Hagerstown, MD
Melissa McNally
Melissa's passion for animals started at a very young age. As a child, it felt as though all the stray dogs and cats found her. To her mother's dismay, she was sure to bring home every animal she thought needed her help. She brought home everything, including dogs and cats, to snakes and snails.
She started working in the veterinary field when she was 16 cleaning kennels at a small Veterinary Clinic in Iowa and moved on to becoming a Veterinary Technician for many years. As she continued on her career path, she took a particular interest in animal behavior, fear-free practices, and game-based training. She became CPDT-KA Certified and a Fear Free Certified Professional. It didn't take her long to decided to take the next step and open Harmonious Handling.
Services
Stay and Train programs are special all-inclusive packages where you drop your dog off with us for a set period of time, and we work on either obedience or struggles that you have been having at home. Unlike your traditional board and train program, all dogs that come to us for training are brought into our home and treated as family pets. Dogs are NOT crated for the majority of the day and receive 24/7 informal training around the house, along with formal training sessions daily.
Stay and Train programs are fantastic for new puppies who need to learn crate, potty training, and basic commands. However, the programs are also fantastic for dogs that are older and need obedience training or even for dogs that struggle at home and show behaviors that the owner finds concerning.
One of the best parts about our programs is that they will include all the training equipment your dog uses while they are here! Everything from the best training harnesses to leashes, treat pouches, or even elevated dog beds (depending on your program).
All dogs that stay with us receive an Adaptil Pheromone Collar to help ease them into transitioning to a new environment. And they go home freshly bathed with their ears cleaned and nails trimmed. Every program contains free follow-up session/s to ensure you continue to have your desired result when you take your dog home.
Certifications
CPDT-KA Certified and a Fear Free Certified Professional
Training Methods
game-based training
Customer Reviews
Melissa was great! She took the time to hear my concerns, assessed my dog throughly, explained why my dog is resorting the behaviors that we were there to correct, and gave me the training and tools to use. She definitely has the knowledge and patience to work dogs and owners! Would recommend her to anyone!
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.
Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.
Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.
Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.
Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.
All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.
Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.
Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.
