MELANIE

Hi! My name is Melanie and I'm the owner of DogGone Solutions, LLC. From the age of 3, I've had a canine companion (or 2) by my side up to college and quickly there after. I attended the University of South Florida for 2 years, majoring in Music Education before following my heart to the world of dog training. When I was 19 or so, I enrolled in my first group obedience class with my leash pulling dog Isis, a Siberian Husky. When she received her diploma, I sought out to get mine! I started an apprenticeship in Tampa with a gentleman named Steve, a local trainer, who specialized in protection training. And although I decided against protection training, he was a wealth of information and I learned a lot from him in the short months under his leadership.

Then, at age 21, my Husky and I traveled cross-country from Florida to Arizona where I attended the Arizona Canine Academy instructed by Rocky Boatman. (Rocky dissolved the Arizona Canine Academy when he accepted a new position as PETCO's new National Canine Education Programs Manager in 2004. He is now back in Sierra Vista training privately.) A majority of his curriculum was dedicated to ensuring all students had hands-on experience and practice in training. We had weekly trips to the local SPCA that allowed us to train dogs we had no familiarity with. We were assistant trainers to his weekly group classes and behavior consultations. We also had day trips to the groomer, the vet, a canine massage therapist, the police K-9 training center, and The WolfSong Ranch Foundation. There, I was exposed to and interacted with wild wolf packs, observing their body language, their interactions with each other, their interactions with me, the pack order and how it works, and it provided me with a greater understanding of our domesticated canines today. It was an invaluable experience I believe any dog professional should seek.

When I completed the course, I received my diploma as well as a certificate of Merit. Upon returning to Florida, I started private training in the Bay area. In May of '07, I launched DogGone Solutions LLC. I instruct group classes at Jay B Starkey Wilderness Park and at Pet Supplies PLUS in New Port Richey. In January 2008, I passed the evaluator examination and became an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator and test administrator.

To date, I am currently owned by four dogs - my forever best friend and loyal companion Isis, the Siberian Husky who opened my eyes and lead me to where I am today. My quirky but sweetheart of a Miniature Pinscher, Romeo adopted off Craig's List. And two sisters, Ella and Sparkle... two more min pins! We are also proud servants to a small colony of cats.

And like all animal lovers... there's always room for one more!