About five years ago, our son gave Bob, my husband,  a puppy for a Christmas present. “Mocha” is a beautiful female black and tan English Cocker Spaniel. Neither my husband or I had ever had a dog before. Bob took Mocha for “puppy lessons”, started reading books on dog training and asked advice of dog owners. Nothing that was done helped us to either understand or modify Mocha’s behavior. We really struggled for almost five years. Then we were lucky enough to meet Melissa. The very first time we brought Mocha to her, she was able to predict exactly what Mocha would do in a given situation. She explained to us that Mocha is a “fearful” dog. That characteristic greatly influences how she reacts in situations.  Melissa also explained how certain actions, made both by ourselves and others, can trigger Mocha’s fear and certain behaviors. It was an incredible feeling to finally begin to understand what is going on inside Mocha’s head and why she acts in a particular way.

Melissa has been incredible working with Mocha - and with us!!! She is incredibly gentle working with Mocha  - always encouraging her to go beyond her fears. My husband and I never realized how important it was for Mocha to see us as the “leaders” or how clever Mocha can be at getting her own way. We are trying to learn the correct way to interact with Mocha so she will have confidence in us and thus be less fearful and start to trust. Melissa is innovative in trying different techniques with Mocha and with us! I have multiple sclerosis and my balance and strength are compromised. Melissa is always mindful of that and adapts the lessons so I can participate also. It is wonderful to work with someone who is so enthusiastic with both her dog and people clients! 

Bob and Dottie with Mocha (English Cocker Spaniel) 

I am so glad I listened to Noelle and called you! I have a lot of fear about judgment and failure, but I was afraid that if I didn't work this through with Maggie I would be ready 
to throw in the towel and give up on what I have loved all my life.
 
Thank, Melissa. I hope you know what an awesome instructor you are!
 
Val with Maggie (Australian Shepherd) 
  
 
Thanks again for helping us train Guinness, we are so glad we found such a great trainer.
 
See you in a few weeks.
 
Tim and Maureen with Guinness (Labrador Retriever)
 

Lucas' attitude since the lesson has been remarkable.  We've spent real time today training.  He now seems to go down whenever we call: he runs over to us and almost as a reflex goes down.  Our practice with the biscuit has been so successful so far that he tends to sit or go down as soon as he realizes what's up. 

We'll be in touch.

Eric with Lucas (Shih Tzu)