Mikkel Becker

Mikkel Becker is Vetstreet.com's resident trainer and the co-author of six books, including the upcoming "Fearful to Fear Free." She specializes in reward-based training and behavior modification for dogs and cats. Mikkel is a Certified Behavior Consultant Canine (CBCC-KA), a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), a Certified Dog Behavior Counselor (CDBC), a Karen Pryor Academy Graduate, a graduate of the Purdue Dogs and Cats Course and a graduate of the rigorous San Francisco SPCA Dog Training Academy. Mikkel is certified in Fear Free methods and protocols and has her Silver Handling Certificate through Dr. Sophia Yin’s course. She graduated from Washington State University with a major in communications and a minor in sociology.

Mikkel is committed to helping shelter pets both find and remain in a forever home. As the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation's canine evaluator for Washington state, she tours shelters looking for homeless dogs to turn into lifesaving search dogs. She serves as the dog and cat behavior consultant at Homeward Pet Animal Adoption Center in Woodinville, Washington, where she helps pet owners solve behavior issues with the goal of avoiding surrender. Mikkel also teaches dog training classes at Doggy Haven Resort, ranging from solidifying better manners, easing fears and calming out-of-control pets to working toward therapy certification. Her work at Doggy Haven has included the formation of special training and seminars focused on boosting a dog’s confidence and lowering his stress in specific situations, like the vet's office or the groomer's.

Mikkel is a resident pet expert for Scholastic Magazine and has contributed to Parade magazine, Knight Ridder newspapers, Woman’s Day, House and Home and Cat Fancy. She makes frequent media appearances for outlets that include ABC News Now, Good Morning Northwest and Seattle's KOMO News.

Mikkel currently works as the resident trainer for veterinary behaviorist Dr. Wailani Sung. She also partners closely with her father, Dr. Marty Becker, to promote the Fear Free approach to veterinary care. Mikkel lives in the Seattle area with her husband, Ben, her daughter, Reagan and their Pug, Willy, a Pet Partners-certified therapy dog.

For media or training inquiries, contact Mikkel at [email protected].