Hemlock K9 Training

Hemlock K9 and Melissa were OUTSTANDING in helping to "unlock" any issues we were having with our fur baby, Arlo. We had done training with all the usual Farmington Valley trainers ("Puppy Class" OR "Advanced Puppy Class") AND they were just "OK". But if you wanted some specific help for your dog...there was no real discussion about your dog OR what your dog may need - there was just "Book me for an (EXPENSIVE) 1hr private session and I will TELL you what to do". Some of the other trainers we spoke to about training techniques were VERY "My WAY is the only way" OR "I only do Positive behavior modification and wont use any tools like E-Collars OR Prong Collars....training will take an enormous amount of YOUR time and Sessions with ME". I could see the dollar signs with that statement and we dont have several hours everyday to devote to training. Hemlock K9 gave us a consultation and got to understand US and our dog - let us know that ALL techniques are on the table to enable us & Arlo to succeed. Melissa in the first session understood what we wanted and what Arlo needed. She prescribed a Herm Sprenger collar for walks on leash (Arlo loves it) - AND she took a walk with us to train US on how to use it correctly and provided us with E-Collar training to work on recall etc....We rarely - if ever need to use this now...although COMPLETELY SAFE for your dog!! Because Hemlock K9 took the time to understand US and our Dog they provided us with invaluable information about Arlo's BIOLOGICAL prey drive and told us that we are not meeting his needs ("Throwing the ball for your dog isn't cutting it!") and so consequently our relationship is suffering from it. She gave us some simple things to do like Tug Games and Flirt Pole work....20 minutes a day. It has completely changed our relationship with Arlo....he is connected to us, listens to us, stays with us. Has led to a greater enjoyment of each others company....lots of off leash walks etc....just AWESOME. Hemlock K9 is truly a holistic approach to success with your dog...HIGHLY recommend!!

Melissa (of Hemlock K9 Training) is a wonder! Our rescue was having trouble settling into our family and her new surroundings and was anxious about pretty much everything. After months of trying to help her on my own, I found Melissa and enlisted her help. Willamina went to stay with Melissa for five weeks and came back a changed dog -- happy, obedient, and much more confident. And her confidence has only grown since then, now that we know how to communicate with Willamina in a way she understands, and now that she feels safe, loved by her family, and happy in her home. I can't thank Melissa enough for all that she did for our dog and, by extension, our entire family!

Melissa helped so much with my dog Tobie. He’s a very active Springer Spaniel, and had trouble chasing shadows and light flashes. After his board and train he no longer finds them as fascinating- but also has all the necessary skills to be a good dog. Heeling, perfect recall, climbing into the car, placing, leave it- Tobie is a model citizen now. We walk a couple miles just about everyday in the woods and it’s so nice to have the confidence to let him off leash knowing I can get him to come back to me whenever I need him to.

Melissa is an expert who cares deeply about every dog’s life. She took such great effort to understand my dog’s life, his history, demeanor and behavior. It is not one size fits all with Melissa. She works with you and your dog on the issues specific to you. She knows dogs! She was the first person to notice that my dog was not food motivated but rather play motivated! It was a breakthrough. Melissa understands their behavior and I trust her implicitly. I highly recommend.