Mel's Best Friend

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Introduction: Hi! I'm Mel, ABCDT certified. I have been working with animals since 2012 and have been studying dog behavior and dog training since 2018. I focus on science based, positive reinforcement methods that rely on understanding how your dog thinks and learns. I have found that being empathetic and focusing on building a relationship with our dogs is the best way to train, because a happy and emotionally secure dog is willing to participate and learn!

Overview

Current Top Pro

Hired 162 times

Background checked

2 employees

3 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, and Venmo.

Unfortunately, you can't redeem Thumbtack discounts or pay this pro with referral credits.

Social media

Facebook, Instagram

Top Pro status

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

2021

2022

Featured Projects

42 photos

Specialties

Dog training type

,

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for responsiveness, work quality, and professionalism.

Exceptional 5.0

50 reviews

5

96%

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Read reviews that mention:

Suzanne L.

Mar 28, 2023

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Hired on Thumbtack

Mel has been extremely helpful in training us to train our Mini Bull Terrier. They have thoughtful insights to dog behavior and how dogs think. Mel’s gentle approach is highly recommended!

Details: 2 - 10 years old • Medium (26 - 40 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training

Kachi O.

Mar 21, 2023

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Hired on Thumbtack

Mel’s training helped to not only make my pup better behaved, but also helped to learn how to train my pup as well! They’re a great trainer for first time dog owners. My pup took to listening to them very quickly within the first two sessions and became a lot more trainable. Definitely recommend!

Details: 0 - 6 months old • Small (16 - 25 lbs) • Private lessons • Puppy training • House training • Crate training • Leash pulling • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training

Julia v.

Feb 18, 2023

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Hired on Thumbtack

Mel connected immediately with my dog and what he needs. They gave great suggestions that I hadn’t heard before, which I appreciated because I have worked with other trainers and was hoping for fresh insight. I highly recommend working with Mel.

Details: 2 - 10 years old • Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training

Nicole H.

Apr 8, 2023

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Hired on Thumbtack

Mel has been great in helping us work with our new puppy to set a schedule and work on positive reinforced training. We’ve just started and already seen a huge improvement in how he follows commands. She is teaching us as well, which brings the most value in how we continue to work with him. Highly recommend

Details: 0 - 6 months old • Small (16 - 25 lbs) • Private lessons • Puppy training • House training • Biting • Leash pulling • Crate training • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training

Evelyn V.

Mar 23, 2023

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Hired on Thumbtack

Mel is great! We have a 3 month old German Shepherd and he has come a long way! Mel is attentive, takes the time to explain and most of all her love of dogs reflects her initiative to do what is best for the dog & owner! She is also flexible in her schedule! Highly, highly recommend Mel!!!

Details: 6 - 12 months old • Small (16 - 25 lbs) • Private lessons • Puppy training • Crate training • Barking • House training • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training

Credentials

Background Check

Melissa Hunt

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Dog training consultations: $60 Private Dog Training: $125/ session If you purchase a pack of 7 sessions you save $135 and if you purchase a pack of 14 sessions you save $350. Board and training is 1000 per week
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
The first thing I do with any new customer is set up an initial 30 minute consultation. The consultation gives us a moment to talk about your training goals, set up a training plan, and for you to ask general questions!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I was certified through a larger pet store back in 2018, trained for two years before moving on. In 2021 I became certified through Animal Behavior College.