About Alisha Fritz – Certified Dog Behavior Consultant in Michigan

Founder of Full Life Behavior & Training - Helping Pets & Their People Thrive

At Full Life Behavior & Training, I work with pet owners across Southern Michigan to help animals – and their people – live better lives together. With nearly 20 years of experience in animal training and behavior, my focus is on practical, science-based solutions that respect your pet’s emotional well-being while addressing real-world challenges.

I’m a Certified Canine Behavior Consultant, credentialed with the CBCC-KA designation, and a Fear Free Certified Professional. That means I don’t believe in using fear, pain, or intimidation to change behavior – because your pet’s trust matters just as much as the outcome.

This work isn’t just professional for me – it’s personal. After college, my husband and I moved to Virginia, where I managed one of the largest animal behavior and training programs in the state. I worked with both shelter pets and family dogs, gaining hands-on experience with everything from leash reactivity and aggression to separation anxiety and manners training. When we moved back to Michigan, I founded Full Life Behavior to bring that same thoughtful, effective support to local families.

I’m also committed to staying current in the field. I’m a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and an affiliate of the Humane Training Alliance (HTA), and I’m actively pursuing further certifications through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) (also known as the Pet Professional Accreditation Board) – two of the most respected organizations in the field.

Whether you’re dealing with resource guarding, reactivity, anxiety, or general behavior concerns, or you’re just looking to raise a confident, polite dog – I’m here to help you build a relationship based on trust, communication, and science-backed, time-proven methods that work in the real world.

Alisha’s Training Philosophy:

Fear-Free, Science-Backed, Results-Driven

I believe that training should never hurt – physically or emotionally. That’s why I specialize in positive reinforcement dog training and fear-free behavior modification, grounded in the latest behavioral science. My approach helps dogs learn through motivation, trust, and choice – not fear or force.

Using reward-based training techniques, I create real-world results while protecting your dog’s emotional and mental well-being. This approach is not only more humane – it’s also more effective.

Why Positive Reinforcement Training Works:

✅ Builds lasting trust between you and your dog
✅ Improves communication through clear, consistent rewards
✅ Respects your dog’s emotional state while reducing stress and anxiety
✅ Avoids harmful side effects often linked to punishment or intimidation
✅ Strengthens your bond and encourages lifelong learning

This doesn’t mean I allow dogs to repeat unwanted behavior – it means I focus on teaching them what to do instead, using kind, clear guidance. Every dog is different, which is why every training plan I create is tailored to their unique needs and environment.

When dogs feel safe and understood, they learn better – and when pet parents feel confident, the results are even stronger.

Curious how this approach can help your dog? Check out my services or schedule a consultation to get started.

I use methods backed by solid, peer-reviewed research – and I’m always happy to share that research with you. I am also happy to explain why I avoid certain techniques, and provide the science that supports those decisions too. Here are just a few resources for you:

AVSAB Position Statement on Humane Dog Training

ASVAB Position Statement on the Use of Dominance Theory

Hierarchy of Procedures for Humane and Effective Practice

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Professional Education & Ongoing Training in Animal Behavior

As a lifelong learner in the field of animal behavior, I’m committed to ongoing education and professional development. My training spans both academic and hands-on experience, with a focus on canine behavior consulting, applied behavior analysis, and positive reinforcement techniques. I regularly participate in top-tier conferences, certification programs, and workshops to ensure I’m delivering the most effective, science-based support to pets and their people.

Formal Education and Certification

IAABC Behavior Consulting Principles & Practice (Rebecca Park Scholarship Recipient – Fall 2020)
University of Richmond – Canine Logic & Advanced Canine Logic
University of Richmond – Reading Rover
Spring Arbor University – Application of Behavioral Principles
Bachelor of Arts in Biology & Anthropology – Spring Arbor University

Ongoing Professional Development

IAABC Foundation Animal Behavior Conference
Pounce! Conference on Cat Behavior – IAABC Foundation
Aggression in Dogs Annual Conference
Science of Animal Behavior Annual Conference
Continuing education through books, workshops, and behavior webinars

Meet My Full Life Behavior Family

Behind every good trainer is a dog – or five – who taught them just as much as any certification. These are my pups (and my husband), who remind me daily why compassionate, reward-based training matters. Every behavior challenge, every breakthrough, and every cuddle fuels the work I do with families across Michigan.

They’re not just part of my home – they’re part of my purpose.