Meet Our Trainer

Michelle Goldner – Dog Trainer, Carmel Indiana

Michelle Goldner is a professional dog trainer serving Carmel, Indiana, and the surrounding communities. She is a proud member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and has owned and worked with dogs her entire life.

In addition to being a dog trainer, Michelle holds an undergraduate degree in Marketing and an MBA in Management. Because of this background, she combines proven business skills with a deep understanding of canine behavior to better serve her clients.

Through her full-time career and her work with A Wag N’ Time, Michelle has helped countless dogs and owners build strong, lasting relationships. As a result, her training programs are structured, effective, and easy for owners to follow.

Community Involvement & Specialized Training Experience

Beyond private dog training, Michelle has raised and trained several dogs for service and therapy work. This includes mobility assistance and support for autistic children. Furthermore, she serves on the board and as the Training Coordinator for Veteran’s Best Friend Indiana, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Through this organization, veterans and Gold Star families in Carmel and Central Indiana are paired with shelter dogs. These dogs are adopted and live with Michelle and her team of trainers for four to six weeks. During this time, the dogs receive structured, hands-on training. Afterward, they are placed in their “furever” homes with everything they need to succeed. In addition, veterans who already own dogs receive free one-on-one training, creating long-term support and confidence.

Outside of dog training, Michelle has also been an avid equestrian for more than 50 years. She actively trains and shows Dressage horses. This lifelong dedication to animal training further strengthens her approach to working with dogs and their owners.

Suggested Reading List

  1. Mother Knows Best – Carol Lea Benjamin, Howell Book House
  2. Don’t Shoot The Dog – Karen Pryor, Sunshine Books
  3. A Dog and A Dolphin 2.0 – Karen Pryor, Sunshine Books
  4. The Culture Clash – Jean Donaldson, James & Kenneth Publishers
  5. Beyond Basic Dog Training – Diane L. Bauman, Howell Book House
  6. Dog Tricks – Capt. Arthur J. Haggerty and Carol Lea Benjamin, Howell Book House
  7. The Canine Good Citizen – Jack & Wendy Volhard, Howell Book House
  8. Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook – Delbert G. Carlson, D.V.M. and James M. Griffin, M.D.
  9. Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul – Health Communications, Inc.
  1. The Genius of Dogs – How Dogs are Smarter Than You Think – Brain Hare and Vanessa Woods, Plume Publishing
  2. Excel-Erated Learning – Pamela J. Reid, Ph.D., James & Kenneth Publishers
  3. I’ll Be Home Soon! How to Prevent and Treat Separation Anxiety – Patricia B, McConnell, Ph.D., McConnell Publishing, Ltd.
  4. Fired Up Frantic and Freaked Out – Laura VanArendonk Baugh, CPDT-KA, KP ACTP, AEclipse Press
  5. Control Unleashed – Leslie McDevitt, MLA, CDBC, CPDT, Clean Run Productions, LLC
  6. Behavior Adjustment Training – Grisha Stewart, M.A., CPDT-KA, Dogwise Publishing