MELANIE, Owner/Training Director

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 has since dissolved the Arizona Canine Academy when he accepted a new position as PETCO's new National Canine Education Programs Manager in 2004.) 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 of three cats. A wanderer to our door step, Tinka... a US 19 traffic stopping kitten with a taste for death, Salem... and another stray who's multiple re-homes found her re-homed in ours again and again... Lilu.

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



DAVE, Training Instructor (West Hernando)

Hi! My name is Dave. From day one, I have shared my life and my home with dogs. Growing up in New York, I have always had one or two… purebreds, mixes, large and small, all different breeds. I am currently owned by my five dogs.

Since moving to Florida in 2003, I have become very active in canine welfare. I have a true passion for saving adoptable dogs from shelters. Having served on the board of directors for a breed specific, non-profit rescue and as Vice President and co-founder of a non breed specific, non-profit rescue, as well as personally fostering over fifty dogs during my time with these organizations, I have had almost every type of problem dog a person could think of. After seeing this epidemic first hand, I knew I had to do more than rescue dogs from shelters. I have to help keep them from going there in the first place and become another statistic.

This not only a personal endeavor, but it has transpired in my career as a prosthetic technician. I recently have the pleasure of fitting and fabricating an artificial leg for a one and a half year old Golden Retriever named Kingston who was rescued from a landfill in Puerto Rico and is now being trained to use his new leg.

Now, I am expanding my work to the world of training. Being a graduate of the DogGone Solutions Trainer Education Program, I look forward to strengthening the human canine bond and keeping the pack intact.



LUCILLE, Training Instructor (West Pasco & Hillsborough)

Hi! My name is Lucille and I am the newest member of DogGone Solutions. I have almost always had a dog by my side. I really never felt complete without one or two in my life.

I enjoy training dogs of all sizes and breeds. This can be seen in my two dogs, Zeus- a Rottweiler and Poppy, a Peke-a-Malt. They make quite a pair when walked together with me.
I have a BA in Psychology and work in the social services field, which means I work with people all day, but I have always wanted to work with dogs.

When I learned about the opportunity to train with DogGone Solutions and become a trainer, I jumped at the chance. After an apprenticeship and completing the Trainer Education Program, I hope that I can use my canine and people skills to enrich everyone’s life.