Meet Our Dog Trainers
All-Star Dog Training’s certified dog trainers help dogs of all ages, breeds and temperaments thrive with customized training programs that deliver lasting results.
Same All-Star Team, New All-Star Name!
Get to Know the Founders of All-Star Dog Training
Behind every successful All-Star Dog Training dog is our team of experienced professional dog trainers. Nationally acclaimed and locally trusted, we bring 25 years of combined expertise to help your dog reach their full potential. Our personalized approach, caring methods, and proven track record make us Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham’s trusted partner for all your dog training needs.
Michael O’Donnell
Founder/CEO
Michael O’Donnell’s passion for dog training began in his early years training his family dogs. That passion continued through his college years at Radford University where he played Division 1 baseball and majored in Psychology. After college, Michael began a career in building material Sales but did not feel fulfilled. After a chance encounter with a local dog trainer in the Raleigh, North Carolina area, Michael decided to venture into the world of Professional Dog Training where he studied under nationally recognized dog trainers for 3 years before making the decision to open his own dog training franchise in Apex, North Carolina.
Over the course of 10 years, Michael along with his wife, Melissa, operated an incredibly successful dog training franchise. They won numerous local awards for their training excellence and gained worldwide media attention by performing in stadiums and arenas with their dog, Ripken. In 2025, Michael and Melissa opened All-Star Dog Training to honor Ripken’s legacy after their beloved pup passed away on January 1st, 2025.
Michael is not only a certified Canine Caring Angels Therapy Dog Trainer and AKC Evaluator (he has even trained several wolves!), but his training expertise has earned him local, national, and global recognition as one of the industry’s leading dog trainers.
Melissa O’Donnell
Founder / Director of Marketing
Melissa moved to Rhode Island with her family as a child, but her North Carolina roots run deep. After graduating from the University of Rhode Island and working in Marketing for the New England Patriots, she followed her heart (and the sunshine) back to North Carolina. There, she met Michael, and they married in 2014.
Melissa’s experience in media, including developing a “Responsible Dog Ownership” PSA campaign with the American Kennel Club, combined perfectly with their shared passion for dogs. This led the couple to opening and operating an incredibly successful dog training franchise in 2015 before founding All-Star Dog Training in April 2025 after the death of their beloved dog, Ripken.
Today, Melissa and Michael live in Raleigh with their two children and two dogs and enjoy spending time traveling and attending all of the exciting events they can with their dogs in stadiums across the country!
Our Expert Dog Training Team in Raleigh-Durham, NC
Meghan
Director of Operations
Meghan’s love for animals began at a young age, earning her the unofficial title of “family dog trainer.” Working with their Australian Shepherd/Border Collie Mix, Callie, she mastered everything from basic commands to agility training. However, her confidence was shaken when her rescue Pointer, Griffin, proved to be more than she bargained for during her years at UNC Wilmington. This led to a humbling but amusing moment when she turned to her brother Michael and All-Star Dog Training Charlotte for help, finally admitting that he might be the superior trainer in the family!
After exploring the corporate world, Meghan knew it was time to follow her true passion and join her brother’s thriving business as Office Manager at All-Star Dog Training. With her enthusiasm for the industry and the joy of working alongside family, Meghan is excited to be part of the team’s continued growth and success.
Morgan
Office Director
Morgan’s Bio Information Coming Soon!
Taylor
Training Manager
Taylor’s Bio Information Coming Soon!
Courtney
Training Coach / Training Consultant
Courtney’s Bio Information Coming Soon!
Rebekah
Training Coach
Rebekah’s Bio Information Coming Soon!
Nicole
Training Coach
Nicole’s Bio Information Coming Soon!
Madison
Training Coach
Madison’s Bio Information Coming Soon!
Alejandra
General Manager / Training Consultant
Alejandra’s Bio Information Coming Soon!
Carly
Office Director
Carly’s Bio Information Coming Soon!
Sean
Training Coach / Training Consultant
Sean’s Bio Information Coming Soon!
Greyson
Training Coach / Training Consultant
Greyson’s Bio Information Coming Soon!
Ori
Training Coach
Ori’s Bio Information Coming Soon!
Get Started With Charlotte & Raleigh-Durham’s Best Dog Trainers
Begin your dog’s training journey with a free, one-on-one evaluation with an All-Star Dog Training Charlotte or Raleigh-Durham dog trainer. This no-pressure assessment is the first step toward building a lasting bond with your canine companion.
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