Reactivity Specialist and Separation Anxiety Behaviour Consultant
Evidence based techniques for teaching your dog to be calm and confident around other dogs and to be happy home alone.
So far our dog Albie has attended 3 sessions with Mellisa. Melissa has honestly worked wonders with his reactive behaviour, to begin with Albie was extremely anxious, pulling on his lead and uncontrollably barking. To begin with we struggled to find a trainer that suited our needs with Albie and who was happy to take on Our mixed breed Cane Corse, Mastiff. Mellisa has a calm nature, she is knowledgeable and her passion for dogs shows in the sessions that she truly wants the best outcome. In just 3 sessions Albie has come along way and we look forward to continuing our sessions. As a family we couldn’t be happier with his progress which is all thanks to Melissa.
-Georgia, Callum and Albie
i can not thank Melissa enough, my boy still has alot to learn however with the help,guiedence and patience that Melissa has shown us we will get there in no time. thank you for everything you have done and all your help has been a blessing! we will see you for another class in the future. thank you
-Leah and Bruno
I have just completed 3 121 sessions with Melissa after reaching out to her about my dog’s reactivity. Melissa is absolutely fantastic at what she does. She is knowledgeable, patient and her training is always reward based which works so well. I personally, have learnt so much about my dog since training with Melissa and I instantly felt relieved when meeting her as I knew she was the right person to guide us through what felt like an impossible journey. I cannot recommend Melissa enough and I am looking forward to continuing our journey with her by our side
-Jess and Ned
One of our rescue dogs Ivar has recently started his one to one training with Melissa. We've had one session so far in our home, followed up by a training programme put into place for ivar. He is a very anxious pup with little confidence and already we have seen progress. Melissa has given us so much guidance and support already, she is very knowledgeable. Ivar's brother Vlad loved having her come to visit, especially when the hot dogs came out! We will look forward to our future sessions and progress to be made. We highly recommend Melissa, thanks alot!
- Jade and Ivar
Canine Mental Health Matters
Each dog is an individual with their own learning history, internal and external environment, genetics and self. Creating long lasting solutions to behavioural issues involves understanding how to change the emotional root of the behaviour otherwise we are just suppressing the behaviour. Suppression can seem like it works temporarily however the emotional disturbance is still present and will likely resurface or manifest in other ways.
As a Certified Family Dog Mediator and Certified Behaviour Adjustment Trainer, I take a holistic approach. I put together an integrative training plan to address the whole picture of behaviour. Behaviour is often multifaceted and by taking a multipronged approach, we are more likely to create behaviour change and see results. I also utilise behaviour adjustment training to empower your dog to make different decisions when faced with a potential trigger.
Reviews
Melissa is an amazing trainer who has offered really great advice and supported us in building our dog's confidence after a few bad experiences with other dogs. Melissa cares deeply about enhancing the relationship you have with them and also allows you to really understand why your dog behaves the way they do.
My dog is more content and confident as a result, and now makes really good choices when around other dogs. He is a sweetheart and just needed a little support, Melissa helped us achieve that for him, and we haven't looked backIf you want a caring, dedicated trainer who understands your dog, we highly recommend Melissa X
- Sue and Buster
Highly recommend Bridgwater Dog Training. Melissa is very knowledgeable in what she teaches and I can see improvements with my dog already! Very welcoming and relaxed classes with no judgment. Thank you Melissa
-Sharon and Gypsy
Melissa has walked my 12 year old patterdale for over a year, so I know already she is trustworthy, professional and reliable.
I have enrolled in 1-1 sessions for my new rescue 9 month old puppy. Melissa has gone above and beyond to support me making lifestyle changes due to his separation anxiety and linking me up with available people who can pet sit for me while I have to go to work.
I couldn't have managed on my own and poor Finn would have ended up being miserable.
there is a lot to work on but Melissa has broken it all down into manageable steps and a clear training goals and plan.
I couldn't recommend her highly enough.
-Daisy, Poppy and Finn
AN AMAZING TRAINER WHO JUST GETS IT
We started working with Melissa on 29/04 this year for our 3 year old springer x poodle Nova. I had reached my limit with Novas reactivity and possessiveness and was desperate for help. Having reached out to trainers previously I hadn’t found anyone who seemed to understand my dog or the person was giving old fashioned advice… until I found Melissa
From the first telephone call, I knew she understood. We had our initial assessment and two 1-1 stooge sessions as a package and have continued to see Melissa weekly for disengagement walks or stooge sessions. Nova is like a different dog. Her body language is so much more relaxed, she’s less stressed, her reactions are less explosive when she does have a moment and best of all I feel like I can connect with my dog again and enjoy taking her out rather than dread it. I’m so excited to keep working with Melissa and Nova.
Melissa has made a huge different to mine, my partners and Novas life, and I can’t recommend her enough
- Alex and Nova
Melissa has taken the time to understand my boy Gus and importantly how it's impacted me too. Gus has been quicker to progress than me and she gets that, setting us up for success to build both our confidence. She always manages to pick just the right dog for us to work with. Our work with Melissa has been so rewarding and is making a real difference. She genuinely cares and is just as happy with our progress as we are. Always trained my dogs myself, behavioural issues took me by surprise and I was totally unprepared. I am so glad to have found her.
-Claire and Gus
