The APDT Chronicle of the Dog Summer 2020 | Page 12

ASSOCIATION NEWS | APDT MEMBER OF THE YEAR
after for his expert opinion by numerous
media outlets, including the New York
Times, New York Post, Baltimore Sun,
WebMD, Women’s Health Magazine,
Real Simple Magazine, SiriusXM Radio,
the Chronicle of the Dog, and Steve
Dale’s Pet World. Michael is a featured
speaker at conferences, universities, and
seminars around the world, and offers
a variety of workshops, webinars, and
online courses on the topic of canine
aggression, including the Aggression in
Dogs Master Course.
“We chose Michael Shikashio as the
APDT Member of the Year because
Michael reaches out to help educate
other dog trainers. He offers his time and
knowledge to build someone up instead
of destroying the person for different
methods. That act of kindness is what
all trainers need to explore,” said APDT
Chair Khara Schuetzner.
Michael Shikashio Named
APDT Member of Year
Michael Shikashio, CDBC, has been named the 2020 Member of the Year recipient by
the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) Board of Directors. He will be
recognized during an online awards presentation at the 27th APDT Virtual Conference
and Trade Show Oct. 21-22.
The Member of the Year Award honors APDT members who have demonstrated
outstanding commitment, passion and professionalism, and dedication for advancing
APDT as it advances the dog training profession and advocates for the pet industry
profession. Michael is a past president of the International Association of Animal Behavior
Consultants (IAABC), and provides private consultations working exclusively with dog
aggression cases through his business AggressiveDog.com, a new name and website from
his original business name Complete Canine LLC, which he said better reflects his focus
of working with and helping dogs with a history of aggression, as well as a “one-stop
shop” for both pet owners and animal professionals. Michael is fully certified through
the IAABC and has been a full member of APDT for the past 11-plus years. He is sought
Michael was characteristically humble
upon learning he had received the honor. “It
was amazing, I certainly wasn’t expecting
that,” he said during a phone interview in
late April. Michael’s speaking career began
when he was chosen to present an APDT
Short. His 45-minute talk on staying safe
during aggression cases drew a crowd of
300 people, one of his most attended talks.
“I was nervous since it was my first time
speaking at any event or any seminar,”
Michael recalled. Not surprisingly,
Michael was invited back as a speaker and
now much of his time is traveling worldwide
to give his humor-filled presentations,
seminars and webinars. “I try to keep it
upbeat and as lively as possible,” he said.
Michael believes the value of membership in
APDT comes from strengthening the bonds
among those interested in the dog training
industry, “to join for the community, to be
a part of it and support it,” he said, adding
a big benefit is the educational aspect
and access to experienced trainers and
behaviorists. But being a member of APDT
is not just what APDT can do for the
members individually, but what they can
accomplish collectively. “There is a lot of
expectation for organizations to do things
10 Building Better Trainers Through Education