About

Melissa with 4 greyhounds
watercolor green leaf

“Melissa is a great trainer. She's very knowledgeable and passionate about training and wants all students to succeed.” -Former Student from anonymous survey

Melissa S.

Melissa grew up around animals from horses to hamsters so caring for pets is something she's very accustomed to. She started her career by working 9 years at a corporate chain with 6 of them being a dog trainer where she fell in love helping people establish trusting relationships with their pets built on communication between dog and owner. Over time, she pursued her certifications one by one with a goal of adding an additional one each year just to ensure she brings the most up-to-date and science based training to each and every client. Melissa went to school and graduated with an Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology from Brown Mackie College in May 2015. She then signed up for Animal Behavior College's Grooming program and graduated in August 2015. She passed her National Boards to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician in August 2019. Melissa has presented her positive reinforcement based training methods at various conferences across the country including the All-American Grooming Show in Chicago, Illinois in August 2017 and Pet Quest in Wilmington, Ohio in June 2018. Her training program is widely recognized and recommended by many area groomers, veterinarians(5 of them have even put their own personal pets through classes!), boarding facilities, and trainers. She has 6 dogs of her own that have achieved over 30 AKC recognized titles in obedience, tricks, & therapy dog work. In her spare time, she spends time with her own dogs volunteering in the community as certified therapy dogs & blood donor dogs.

What people are saying about us!

We often get requests from people that want to hear what others have said about our classes. Below you will find quotes from anonymous surveys from former or current students that have gone through our training program.

  • "Melissa listens. Understands, and responds. She doesn't take a pretentious stance like I've experienced with other trainers. She also cares deeply about success."

    -Anonymous survey from former student

  • "I've taken 2 dogs through the classes and they have retained all of their training because the classes teach the owners consistent fun ways to reinforce class lessons "

    -Anonymous survey from former student.

  • "Melissa has the best training method we have ever used! Our pup was in class with her for almost a year. He loved going to “school”, had a great positive training experience, and is now the best behaved and at the same time playful dog we have had. I would highly recommend her and am a bit sad we have done all the classes :)"

    -Tracey & Dexter the Golden Retriever

  • "You are a kind trainer. I don't want to work with anyone that trains using fear. In group classes you take the time for one-on-one attention to details. "

    -Anonymous survey from former student

  • "Melissa is an awesome trainer. Our dog is changed completely for the better."

    -Jennifer

  • "Melissa does a great job explaining the lessons and working with the dogs."

    - Melodi

  • "Samantha (my Newfoundland) and I have been in Melissa's classes since she was 3 months old. Now at 21 months she has passed her test/evaluation for TDI certification and can begin to go with me to visit sick children at Memorial Hospital. Outstanding job Melissa!"

    -Ron