About me
Hi I'm Melanie and just like you, I love dogs. I love their joyful exuberance and their cuddly snuggles. But I've also had dogs that were reactive. I know what it's like to struggle with not knowing what to do and being on edge for the next outburst. For over 25 years now I've been training horses and dogs and it's my vocation to learn everything I can about the science of behavior and applied reward based training methods. I've worked in a shelter with every type of rescue dog from terrified to over the top excitable and I know how to help families facing these challenging behaviors. Now, I can bring my years of experience to help you.
As a certified canine behavior consultant and professional dog trainer, I'm dedicated to working with owners and their dogs on everything from behavior modification strategies to finding ways to meet the dog's needs. My goal is to see families and their dogs live happily together and most importantly, thrive.
What I do...
In the past, dog training was all about dominance, punishment and suppressing behavior. Sadly, many trainers still work this way today. Thankfully there's now a much better, more humane and proven training method using positive reinforcement, systematic desensitization and counter-conditioning. I offer various customized programs, with a relationship based approach, tailored to the owner and family. Using the science of applied behavior analysis and by carefully determining the needs of the dogs, I help ensure that those needs can be met realistically in a fun, easy, punishment-free way.
Step One:
I come to you and meet you in your home for the initial consultation where we review the issues you're facing or the goals that you have and the we look at your dog's lifestyle from sleep to exercise to diet, mental enrichment and more. Then we create an actionable training or behavior modification plan including changes I recommend.
Step Two:
We begin working together to implement the strategies and concepts that I'm teaching you. This can be in your home, out and about or in my training centre depending on what we're working on.
Ongoing:
Once you're happy with your progress we wrap up or you may want to have me continue to work with your dog regularly with my walk & train service where I pick up your dog and bring them back after a training session.
At this point you may also want to come to my Life Skills Drop-In classes every Saturday at my training center.
Come meet me...
Every Friday afternoon from 3 to 4 pm, I offer free mini behavior and training advice at Global Pet Foods in Orangeville for anyone needing help.
I am available to meet you and your dog, and to answer your questions. I love helping you learn about mental enrichment and how to select the right tools and equipment for training.
You may also see me out and about in Orangeville when I do walk & train with my clients' dogs, when I'm running Dog Life Skills classes at the Orangeville Fairgrounds or when I'm working with our Canadian Veterans and their service dogs. Working as a trainer for the Canadian Veterans Service Dog Unit is a great privilege which I enjoy very much.
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Accreditations & Certifications
Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed
Certified Behavior Consultant Canine - Knowledge Assessed
Dog Trainer Foundations - Karen Pryor Academy
Applied Behavior Analysis - Dr. Susan Freidman
Shelter Behavior Mentorship - Trish McMillan CPDT, CDBC, ACCBC
Aggression in Dogs Master Course
Leash Reactivity Mentorship - Jessica Wheatcraft
Ready to book a consultation?
Let's connect
Melanie Chin CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA
Call or Text 519-216-3137
Email melanie@canineservices.ca
Serving the Orangeville area
Flexible hours: daytime, evenings and weekends are available by appointment