Melissa's Muttz n Mongrels, LLC

Serves Oxford, OH

35244

Hired 94 times

1 employee

12 years in business

$1800

4.8

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Credit card, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.

Next Service

Hours

Sun Closed

Mon Closed

Tues 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Wed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Thurs 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Fri 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Sat 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Credentials

Background Check

MELISSA WALTHER
Completed on 3/27/2024

Introduction

NOTE: I'm getting a lot of requests for private lessons in the Cincinnati area. Unfortunately, I don't travel this far for private lessons. I can arrange to meet halfway IF I have other clients in the area. Otherwise, it cuts too much of my time and I can't get everyone in. I'm happy to take board and trains. If you'd like to discuss further, please send me an email. Thanks for reading! 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. 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, 80 pound destructive puppy that wanted everything HIS WAY. But with patience, perseverance, and lots of treats, two years later I had a wonderful companion I was able to take with me everywhere. When my friends, who had stopped coming over when he was a pup, started bragging about my dog to everyone they met, I decided to take my success a step farther- to share it with others. I decided to get certified through Animal Behavior College, a well established school that focuses on positive motivational training. Hundreds of dogs later, I'm still so proud of my very first- Montague Beaumont Dahl Cuore.

Q&A

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

I evaluate the dog's temperament and help teach the owner to train the dog.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I am a certified obedience instructor through Animal Behavior College. I have also taken two dogs through obedience classes, and I work with shelter animals to help them overcome fear or aggression issues and become wonderful adoptable pets.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I became interested in dog training when I committed to adopting a rare and very strong- willed breed of dog- a Beauceron. I was determined to give my dog a fulfilling and rewarding life. I started studying different training regimens and researching as many issues as I could. It was still a terrific challenge, but I learned as much about myself as my dog learned about me.

What types of customers have you worked with?

I enjoy all of my customers because they care about their dogs!

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

I had a dog aggressive Chow mix I worked with at the shelter for about two months. I was her last resort- she was due to be euthanized if I couldn't straighten her out. In just a few short months Luci learned to follow my lead and ignore other dogs. She was adopted to a wonderful young couple and we haven't seen her back!

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

I consider myself a balanced trainer (I will use tools and positive punishment as corrections), but I start with the gentlest methods the dog will respond to and work up from there. I do not use positive punishment with young dogs. Beware of "heavy handed" trainers, as there are methods that can negatively and permanently impact the mental health of your dog. Any tool can be beneficial in the right hands or harmful in the wrong ones. Look for trainers that focus on positive reinforcement and games!

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

Many dog trainers evaluate their customers before agreeing to work with their dogs. This is not some magical computer program we install into the dogs- it takes a great deal of consistency on the part of the owners. They must be committed to regular follow up before they can expect a fully reliable dog.