​Melissa's Muttz 'n' Mongrels
Montessori for Dogs
Dog Obedience Training
Dayton, Ohio
Services
Private Lessons
Get ready to transform your furry friend's behavior with one of my programs tailored to your dog's unique needs! We will start in your home, where the naughty behaviors usually show up the most. From basic to advanced obedience, I'll tackle those pesky problem behaviors head-on. Plus, with my email support and follow-up exercises, you'll be equipped with the tools to train your dog like a pro Let's go!
Board and Train
Let me do the hard work for you and kickstart your pup's training with one of my comprehensive board and train programs! Your dog will live in my home, and I'll teach your furry friend basic through advanced obedience and help you tackle any problem behaviors. Plus, you'll receive a detailed written evaluation and training plan to ensure you and your pup stay on the right track. Let's get started!
In- Home Boarding
Wow, kennels can be so stressful for our furry friends! But don't worry, I have a fix for you! I offer boarding in my cozy home where your dog can lounge, play with other pups, and enjoy plenty of outdoor fun. Plus, I always follow the rules that your dog is familiar with, including feeding and furniture. Your pup will have the time of their life with me!
Private Lessons Programs
Let's Go!
For exuberant puppies or older dogs that have had some training but need more practice with leash manners, this program is to focus on loose leash walking, jumping, and greeting people and other dogs when out and about. You will polish your handling skills and we will teach your doggo how to walk nicely and focus on you for a stroll around the neighborhood, so that you and your buddy can enjoy your outings together safely and peacefully. This means you and your dog can get the enrichment and exercise necessary for good health and happiness! We will start at your home, then put your new skills to the test with a neighborhood walk, and finally a field trip to help your dog stay focused with increased distractions. This program is typically completed in 3 sessions, and includes a bonus session to be used later if you need to tighten up your training and skills.
House Dog
Is Fido driving you up the wall with nuisance behaviors? Is Finn eating all of your things? This fun- and- games program is crafted for puppies, adolescents, and rescues, to teach you to use obedience to control and manage behaviors. You and your dog will learn the language for you to communicate clearly and effectively so that you can enjoy peace of mind and your dog can earn more freedom around the house. We will cover common useful obedience commands as well as unlimited extra commands! Your dog will learn to walk nicely on the leash and practice calm behaviors in the home, and we will take field trips so your dog can work on paying attention to you in the presence of distractions. The game- based learning will help your dog love training so you can build a lifelong relationship founded on trust. This program is typically completed in 8 sessions, and includes a bonus refresher lesson to be used later, as well as lifetime email support.
Trusty Companion
Want a dog you can take to the coffeehouse or bar? Do you dream of taking your retriever kayaking? Love traveling with your dog? This comprehensive program is tailored to train your dog to suit your specific lifestyle. Game- based learning, relaxation exercises, motivators and play will help you to understand what your dog finds fulfilling and how to use real- life rewards for good behavior, which means you won't need to bribe your dog with treats. We will cover loose leash walking and house manners, then practice in distracting environments so that you to create your dream dog! After laying the foundations, we will use field trips and adventures to socialize your furry friend and build calm, focused behavior on and off- leash, which will give you a dog who can tag along on your shenanigans! This program usually wraps up in 12 sessions, and includes unlimited commands, unlimited refresher sessions, and a lifetime support guarantee.
There's No Place like Home
I train dogs primarily to be well- behaved, stable pets and companions. I bring dog training into your home, with my private lessons, or mine with the board and train. I train using real life scenarios and situations. I use the gentlest approach the dog will respond to, (known as LIMA) with marker training to shape behaviors. I use plenty of positive reinforcement, fun, and games to meet the unique needs of every individual.
A Lifetime of Loving Animals
I grew up in Kettering, Ohio around plenty of furry friends! I rode horses competitively in high school and college, deemed myself the neighborhood dog walker, and schooled my first dog love, a golden retriever named Max, in agility. In college, I trained my cat to be an adventure cat. He could sit, shake, walk on a leash, and come when called. We traveled the country, and even the world together! ​
When I decided to get a dog as an adult, I set my sights on a very independent and intelligent breed of dog, the Beauceron. He was a far cry from my gentle and fluffy golden retriever. I wasn't even sure he'd make it to adulthood! I had done extensive research before getting this dog. I had read multiple training books, watched umpteen episodes of "The Dog Whisperer", but nothing prepared me for this bratty, rambunctious, mouthy, destructive 80 pound puppy that wanted everything HIS WAY. Let me tell you how much terrible advice I got- everyone had an opinion, much of it about dominance and "showing him who's boss". That's not what worked, though! I learned to tap into the "calm and assertive" energy I had cultivated in my years of working with horses, and with patience, perseverance, and lots of treats, two years later I had a wonderful companion I was able to take with me everywhere. Hundreds of dogs later, I'm still so proud of my very first- Montague Beaumont Dahl Cuore.
I've been where you are, I've experienced the frustration, the embarrassment, even the fear. I am not going to judge you or shame you for not knowing what you don't know.
I've been doing this awhile now and there is not much I haven't heard! My goal is to empower you to connect with your dog and help you to build a lifelong connection based on mutual trust and partnership.
Professional Accomplishments
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I graduated with honors from Animal Behavior College in 2016. I have fostered and trained dogs for Miami Valley Pit Crew, as well as with the Humane Society and their START program. My current Beauceron, Victor Hugo, and I are active members of Dayton Dog Training Club, where I volunteer to teach classes. Victor and I have taken advantage of the many classes the club had to offer, and we have achieved titles in Obedience Rally, (RI), as well as Fit Dog (FITB) Trick Dog (TKI), and Canine Good Citizen (CGCU).
I follow some of the best trainers in the country to stay up- to- date with the latest science and methods. I have also continued my education with the Training Between the Ears level 1 course, which is a behavior program focused primarily on relaxation, and have tried many of the bite- sized courses offered by trainers on the internet geared towards pet owners. I try to separate the wheat from the chaff so you don't have to dig through conflicting information and methods. I belong to a vast network of trainers around the country, so if I cant solve your problem, I can find someone who can!
Love My Clients
What Pet Owners Say
"Very Professional"
Melissa has been coming to train my 2 puppies. She is very knowledgeable. She had individualized lesson plans and goals for each of them to reflect their temperaments and personalities. She wants them to succeed in being functional members of my family and society. She doesn't just teach tricks and leave. She is teaching me to train them in a way that I understand.
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Katalyn S.
"Great Service"
Melissa is amazing. She really understood how our dogs mind worked and was able to get her to do some things that I never thought would be possible. She also showed/told us what we needed to do to keep her progressing. I highly recommend her to help with your pup!
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Andrea G.
"Kind & Loving"
Melissa is wonderful to work with. My dog loves her! My dog now listens and obeys the commands that I give her. She even obeyed the hand signals Melissa taught her for my vet. Melissa is caring about all her clients and their owners. I have had some health issues that affect my animal and she is there for me and my dog. I highly recommend her.
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Randy S.