Melissa has a passion for animals that has existed since childhood. In 2001, she began volunteering in animal welfare, later working for the BC SPCA. It was then that she took an interest in dog training. How can so many dogs be given up by their owners for behavioural problems? Surely, many of these problems are fixable if owners only had the tools and know-how to train their dog to be an obedient member of their family.

Dogs are pack animals, and when we bring a dog into our household we become their pack. Leadership is a learned skill and owners often need help to develop such a skill. Dogs without leadership are often disrespectful and develop unwanted behaviours. Depending on the dog, these issues can range from mild to severe. Part of owning and training a dog, is recognizing whether you have a mild or severe dog. With a mild dog, a mild issue may be too much excitement and jumping up on people. While a serious dog with severe issues can result in dog bites that can result in fatalities to other animals and even hospitalization of humans. This can be detrimental to the dog and often results in families giving up their dog, or even worse euthanasia.

Melissa is a strong believer in balanced training. Dogs need leadership. Your relationship with your dog is of utmost importance. Building a bond, using positive motivational tools, but also teaching them what behaviours are unacceptable is paramount to having an obedient, well-mannered dog. If you think of it this way, dogs are what they repeatedly do. Misbehavior then is not an act, but a habit. We are here to help you change your dogs habits, as well as your habits. When those two things come together, you will achieve success.

Melissa’s focus is on pet obedience. BC Westcoast K9 Services offers lessons for young dogs needing foundation. And Melissa’s specialty is working with dogs with severe behavioural issues, such as aggression leading to biting, pulling, anxiety and fear issues, not coming when called and more.

Melissa has achieved the following titles/certifications with her dogs:

• JIBC Security Validation
• Pre-Novice, CKC Obedience
• CD, CKC Obedience
• Canine Good Neighbour, CKC
• Started Title, Sporting Detection Dogs Association
• BH, IGP (formerly Schutzhund)