Here's what our students have to say...
"I got Parker when he was 6 weeks and thought I was going to drive myself mad (border collies are very high energy). I was having a melt down at Pet Smart and came across Melissa ( who walked by with her PERFECT pack of border collies and she encouraged me to work with Parker's energy not against it. After doing her puppy classes she got me into K-9 sports (we did fly ball, agility, disc dog, and dock dogs) Parker seemed to enjoy all of the sports but really took to dock dogs. Here we are almost 5 years later and jumping almost 20 feet with a personal best of 19'6''
Kendra Clarke
"I was recommended by another dog trainer to go to Melissa for further obedience training with my collie after I had successfully completed the highest level that this other trainer offered. And I was so happy that I was refered to Melissa, as she has done wonders for both my confidence and my dog Willow's confidence when working together on our obedience skills. In fact, I think we are almost ready to take our obedience training to the next level and actually start competing - and I know that Melissa will be there to help guide us with any questions or struggles along the way. It feels good to train with a dog trainer who knows exactly what is required to be successful in the competition ring - and yet still be so positive and pleasant too! And my collie loves Melissa and gets so excited when I tell her we are "going to school"!!"
Candace Sirianni
"Melissa, your obedience classes are great! Working with a young Jack
Russell is always tricky but you and your methods are up to the
challenge every time! Thank you so much!"
Gail Coupland
"We enrolled our Border Collie (Benz) into Level 1 and Level 2
Obedience. Our Border Collie greatly improved his obedience under
Melissa's training. Melissa is a great trainer, is very knowledgeable
and made both classes very enjoyable. We would highly recommend Melissa."
Gary Mongeri
"When my boyfriend and I decided we were going to get a puppy, it was our number one priority to find training classes. Having had family dogs as a kid, I knew it was first about training the people, then about training the dog. We didn’t want to be “those people”, with the bad dog and friends/family no longer wanted to visit…We 1st heard about Melissa from a friend, whom have a dog we love. So we decided to give her a call.
Toby, our Chocolate Lab, was 12 weeks old when we started our puppy Level 1 class. We remember from the 1st class Melissa telling us that you can’t correct a dog for something that you never took the time to teach them. This made total sense!! We also remember her doing demonstrations with her own dogs and that was it… We were determined to be great dog owners, and have a well-behaved dog! Toby completed the puppy Level 1 with no problems and we were really enjoying watching him learn. We practiced at home so that in class we could get as much out of each new lesson without losing Toby’s focus. He went on to complete Level 2, which brought us one of the most important lessons we could teach our dog… Recalls! We wanted to be able to trust Toby and know that when we call him, he would come. He struggled with this a little, so Melissa worked with us and Toby. We had to start over at one point and change his recall word, so that it would become more reliable. Melissa came to our home to do an in home lesson, to teach us how to work on our recall in a safe environment. Toby, now 2 years old, is reliable with his recalls. We have him out at least 2 to 3 times a week off leash, just so he can run and play with other dogs. It’s a great feeling knowing we can trust our dog.
Toby has also done Agility Levels 1 and 2. What we have enjoyed most about the Agility classes is that we are still working on lots of self control and obedience. But it’s in a fun format. Our first intro-Agility class, Toby was hesitant and unsure…He really struggled with the small ‘A’ frame. Now he walks the dog walk and the teeter with no problems at all! Relating those exercises to real life…Toby was afraid to walk over bridges, big or small. It was something about having water or cars pass under the ground he was walking. All in all, we would say that’s what we found to be the best part of Melissa’s teaching style. It made sense to real life situations! Her problem solving skills are great, and she helps you find a way to work with your dog using a positive approach. We trust Melissa and Mike 100% in caring for Toby, and we feel that they have both had a huge part in making our first ‘dog owner experience’ a great one! We will continue to recommend Metro Muttz to anyone we know or meet who is thinking of getting a dog."
Kelly Vaughan
"We have been working with Melissa for approximately 6 months and have attended Obedience 1 and 2, Street Skills, and several workshops. I can't say enough about Melissa's techniques, knowledge, and skill when it comes to dogs. In a nutshell: She KNOWS dogs. She's incredible. We will continue with Melissa and MetroMuttz for Agility and Flyball in future.
We have attended both Obedience 1 and 2. Melissa was different than the other places. She was patient, understanding, and gave each handler/dog pair personalized attention when needed. The small group and large room setting was perfect. Melissa builds the confidence of each handler so they control the situation and relay that confidence to their dog. She challenges the handler and dog at every step of the way. A very welcomed challenge. Although we had many other trainers as options, we couldn't have asked for a better trainer than Melissa."
Manisha Solomon
"Ellie & I have been taking Melissa’s obedience classes. With her help I think I might finally have a dog that will come no matter what is going on. Here she is running full tilt to me after I called her out of a play group with some doggie friends. Thanks Melissa for all your patience, help and suggestions with Ellie she is a bit of a challenge!"
Laura Smith
"My husband and I took both our dogs Max and Molly to Melissa's Obedience
training classes. We love our dogs, but not always their behaviours. They
are much better listeners now. They wait patiently and calmly for
instruction now before they gobble up their food. No more racing at the
door to go out, they wait for the ok. They go to their beds during our
meals instead of begging for our food and quietly sit in their beds when
company comes waiting to say hello, no more continuos barking and running
our guests over. It's now a pleasure when company come over. A definate
overall improvement.
Thank you so much Melissa."
Marjie & Paul Rylett
Niagara Falls, Ontario
"We have taken a few classes with Melissa when our dog (Barney) was a puppy. He not only learned a lot, but so did we. Melissa made lessons fun for owners and dogs. Barney made friends with the other puppies and learned his lessons at the same time. He still will not touch his food dish without permission and stays inside the door until he is released verbally, thanks Melissa."
Barney, Pam and Dave
"Melissa and Mike are two great teachers who know exactly what they're doing! Not to mention their attitudes are fun and outgoing! You can't help but feel comfortable in one of their classes, which is an added bonus! Their method of training is far better then anyone else I have compared to. After taking level one obedience, and seeing the "above the top" results - we're moving on to level two, with do doubt that the results will be twice as great! I'm glad I found Metro Muttz!! I wouldn't trust anyone else with any other method! I would(and have!!) without hesitation refer anyone to them, because I have seen nothing but positive results! Thanks Melissa and Mike!"
Tara & Caliber
"When we decided that we were going to add a Bernese Mountain Dog to our family we knew that training was going to have to be a top priority or we'd be at the mercy of what was going to be a pretty large dog. After many phone calls and inquiries we were pointed towards Metro Muttz by a local pet store. We were told that Melissa ran her classes and trained the dogs through positive reinforcement methods and this appealed to us and how we wanted to raise our puppy.
We picked Titan up on a Sunday and started Obedience Level 1 the very next day. We were somewhat sceptical at having the first class without the puppies being included but after it was over we understood what Melissa was thinking and were very glad to get some information and things to work on before the pups were included the next week. During the 8 week class there was as much training for the people as there was for the puppies and I think in a lot of cases we needed more help than the dogs. We learned to be consistent, firm and always positive and the dogs responded remarkably well. I've lost count of the number of amazed people who've commented on how well behaved Titan is for such a large, somewhat energetic puppy and I always tell them it's thanks to what we've learned through Melissa's classes and would recommend her very highly to anyone looking to train their dog.
We have since successfully completed level 1 obedience, will be testing for level 2 in a weeks time and are already looking forward to starting level 3. Titan is certainly not perfect and at times we do still battle his male stubbornness but we are far better prepared to deal with it and to know that he's not the only dog who has his moments thanks to Melissa. Not a day goes by that I'm still not totally amazed when I give him a command to do something and he actually does it (now if Melissa would just open a class for teenagers we'd be all set!).
Many thanks to Melissa, you've given us the tools and support to have a happier, less stressful relationship with Titan and I'm sure when he's reached 120+ lbs we'll be sending even more thanks for the early training we've had with you."
Kerry & Don Swayze
St. Catharines, ON
"Melissa has a profound knack for teaching owners and their dogs to become a team. She has not olnly provided the appropriate training for our dogs Parker and Kadence, but as well has educated myself as a dog owner. She has given me the motivation to keep growing and advancing with my dogs. My dogs have never wanted to leave her place and ALWAYS excited to see her at their weekly classes. I would encourage any dog owner to give Melissa's services a try!"
~Kendra Clarke
Burlington, Ontario
"As soon as my husband and I decided we were going to get a family dog it was important to us to find an Obedience school that did not use "prong collars" or corrective methods. Melissa was referred to us by a family aquaintntance, and I could not be happier with the results we have seen in our dog Abbey. Melissa tailors her teachings specifically to the dog's needs and will give each owner advice on how to get the best results out of their pet. Since the classes are small it allows her to give each dog personal attention and notice behaviour which could be corrected early. Melissa is also passionate about dogs which is clearly displayed in how the dogs react to her. I have and will continue to recommend Melissa to new puppy owners."
~Melanie Zenga
Welland, Ontario
"Melissa has taught us so much about our dogs. Her advice and knowledge has helped us with our two Shelties. We've attended her classes and had some private lessons as well. From our first meeting with Melissa it was obvious that she was someone we could totally trust with our dogs. She is patient and understanding with both the dogs...and the owners! I would recommend her to all who have four legged pals! If I do have a problem I can always count on Melissa for her words of wisdom."
~Kathy Pillar
Niagara Falls, Ontario
I can't say enough about Metro Muttz, I could probably fill a page. Melissa has been taking care of my dogs for a couple of years now and I have recommended her services to all dog owners I know. The dogs always come back looking pretty...from their painted toe-nails to their soft fur, and they are always exhausted after playing with the other dogs in her care. Her talent in training my unruly 1 year old chocolate lab is remarkable...she always said the dog had misguided energies and just needed to learn how to use the energy effeciently, and now Leia is a loving, well-behaved dog...made a believer out of my husband, who believed the dog to be unruly and untrainable. However, Melissa's utmost dedication came when due to her years of knowledge and expertise in animal health and behavior, she detected a life-threatening illness in our 9 year old yellow lab. Had it not been for Melissa's caring nature, Page surely would have died. I am so grateful to have found Melissa and recommend all her services whole-heartedly.
~Stephanie Mallett
Niagara Falls
Our dog "Bandit" went to Melissa's "puppy1" and "Puppy2" classes. Bandit graduated Puppy 1 with no problem. This class gave Bandit the ability to come out of his shell, because he was very shy and skiddish. When Bandit started puppy2 that was when we noticed how smart the dog really was. We learned how to teach him and correct him properly.Melissa is a very good and caring dog trainer. When Bandit had some troubles with some of the lessons Melissa really took the time to make sure Bandit understood what was expected of him. We highly recommend Melissa to teach your dog.... Sincerly
~Tina and Matt
Niagara Falls
Georgie and I really enjoyed our Clicker Tricks and Attention Classes at Metro Muttz! Melissa provides a relaxed environment allowing people and dogs to learn, have fun and to achieve their training goals. We will be back for more ;)
~Susanne & Georgina (German Shepherd Dog)
Fonthill
"Melissa's dog training was a wonderful experience for both our dogs and our family. She is a great instructor but more importantly she provided valuable support while we introduced the puppies into our home.
We are thrilled to have Melissa's dog service to depend on. "
~Deb.Plata
Niagara Falls
"Melissa takes pride in her work, interacting positively with her dogs and with us, during and outside of training sessions. She has given us the knowledge and skills to effectively train our dog in a "positive" amd "upbeat" environment. Our lab puppy Amber, has already become an effectionate, social and loving member of our family, who has responded well to Melissa's training techniques. Melissa has provided guidance and advise on Amber's social development, including acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, and we can now confidently introduce Amber to other dogs, children, and visitors to our home. Melissa definitely understands her canine companions, and uses the best techniques to ensure that the training experience is rewarding for both the owner and the dog. Amber absolutely loves Melissa and her dogs too! We are very grateful to have found her, and would highly recommend Melissa to ANYONE out there who is looking to have a wonderful experience while training their dog!"
~Darren, Lorrie, Chelsea (and Amber)
Niagara Falls
When I brought my dog Lacey to Melissa's first class I was very frustrated as my puppy was the worst student in the class. Melissa taught us patience and a few tricks and by the following class Lacey was one of the best students. I have been to other obedience classes in the past with my previous dogs and have found that Melissa's way of positive training, has by far, been the best way to train. She is an expert in what she does and helps you to understand the nature of the dog. You can count on her for help when you need it and I especially like the training sheets she hands out after each class. To us, she is known as the "Dog Whisperer". Thank you Melissa for helping us with Lacey and making her a part of our family.
~Jim and Bonnie Judge
Niagara Falls, Ont
"Melissa taught us how to gently, lovingly, yet assertively train our Miniature Schnauzer puppy Abby. We learned so much about how and why dogs behave. Melissa was willing to answer our questions in class as well as between classes either by phone or e-mail. It was nice to know that she was always available when we needed her. We looked forward to class each week as much as Abby did. She loved playing and socializing with the other pups in the class. We appreciated Melissa using her own dogs in class each week to show us what skill we were learning. They are very well trained!
~Cathy & Joe Bruno
Niagara Falls
Buddy - my Bichon - has attended Melissa's classes from Puppy basic to
Agility. As a first time dog-owner I had no idea what to expect or how to
train a puppy - Melissa's classes have helped me understand Buddy and his
needs (it is all about him). Buddy loves "school" and Melissa is always a
patient teacher. Not only is she patient with the dogs but also with their
owners/parents as some of us don't catch on quite as quickly as others.
Classes are not only a great learning experience it is a wonderful way to
have fun with your dog and let them socialize with other dogs and people.
Attending Melissa's classes has helped Buddy become a friendly sociable dog
- with very good manners.
~Alison Bradbury
St. Catharines
We rescued an abused pit-bull X that was afraid of everything even walking out of her yard. Melissa came to the house and did some one on one training with Stella, showing us how to help her get over her fear and within a week we where able to walk her around the block. Since then Stella has taken obedience training courses with Melissa. Her gentle way or rewarding the dog by praise and treats has helped Stella become a much better behaved dog today. She just loves going to classes so she can meet and play with the other dogs.
~Fred and Gale Hurst
St.Catharines