Hello! I am Michele Giarrusso, Head Trainer at Great Dogs.

I have been training dogs full time since 1996--and I love it! I began training dogs on the Eastern Shore of Maryland when I adopted a fully trained (obedience and herding), imported (Scotland) Border Collie, Gin, whom I re-trained in agility. I competed in agility with Gin, and did very well receiving my excellent title in a few short months.

Slowly, the people I trained, and worked with began asking me for training help. I refined my skills through practical hands-on experience training dogs while working with some of the most respected dog trainers in the country. I watched what these balanced, loving dog trainers were able to accomplish and I learned from them how to best train a family dog.

I am a professional, experienced animal trainer, and I specialize in training family pet dogs. I have worked with every breed and breed-mix, and every temperament in a variety of situations. I have trained every kind of dog on and off the leash. I work with animal control and rescue groups as well training dogs. I am also a free lance writer. All my clients receive my doggie newsletter.

I have also worked in the circus training and performing with various animals, including dogs. I have also trained dogs for theatre and film.

I have trained dogs for agility, obedience and herding. I also handle dogs in the conformation ring.

Training the Family Pet Dog is my ministry. And, my personal philosophy is that obedience training should empower the dog to enjoy canine life!

Here is are some of my accomplishments:

Dog Training: Film/Television:
Segment “Pet Palaces”	HGTV	HGTV
Segment “Overweight Pets”	Channel 7 News ABC	News WDC
Tech Toys	Discovery Channel	Ventana Productions
“Tricks of the Trade”	Channel 4 News	NBC News WDC
“Puppy Care”	Channel 45 News	Fox News WDC
The Pet Psychic	Animal Planet	Atlantic Creative WDC
Apple Ipod	Commercial	CIA Films
Dog Training: Theatre/Amusement Parks:
Shakespeare Theatre	Two Gentlemen of Verona	Washington DC
Arena Stage	Of Mice and Men	Washington DC
Land of Little Horses	Special Events Performances	Gettysburg, Pa
Land of Little Horses	Animal Education	Gettysburg, Pa
Talbot County Schools	“Pets are People, Too”	Easton, Maryland
Dog Training: Private Lessons and Group Classes--Obedience & Agility
Land of Little Horses	Animal Education & Show Performances	Gettysburg, PA
PetSmart	Group Class Dog Trainer	Springfield, VA
GREAT DOGS USA	Trainer/Owner	Fairfax, Va.
Volunteer Experience:
Arlington Career Center—Animal Science Program: Leading the Junior and Senior Students in establishing self-employment in the animal care profession
Working with Fairfax City and County Animal Control on special cases
Border Collie and Border Collie-Mix rescue and adoptions
Animal Welfare League of Arlington Free Lance Writer