Meet Your Trainer

Woman standing with two German Shepherds in a field

Hi! I’m Melissa and I’m the owner of and professional dog trainer at Hemlock K9. Since I’m going to be getting to know you and your pups soon, it’s only fair you know a little bit about me as well!

I began my dog training career like many dog trainers do – because my dog was a nightmare! No, my German Shepherd Bear was a very good pup – his main issue was that he was very protective and he didn’t like men coming into my apartment. He also was a bit of a countersurfer, and had an obsession with butter and socks (don’t ask me why). At the time, I had been working at the CT Historical Society in their collections and exhibits department for about 4 years, and was looking for a change. While I will always be a history nerd at heart, I’m an outdoors person. I grew up in the forests of New Hartford, and while I loved my job, I couldn’t be in the basement and in the stacks of collections all day long. So began the dog training journey.

Anyway, after deciding to change careers, in Summer 2019, I began as an apprentice at K9one at Stonehill Kennel in Goshen CT, learning under one of the most respected dog trainers in the country. My mentor, Chris Byrne, was the K-9 Bomb Detection supervisor for the World Trade Center recovery mission following September 11, 2001, and trained both police and companion canines for more than 30 years. For about two years, I worked at K9one, training everything from 8 week old lab puppies to 120 lb Cane Corso’s with severe aggression issues to 12 year old Coonhound’s with crippling anxiety. I also completed a 6 month mentorship under UK trainer Ches Pickering from Phoeonix K9, and regularly attend seminars held by some of the best dog trainers in the world including Ivan Balabanov, Jay Jack and Justin Rigney.

Simba, Kaya, Shark, Goose and I (and my gecko Stevie!) live in Avon, CT, and spend our time hiking, throwing a frisbee, or just having fun with my hooligans.

I’m so looking forward to getting to know you and your pup, and I can’t wait to help you better your communication and relationship with your dog so that you can both live your best lives together!

Meet My Pack

Bear

Bear was a 5 year old German Shepherd and the first dog I ever owned. I rescued him from a shelter in Missouri when he was 10 weeks old, and ever since he was my little sidekick and adventure buddy. Not only was he my personal Service Dog, but my other half. My Soul Dog. He was the reason I changed careers, became a dog trainer, started my own business. He saved my life more times than I can count. Unfortunately, due to very poor breeding and genetics, and his tendency to do everything with 110%, Bear had a lot of health issues. He suddenly and unexpectedly passed away in December 2022.

Kaya

Kaya, aka Monster , is a 9 year old German Shepherd. She’s a personal protection dog imported from Europe. She was the bane of my existence when I worked with her at K9one (getting her out of the kennel was a nightmare!), yet somehow I ended up taking her home 5 years ago because I loved her. She’s an acquired taste haha. She’s a feisty little psychopath, and not the brightest bulb in the box, but our little family wouldn’t be complete without her.

Shark

Shark, aka Turkey, is a 3.5 year old Golden Retriever from Rose Golden Retrievers in OK. His favorite past times include snuggling up to his big sister Kaya (it is too cute for words), crawling across the entire yard like a worm, and rolling in the grass and mud.

Simba

Simba, aka Simaroo, is a 3 year old German Shepherd who is absolutely obsessed with water. He also is currently trying to break the Guinness World Record for largest "stick" (tree) carried by a dog. He is a huge goofball, but is so intelligent and loves to work! He is also my Service Dog and partner-in-crime.
We got Simba shortly after Bear passed - Bear definitely sent this guy to us, because he is exactly what we needed to get through this tough time.

Stevie

Stevie, full name Stevert, is my 13 year old Leopard Gecko – and the first pet I’ve ever owned! This little guy is a survivor. He’s survived 10 days without power in the winter storms of 2012 (and he’s a desert animal), a six month hunger strike, a flood at my dorm at UConn, and the addition of several dogs to his home. He spends his days sleeping in his UFO, and his nights…hanging out in his UFO.

Goose

Goose, aka Goosey, is the newest addition to the family! We rescued Goose in May 2024 from North Carolina. A friend of mine knew Goose and fostered him while he looked for a new home... and a few days later, Simba and I were road tripping to NC. Goosey is the biggest snuggle bug you've ever met - but don't get up off the couch because your spot will be taken by the time you come back!

Meet Isabelle!

Dog-trainer-in-training

Isabelle recently completed her Dog Trainer Certification from Animal Behavioral College, and has been apprenticing under me for a few months now, getting hands-on experience and expanding her skillset. She'll be heading our new Walk & Train service, and will be joining the team as a Professional Dog Trainer soon!

"Hi, I’m Isabelle! I’ve been working with dogs for the past 5–6 years, with experience in pet sitting/ dog walking, dog daycare and now training! My passion for training began with my three rescue dogs, who inspired me to learn how to better understand and support their needs. Although I didn’t grow up with dogs, each of my pups has taught me something unique and meaningful, getting me to where I am today. I am grateful for all the dogs who brought me here and am excited to keep growing!"

Meet Your Trainer

Meet My Pack

Shark, aka Turkey, is a 3.5 year old Golden Retriever from Rose Golden Retrievers in OK. His favorite past times include snuggling up to his big sister Kaya (it is too cute for words), crawling across the entire yard like a worm, and rolling in the grass and mud.

Meet Isabelle!

(860) 431-0506 hemlockk9training@gmail.com Avon CT

(860) 431-0506
hemlockk9training@gmail.com
Avon CT