Our Team
About Our Team
Led by Legacy, Driven by Passion
At Runchkin Hill Farm and Kennel, we believe that every dog has a unique voice. Our mission is to help you hear it.
Led by founder and CEO Robin Desmond, our community of expert trainers is dedicated to turning dogs and their handlers into seamless, confident teams. With a legacy spanning three generations and over 40 years of hands-on experience, we provide a level of expertise that covers the entire canine spectrum—from the goofiest family pets to high-drive protection and police dogs.
Our Philosophy: Partnership Through Communication
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all training. Whether we are working with a four-pound “Chi-weenie” or a 150-pound Great Dane, our approach is rooted in understanding. By listening to an animal’s body language and respecting their individual temperament, we build a foundation of trust. We don’t just train your dog; we form a partnership with them, and then we teach you how to lead that partnership.
Founder & Lead Trainer
Robin Desmond
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AKC Breeder of Merit | CGC™ Evaluator | Canine Behavioral Consultant
For Robin, training isn’t just a career—it’s a heritage. Coming from three generations of breeders and trainers of both horses and dogs, Robin has spent her entire life mastering the art of interspecies communication. Since founding Runchkin Hill Farm in 1988, she has become a sought-after expert in the Northeast for her ability to handle “any dog, any breed, any temperament.”
Robin’s expertise is as broad as it is deep, specializing in:
- Protection & Sport: Over 30 years of experience in Personal, Family, Sport, and Police Protection.
- Service & Detection: Professional training for service animals and narcotics detection.
- Obedience & Manners: From basic “Housetraining 101” to competition-level precision (AKC, IPO, PSA, and Ring Sports).
- Problem Solving: Specialized behavioral modification for dogs with complex challenges.
Barn Manager & Trainer
Nicole Michelman
Nicole Michelman serves as the kennel Manager and Trainer at Runchkin Hill K9 Training Facility, where she oversees the daily care, management, and well-being of every dog in our program. She is responsible for coordinating day-to-day operations, maintaining clear communication with clients, and ensuring each dog receives individualized care and training.
Nicole leads group training classes, works with dogs of all ages and experience levels, and is a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator. She is passionate about helping owners build strong, reliable relationships with their dogs through practical, real-world training.
Outside of the facility, Nicole actively competes in different dog sports, giving her valuable hands-on experience with working dogs. Her dedication to continued education, attention to detail, and commitment to each dog’s success make her an integral part of the Runchkin Hill team.
The RHF Support Team
Behind every successful graduate of Runchkin Hill is a team of dedicated professionals. Our staff includes:
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Professional Decoys: Specialized experts who assist in our protection and police K9 programs, ensuring our working dogs are tested under real-world conditions with safety and precision.
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Training Specialists: A community of trainers who mirror Robin’s commitment to “listening to the dog.” They facilitate our Private Lessons, Group Classes, and intensive Board & Train programs.
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Kennel Care Team: Our “friendly faces” who manage our climate-controlled facility, ensuring that every dog staying with us receives custom feeding, exercise, and the highest standard of care.
Why Choose Runchkin Hill? > We bring decades of experience that can’t be learned in a weekend seminar. If you’ve been told your dog is “too much to handle,” you’ve found the right place.
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