers and pet parents. Linda focuses on the psychological aspects of dog behavior that often mirror human conditions—without using dominance methods or shock collars that often worsen behavior problems—closing the door on the perceived need and advisability of using punitive methods. Find her in international trade magazines and as a featured expert in Psychology Today online, Newsweek online, Huffington Post Live, Dog-Centered Care and Wolf Dog Radio.