Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Gihring.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I owned dogs growing up and enjoyed training them. I also volunteered for my local Humane Society as young as I was allowed to by myself. When I went to college at Bradley University, the only way I could get a dog into my apartment was to train a service dog with the organization Paws Giving Independence. That’s when I realized that I loved training dogs for others, and I was good at it. I was often given the “problem dogs” to work with. I then joined the McClean Count EMA as a canine handler for search and rescue. I spent several months learning more skills for training search and rescue, detection, and service dogs at Extreme Canine in IL. Then we moved to Houston, and I worked for Renaissance Kennels where I learned about training police dogs and protection dogs. When the owner of Renaissance Kennels retired, I bought him out and created Gihring Canines.
I specialize in working dogs such as service dogs, emotional support animal, therapy dogs, search and rescue, detection, and protection. I also enjoy working with competition dogs since I breed working Irish Water Spaniels. I do work with a lot of pets because I have a lot of knowledge on what is going on in the dog’s head when there is a behavioral problem. I am also the only trainer that I am aware of that has a board and train problem that promises obedience on the life of the dog. That’s how confident I am in my abilities as a dog trainer.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I have a bad kidney. So I have taken many trips to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN to work with doctors there on how to prolong my life and how to best live it. There are some days where I sleep a lot, but I always get out of bed to work with and love on my dog and the dogs in boarding. It was hard to train for awhile because I did not have the right space, but I recently bought a property. Now, my home is on my 2-acre property with the kennels and a pool! So that makes my life easier. I am always near the dogs I am responsible for, and we have a blast playing in the pool.
I had to move from IL to TX because I was severely allergic to something in the air there, and I couldn’t breathe. I LOVE Texas though, so it all worked out for the best.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Gihring Canines – what should we know?
Gihring Canines boards, trains, and breeds dogs. We specialize in working dogs and German Shepherd Dogs. We breed Irish Water Spaniels.
I am most proud of my breeding program because I prepare the puppies for work starting on the day they are born. I video every activity they do, and they do something new every day. I produce social, confident, and driven dogs. By the time they leave my facility at 8-10 weeks old, they are ready to start training for their new jobs. They become service dogs, detection canines, emotional support animal, therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, competition dogs, hunting partners, and great pets. I am known for specializing in German Shepherd Dogs and training them. 95% of my business is with German Shepherds, so I have a very good understanding of the breed and how to best work with them.
I am most unique for having a program that has a 2-week board and train with 3 private lessons afterward. If the client completes all 3 private lessons in 1 month after their pet graduates from my board and train, I guarantee obedience on the life of the dog. If there is a problem in the future, I work with the dog for no charge.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have learned the most from my mentors Michelle Yuen, Brandi Arnold, Diane Wacker, Behesha Doan, Bill Dotson, Rodney Dean, and Joan Brehm.
I have been best supported by my husband, Matt Gihring. Other supporters include Natalie Frye, Gerald Frye, and all of my clients and puppy owners.
Pricing:
- $1,500 for my board and train program
- $80 per hour at my facility
- $120 per hour at your home
- $15 assessment
Contact Info:
- Address: 18 Huntington Woods Dr.
Tomball, Texas 77377 - Website: Gihringcanines.com
- Phone: 2627515539
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gihringcanines/
Image Credit:
Life of Riley, Audacious Dreamer Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
