Michelle LeBlanc

Michelle’s extensive experience both in the military and as a Vermont State trooper ultimately prepared her for her role as Executive Director of Vermont Paws & Boots, as well as the K9 trainer. Her list of K9 related awards illustrate her passion and expertise in this area and qualifies Michelle as a top-notch service dog trainer.

Michelle deeply understands what the veterans and first responders in her program have been through because she has also walked in the same boots they have. The first and most important part of the program is the successful pairing of each team, the human and the dog. This is a task that Michelle has a lot of experience doing. Her knowledge of how to pair them up to be successful is a talent not everyone can master. To date, Michelle has an impressive record getting these teams matched for future success. Once the team is paired, which can take months to happen, Michelle starts the work of building the bond between the handler and the dog. This is an important step because a strong bond is needed so each member of the team learn to trust each other. Once this is done, the training can start in earnest.

Michelle knows it’s more important to have a few successful service dog teams graduate a year vs. hundreds of teams walking out of the training facility doors. Because of this long-term goal, the program can take up to a year to complete. Michelle has proven over and over that those veterans and first responders who make the time commitment, show the dedication to follow through with the process, and adhere to the strict standards of her program, have experienced the rewards of having a properly trained service dog that is focused and on task for any challenge they face together.

Michelle’s awards and specialized training include the following:

K9 Related Awards

• Inducted into National K9 Hall of Fame – 2019
• National K9 HOF Committee – 2018 – 2022
• National K9 HOF President – 2019 – 2022
• Vermont Police Canine Association President – 2009 – 2011
• Vermont Police Canine Association Vice President – 2006 – 2009
• Two-time recipient – K9 Team of the Year
• Two-time recipient – Tracking Team of the Year
• Four-time recipient – Dedicated Service Award
• Recipient – Lifesaving Award
• Recipient – K9 Apprehension Award
• Multiple Public Service Awards (Federal, State, Local)

Awards

• Congressional Medal of Honor – 1986 from Governor Madeleine Kunin,
• Senator Patrick Leahy and James Jeffords
• Vermont State House – 2017 Resolution from Governor Phil Scott and
• Representative Mary Morrissey
• American Red Cross – EveryDay Heroes Award – 2019
• Letters of Commendations – 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014
• Colonel Sinclair 6×6 Physical Fitness Award – 2012

Specialized Training

• Combat Medic – U.S. Army
• Military Police Investigations – U.S. Army
• Interdiction Course – VSP
• Interview & Interrogation Course – VSP
• Advance K9 Tracking Course – VSP
• Key Elements to Training Service Dogs – 2016
• The Dog Training Secrets – 2018
• Learn, Practice, Master, and Begin Again workshop – 2019