About Golden Paws 

At Golden Paws Dog Training, we believe a well behaved and socialized dog leads to a happy home! However, we also know some dogs need more attention than others when it comes to behaving. There are many reasons a dog may act out including medical reasons, fear, lack of confidence, and lack of trust. We want to ensure the root of the problem is identified, not just the symptoms, and focus on that.

Michelle Turner
​CCTBS, CACTP, CAATP, CCSC
Contact: 919-455-7885
​[email protected]

It was a long and winding road to get to where I am able to follow my passion. I spent over a decade in the U.S. Air Force traveling the world. Although it may not seem like this has anything to do with where I ended up, this experience allowed me to see the difference between the symptoms of a problem and the root cause of a problem. I realized this concept did not only apply to human problems and human processes, but also to dogs!

I have always loved dogs and since 2009 I have rescued four from different circumstances; each dog had their own personality and their own set of behaviors. Trying to identify what caused their different behaviors led me to receive my certification in canine training and behavior as well as my certification in advanced canine training. I learned many behaviors could be retrained and refocused by identifying and focusing on the root cause. But I also learned some behaviors might just have to be managed!

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Rachel Smith
Certified Assistance Dog Trainer
Contact: 919-548-5939
[email protected]

​As far back as I can remember, dogs have been a huge part of my life. I was very fortunate to grow up with family dogs that ignited my passion and desire to have a career with animals. I have experience with dog behavior, training, and care from day care facilities, animal shelters, and my life changing experience with paws4people foundation. 

This experience allowed me to be responsible for the care of service dogs in training. Each of these dogs had different personalities, strengths, and weaknesses that I learned to embrace and manage. Two of the dogs that I worked with were trained to help military veterans with PTSD. After this training experience, I knew that this is where my heart lies and after moving from college I did my research and found this amazing organization - Golden Paws!

I currently have three pups. Reuben (German Shepherd/Great Pyrenees), Gypsy (Belgian Malinois/Australian Shepherd), and Winnie (German Shepherd mix). My goal is to help dog owners become more educated and find the best methods that work for you and your dog. I am very excited for this opportunity and look forward to helping you and your furry friend reach your true potential! 

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Jennifer Pryke
CCTBS
Contact: 336-465-2617
[email protected]

I have been in love with dogs my whole life and have had at least one dog in my home almost constantly my entire adult life.  I have over 20 years of experience fostering and training shelter dogs in basic training and behavior management to prepare them for their forever homes.  I have also received certification from the Animal Behavior Institute as a Canine Training & Behavior Specialist.

Currently I live on a small hobby farm with my two working Anatolian/Great Pyrenees dogs and also have a Golden Retriever puppy and a five year old pit mix.  I have three special needs children, two of which are still at home.  Dealing with my boys and their special needs has given me a lot of hands on experience with how learning works and how behavioral analysis and positive training is used for lots of situations.

My passion is in working with people and their dogs to form a deep family bond and an enriched home life for both humans and their canines. I believe strongly in the power of socialization and positive training methods in order to reach each family’s goals.

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