About your trainer
Hi, I'm Melissa.
I've spent [10?] years helping Upstate families and their dogs understand each other. No travel time, no group of strangers: just you, your dog, and a plan that fits your life.
My story
Why I do this the way I do.
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Credentials
Real letters, earned the hard way.
CPDT-KA
Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed
CBCC-KA
Certified Behavior Consultant Canine, Knowledge Assessed
AKC Evaluator
Approved to administer the Canine Good Citizen test
[10?] years
Hands-on experience across the Upstate
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. Both CPDT-KA and CBCC-KA are issued and re-certified through continuing education.
American Kennel Club Titles. Approved Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, so preparation and testing happen with the same trainer.
Continuing education & memberships. [list professional memberships and recent CE here].
Training philosophy
It's about trust and relationships.
Dogs learn by exploring and collaborating. That's the whole idea behind the name Curiosity Dog Training. I use reward-based, science-backed methods that build confidence instead of suppressing behavior with fear. No prong collars, no shock, no intimidation. It's kinder, and the results last longer, because a dog that understands what to do is steadier than a dog that's only afraid of getting it wrong.
How training works
Four things every program has in common.
In your environment
We work where the behavior happens: your home and neighborhood.
An individual plan
Built around your dog and your goals. Never a class script.
Force-free methods
Reward-based and confidence-building. No fear, no shortcuts.
Measurable progress
Clear steps and homework so you can see it working.
What to expect
What working together actually looks like.
Honest expectations: I'll tell you what's realistic for your dog.
Coaching for you, not just the dog. You'll know how to keep it going.
Written homework after each session, in plain language.
Between-session support so you're never stuck for a week.
Patience with reactive and anxious dogs. No rushing, no flooding.
A path to the CGC test if that's a goal, prep and test in one place.
Beyond training
When I'm not working, I'm still with dogs.
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Outside of sessions you'll find me hiking the Blue Ridge, volunteering with local rescue.