Get to Know Me!

Hi, I’m Shelby Mildenberger, a Registered Veterinary Technologist and a Board-Certified Veterinary Technician Specialist in Behaviour. I’ve been working in veterinary medicine as a RVT since 2017 and training animals professionally since 2019. My passion is helping pets and their guardians navigate behavioral challenges using science-based, compassionate training methods.

I am Elite Fear-Free certified as both a trainer and a professional, a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, and Low-Stress Handling Certified. My approach focuses on strengthening the human-animal bond by building trust, clear communication, and mutual understanding. I use positive reinforcement to address a variety of behavioral concerns, including reactivity, fear-based aggression, separation anxiety, and more. My goal is to help pets develop confidence while ensuring their guardians feel supported and empowered.

I understand that training and behavior modification can be overwhelming, and I know firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate behavioral concerns. That’s why I’m here to guide and support my clients every step of the way. Every pet and guardian is unique, so I create customized training plans tailored to their specific needs. When needed, I also collaborate with veterinarians and veterinary behaviorists to ensure a well-rounded approach to behavioral health and well-being.

Animal training is not a regulated industry, which is why I am committed to continuing education to stay up to date with the latest, most ethical, and welfare-based techniques. By constantly learning and refining my approach, I ensure that my clients and their pets receive the best possible support and training experience.

Through my business, Foxy & the Hound Animal Training, I strive to make training a positive, achievable, and stress-free experience for both pets and their people. My ultimate goal is to strengthen the lifelong bond between guardians and their animals while equipping them with the tools for success

My Journey

I originally started my career as a Licensed Practical Nurse, working in human healthcare. But everything changed when I got my first dog of my own—Chia, a Jack Russell Terrier with severe separation anxiety and fear-based aggression. Navigating her training struggles sparked my passion for animal behaviour and helping pets thrive. That journey led me to shift careers, becoming a Registered Veterinary Technologist with a deep interest in behaviour. Now, as a VTS (Behaviour) and certified animal trainer, I combine my medical background with behavioral science to help pets and their guardians build stronger, more trusting relationships.

I believe that training should be as stress-free as possible—for both pets and their families. I understand that behavior challenges can feel overwhelming, and my goal is to guide you through the process with expertise, patience, and empathy, making training both effective and approachable.

I also specialize in cooperative care training, helping pets learn to willingly participate in grooming, veterinary procedures, and handling. This not only reduces fear and stress during necessary care but also strengthens trust between you and your pet. By using consent-based techniques, we can make medical and grooming experiences safer and more positive.

So… what exactly is a VTS Behaviour?

A VTS (Behaviour) is a Registered Veterinary Technologist with advanced expertise in animal behaviour.

To earn this designation, a RVT must:

  • Complete years of hands-on experience in behaviour cases

  • Demonstrate expertise in evidence-based, positive reinforcement, welfare centred training

  • Submit case studies, pass a rigorous exam, and maintain ongoing education


Why does this matter for you and your pet?

As a VTS (Behaviour), I combine medical knowledge with behavioral science to:

  • Recognize the difference between training and medical concerns

  • Work alongside veterinarians to support behavioural health

  • Use science-backed techniques to reduce fear, stress, and anxiety

  • Create customized, ethical training plans