Meet Milinda Riester
Founder of Moving Forward Canine · Rensselaer, Indiana
CTDI
AKC CGC Evaluator
CCFC
APDT Member
Milinda Riester
Professional dog trainer · AKC CGC Evaluator · Therapy Dog Evaluator · Lifelong animal enthusiast
My love for animals started long before I became a professional dog trainer.
Growing up on our family's farm, I was surrounded by horses, dogs, goats, and just about every opportunity a curious kid could ask for. One of the biggest influences in my life was our pony, Punchy. He taught me patience, perseverance, and that learning is always a journey—for both people and animals.
Those early experiences shaped the trainer I am today.
Over the years, I've had the privilege of helping hundreds of dogs and their families build stronger relationships through kind, reward-based training.
Along the way, I've continued learning too, earning certifications in dog training, canine conditioning, temperament evaluation, and therapy dog work because I believe there's always something new to learn that can benefit the dogs and people I serve.
One of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been training my own Therapy Dogs. Whisper is now my third Certified Therapy Dog, continuing a tradition that is very close to my heart.
Watching these dogs bring comfort, encouragement, and smiles to people throughout our community reminds me that great training isn't just about teaching skills—it's about enriching lives.
Today, I also serve as a Certified Temperament Test Evaluator for Canines For Christ Therapy Dog Ministry, allowing me not only to prepare therapy dog teams for certification but also to evaluate dogs seeking certification through the organization.
No matter where you and your dog are starting, my hope is that you'll leave every lesson feeling a little more confident than when you arrived.
Because confidence isn't built all at once.
It's built one small success at a time.
My Story
Where Moving Forward Canine Began
It started with a pony named Punchy
Long before I became a professional dog trainer, I was a little girl growing up on a farm with an endless love for dogs and horses. When I was five, my dad won a pony in a drawing at a local tire store — and that little pony, Punchy, taught me one of the greatest lessons of my life: confidence isn't built all at once. It grows one small success at a time.
A philosophy shaped by experience
As I grew through 4-H Horse & Pony and local horse shows, I trained my own horses and watched experienced trainers work. Some relied on force and intimidation. Others built willing partnerships through patience, consistency, and trust. Even as a young girl, I knew which path felt right — and those early lessons became the foundation of everything I teach today.
A life built around dogs
Dogs have never simply been my career. They've been my companions, teammates, teachers, and family. Today I share my life with my husband Bill and our Miniature American Shepherds, competing in conformation and a variety of dog sports — not just for titles, but because I genuinely love learning alongside them. Every new challenge teaches me something I can bring back to the families and dogs I have the privilege of helping.
Always learning
I continue my own education through seminars, workshops, certifications, and hands-on experience — because the more I learn, the better I can serve the dogs and people who trust me. I also begin preparing puppies for life with their future families from just a few days of age, using the Puppy Culture program, because I believe learning begins long before a puppy ever goes home.
My Philosophy
Build confidence,
not fear
Dogs learn best through kindness, patience, and encouragement. Force and intimidation have no place in training.
Small steps create
big success
Every success builds confidence. Small, achievable steps are how real, lasting progress is made.
Strengthen the partnership
Every positive experience builds trust and helps dogs and owners understand each other better.
Teach owners
how to teach
My goal isn't just to teach dogs new behaviors — it's to help owners understand how their dogs learn best.
Training should be enjoyable
When owners understand how dogs learn, training becomes something both ends of the leash can enjoy.
Move forward together
Progress is something both ends of the leash can celebrate — from first puppy steps to real-life skills.
Crook's Legacy
One of the greatest privileges of my life has been training several of my own dogs to become Certified Therapy Dogs. Together we visited nursing homes, schools, and libraries — and I watched firsthand how a calm, well-trained dog could brighten someone's day, encourage a hesitant reader, or simply bring a smile to someone who needed it.
In addition to training Therapy Dogs, I'm also a Certified Temperament Test Evaluator for Canines For Christ Therapy Dog Ministry. That allows me to both prepare teams for certification and evaluate dogs seeking certification within the organization.
"He didn't visit nursing homes, schools, and libraries because he was working toward an award. He did it because he had the heart for it. I was simply fortunate enough to help him develop the skills and confidence to share that gift with others."
In 2021, Crook was honored as our breed's Goodwill Ambassador for his service to the community. To me, that's what great training is really about — not ribbons, not titles, not awards. It's about helping dogs become the very best version of themselves, and enriching the lives of the people they love along the way.
CREDENTIALS
Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI)
Certified Canine Fitness Coach (CCFC)
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
AKC Temperament Test Evaluator
AKC Breeder of Merit
Member, Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
Lifelong student through continuing education, seminars, and workshops
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