Trainer Bio
The Happy Tails’ goal: Teach dog owners how to use positive reinforcement training to establish successful communication and create a lifelong bond with their canine family member(s).
About the trainer: Melissa Simpson
- Training Certification, 2006: Animal Behavior College
- Professional Affiliation-APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers)
- Training approach: Use Positive Reinforcement techniques to assist dog owners with establishing successful communication with their dog.
- Volunteered at Kent County Humane Society to help care for Katrina victims.
- Worked with mentor trainer at Paws with a Cause.
- Training dogs for 4 years.
- Special interest – adolescent dog behavior issues.
- Other education: Masters in Business Administration – Grand Valley State University
Upon receiving a Masters in Business Administration from Grand Valley State University, my graduation gift was a yellow Labrador puppy, named Tucker. Since Tucker’s arrival, the canine household has quickly expanded to include Koda - a black Lab and Kirby - a chocolate Lab, completing our "Labrador Rainbow!"
As the owner of three rambunctious labs, I experienced all the typical challenges: housetraining, creating good manners and behavior, and learning to understand what my dogs were trying to "say." My frustration as a new and inexperienced pet owner sparked an interest in training and behavior. I determined to have a successful, positive relationship with my canine kids; training had to become a way of life.
“Training” is actually the communication between humans and canines. So, I worked to learn more about canine communication and behavior. I read various training resources and behavioral studies, studied dog/dog and dog/human interactions, worked with and observed various trainers and animal behaviorists, volunteered at the local Humane Society, and obtained my dog training certification. As I strived to educate myself to achieve a peaceful and well run household, I discovered a passion in assisting other frustrated pet owners.
My experiences as a pet owner and shelter volunteer resulted in a special interest in working with adolescent dogs. This age group of dogs often frustrates owners – they have quickly outgrown their puppy cuteness and are often jumping up, stealing items, and pulling on their leash. My goal is to work together with dog owners to help them understand how to establish communication with their dog, eliminate unwanted behaviors, and develop a well mannered companion in order to keep dogs with their families and out of the shelters.