About Us
A little about London’s top dog training and behaviour experts
MICHELLE BLACK-SULLIVAN, CDBC, FDM, FPPE
Michelle is a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant (CDBC), Family Dog Mediator, Licensed Family Paws Educator and the founder and Head Trainer/Behaviour Consultant of PAWSitively Happy Home. A lifelong animal lover she’s owned several dogs, cats, birds, fish and various other fuzzy critters. Dogs, however, have always had a special place in Michelle’s heart.
Michelle has formal education in psychology, advanced behaviour modification, teaching strategies, positive systems approach, ethology, animal behaviour and welfare, anatomy and physiology, training methods, and applied behavioural analysis. She has had the opportunity to study with and collaborate with excellent trainers and behavioural consultants that are respected, successful and internationally known.
Education and development is an integral part of developing our business and passion. Michelle is a member of and holds certification in The International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants, Family Paws Parent Education, Family Dog Mediation and others. Continuing education a part of Michelle’s regular schedule and she takes having the best more accurate information very seriously .
Michelle is also a proud licensed educator for the Family Paws Parent Education. Allowing her to share not only her love of dogs, but children and helping foster positive relationships between babies, toddlers and pets. As a busy mom herself she pulls from her own personal experience as well as her extensive educational background.
Michelle has taught and mentored other dog trainers in Canada and the US in training, behaviour modification and business strategies. She has serves as an expert in the news, in parenting magazines and in legal cases. Michelle has been featured on CBC and CTV
Michelle’s journey into training happened when she adopted our dog, Braxton. At the time a 6-year-old dog that was incredibly fearful- popular dog training techniques of the time did not fair well for this sensitive soul.
Michelle began to use her skills from her work with people who have experienced trauma and those with behavioural concerns and applied them to Braxton. Michelle became obsessed with researching scientific-based dog training positive reinforcement training methods.
The change in Braxton was drastic. The dog that was terrified of the world and all those in it to a dog who cheerfully approached people. His obedience increased, and he was so happy!
Many of Michelle’s clients have met Braxton, the incredible and patient demo dog that works to help dog reactive dogs.
Over the years, we have added to our canine family through and over and over again we have helped dogs come out of their shells, become more obedient and happier.
In late 2019, At the age of 20, our Beloved OG dog Braxton passed away, but his impact lives on ion all the work we do at PHH.
Michelle & family now lives with their 4 dogs: A 10 year old Bull Terrier named Olive, a 6 year old Xoloitzcuintli named Gatsby, a 4 year old Border Collie named Birmingham (Hammy) and a small 2 year old Mixed Breed, Pretzel
She has also owned spaniels, shepherds, huskies, boxers and a basset hound. A diverse breed experience helps her understand many breed types and their training and enrichment needs
TRACY HUXLEY,CPDT-KA, CTDI
Tracy is an incredible member of the PAWSitively Happy team! A Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Certified Trick Dog Instructor, she teaches a wide range of group classes including puppy, basic, intermediate, and advanced obedience, as well as agility and tricks.
A gifted speaker, instructor, and trainer, Tracy brings energy, clarity, and encouragement to every class she leads. She shares her home with her two beloved Australian Shepherds, Balou and Cha Cha, who are her training and competition partners in agility, tricks, and disc.
Tracy is universally loved by her students for her skill, enthusiasm, and ability to make learning both fun and rewarding.
Jodie Buttigeig , CPDT-KA, CTDI
Jodie is a Certified Dog Trainer who shares her home with her two dogs, Malin and Leo. A teacher by trade, Jodie brings her exceptional communication skills and love of learning to every class she teaches. She has a natural talent for breaking down training concepts into clear, achievable steps for both dogs and their humans.
At PAWSitively Happy, Jodie teaches nose work, puppy, basic and intermediate obedience classes. Outside of class, she and her dogs enjoy participating in agility, nose work, rally, and disc dog. Jodie keeps training fun, engaging, for all dog and owner teams.
Carly Domingues , RVT, Fear Free Certified, CPDT-KA (pending)
Carly is a lifelong animal lover, Registered Veterinary Technician, and the newest member of the PAWSitively Happy team. After completing a several-month apprenticeship with PHH, she joined the team as a trainer and is currently completing her hours toward certification as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA).
With a degree in Psychology and Fear Free Certification, Carly brings both a scientific and compassionate approach to training. She shares her home with her young Labrador Retriever, Andy, and together they enjoy training in agility, hoopers, scent work, tricks, and obedience.
At PAWSitively Happy, Carly teaches puppy and basic obedience classes, helping families build strong, positive foundations with their dogs.
Jo-Anne Snyders, Volunteer and Club Coordinator
Jo-Anne is a dedicated volunteer with PAWSitively Happy and plays an important role in running our practice clubs and play groups. Her passion for learning and supporting our dog training community shines through.
Jo-Anne shares her life with Lucy, her Havanese, who enjoys participating in agility, scent work, obedience, tricks, and rally. Together, they bring joy, teamwork, and enthusiasm to every session.
Chris Sullivan
Chris is the other half of PAWSitively Happy’s founder Michelle and an integral part of our Board and Train program, providing daily care, enrichment, and supplemental training for our canine guests.
Like Michelle, Chris grew up with dogs as his best friends, sharing his childhood with a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and an American Pit Bull Terrier mix. From the beginning of their relationship, a shared love of dogs has been at the heart of their lives. Some of their very first dates even took place at pet centred events with the dogs
Chris is the proud dad to their son and four dogs. He is especially passionate about bully breeds, brachycephalic breeds, and hounds, and hopes to one day welcome a Staffie puppy into the family when breed-specific legislation finally ends.