About Best Paw Forward
Meet Your Behaviourist
My name is Michele Christians and I’m a certified dog trainer and behaviourist, working primarily with dogs and occasionally with cats. My focus is on helping caregivers understand behaviour, strengthen their relationship with their animal, and make informed, ethical training decisions.
I have a particular passion for supporting dogs who are leash-reactive or who struggle with emotional regulation in everyday environments.
I have also worked in the veterinary industry for over 15 years.
Qualifications and Affiliations
I am qualified through the Centre of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE) and have been working in the field of companion animal behaviour and training for over a decade.
I hold a Certificate in Companion Animal Behaviour (CertCAB), completed in 2014, and a Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour and Training (DipCABT), completed in 2018.
Through these qualifications, I am affiliated with CABTi, ICAN, and The UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter, and I am committed to ongoing professional development to ensure my work remains ethical, evidence-based, and up to date.
My qualifications are endorsed by the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA), and consultations may be eligible for reimbursement through certain pet medical aids, depending on your provider and plan.
What guides my work
I conduct my behaviour assessments using the ground-breaking MHERA protocol and adhere to COAPE’s strict code of ethics.
Behaviour is communication. When a pet is struggling, it’s often a sign that something in their environment, history, or emotional world needs attention.
I don’t believe in quick fixes or labels. Instead, I focus on:
Understanding emotional drivers
Building trust and safety through kind, welfare-centric techniques
Teaching skills that pets and their people can succeed with
Supporting owners with clear, realistic guidance
- Teaching owners to read their pet’s body language, so they can better understand and communicate with them
Progress is rarely instant — but it is meaningful.
What Clients Can Expect
When you work with me, you can expect:
Individualised plans based on your pet’s needs
Clear explanations without jargon
Compassion for both animals and humans
Ongoing support, not judgment
My goal is to help you feel more confident and informed, while helping your pet feel safer and more comfortable in their world.
Want To Work With Me?
Get in touch and let's see how we can help your pet put their best paw forward!
