Melissa started training at Family Dog in 2020 after a recommendation from their vet. Her family has a whole pack of schnauzers! The pack includes Sherlock (the grumpy old man), Piper, and Watson. She saw the difference training made for Piper that they continued with the advanced classes including Agility. When Watson joined the pack she immediately signed him up for classes with Family Dog. Both Piper and Watson continue to take agility classes. They are starting to compete in agility events and are working towards earning titles. 

 In 2022, Melissa started apprenticing and finishing her apprenticeship teaching Puppy Manners and Beginning Home Obedience classes in late 2023.  

 Melissa believes in the well-balanced training approach taught at Family Dog,and wants to help others to learn how to have a well-mannered family dog. Melissa believes that training your own dog builds a strong bond and relationship between you and your dog. She feels training is a life long journey that takes continuous work to strengthen and maintain. 

 In her spare time, Melissa enjoys activities including: hiking, snowboarding, camping, drumming, and cycling. She also loves spending time with family and friends and tries to take the pups on some of her adventures!