Melissa M.
Hagerstown, MD
Services
Melissa can host
Availability
I'm home the vast majority of the day and structure my routine around the dogs in my care. I'm available any day of the week and take no more than three dogs at a time to ensure every guest gets individualized attention. Short errands aside, your dog will rarely be without company, and never for long.
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About Melissa M.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
Your dog's safety and comfort are my top priorities. My home features a large fully fenced yard with a privacy fence and a dog door, which is a wonderful bonus for dogs who can safely enjoy independent outdoor time at their own pace. For dogs who need closer supervision outside, the dog door can easily be closed off so every dog's individual needs are always respected. I use Adaptil calming pheromone diffusers throughout the home to create a low stress environment from the moment they arrive. Your dog will also have the company of my Rough Coat Collie Maverick, who has been my training partner and helped me raise puppies since he was six months old. He has a gentle, easy nature with other dogs and a gift for helping new guests feel at home. I have crates in all sizes available and can easily section off separate areas of the home when a dog needs extra space or quiet time to decompress. I never force crating unless it is medically necessary or already part of your dog's current training and comfort level. Every dog is treated as an individual here. With my background as a veterinary technician and certified dog trainer I'm also equipped to recognize and respond to both medical and behavioral needs, giving you peace of mind while you're away.
Home
Information Melissa M. would like to know about your pet
Please let me know if your dog has any medical needs or behavioral concerns ahead of time so we can ensure they are as comfortable as possible during their stay with us.
A typical day
We are very outdoorsy and love spending a lot of time with the dogs in the backyard. We routinely set up the agility course and doggie pools, and provide plenty of feeding-enrichment toys as needed. We enjoy hiking with the dogs, weather permitting, and are happy to bring your furry friend along.
Location
Hagerstown, MD
Pets
Vet Tech & Certified Dog Trainer
Pet care experience
With a decade of veterinary technician experience followed by six years as a certified professional dog trainer, I bring a level of knowledge to pet care that goes well beyond the average sitter. I'm CPDT-KA certified, Fear Free professional, and deeply familiar with medical needs, special care requirements, and dogs of all temperaments including anxious, shy, and sensitive dogs. When your dog stays with me they have access to a fully fenced yard, a dog door for independent comings and goings, daily enrichment activities, and a calm home environment supported by Adaptil calming pheromone diffusers. I'm home all day, so your dog is never left alone wondering where their people went. My main goal is simple: every dog that comes through my door feels safe and comfortable. I know how hard it is to leave a family member, and I take the time to learn what each dog enjoys and what helps them feel at ease. You're not just dropping your dog off with a sitter. You're leaving them with someone who genuinely understands them, medically, behaviorally, and emotionally.
Reviews
Our 1.5yr old puppy, Birdie, was in the very best hands with Melissa during a recent boarding! Melissa is thorough in her intake, noting Birdie's food allergies and current schedule, and is warm and gentle in helping pups acclimate to a new environment. Melissa maintained Birdie's schedule, giving her plenty of outdoor and play time, and administered Birdie's medication, giving us peace of mind to focus on family. We enjoyed the handful of photos Melissa sent along the way and always appreciate her responsive communication. Melissa is deeply professional and the most thorough and warm caretaker and our expectations are always surpassed when Birdie is with Melissa!
We found Melissa as we were looking to get our 2 German Shepherd sister pups trained. We were so impressed with her right from the initial consult and our girls Luna and Iris just loved her. At the time we enrolled both girls in her stay and train program. She didn’t just train the pups, she teaches you as well. We also used her for boarding on multiple occasions. She is fantastic. We are so grateful that she is part of our girls lives. We can not speak highly enough of her and her abilities.
Melissa has loved all animals since her early childhood. She's been a fear free dog trainer for many years and clients seek out her knowledge, skill and compassion. She is very passionate about the animals in her care and in her training. She has also taken care of my little King Charles Cavalier on several occasions as I fell ill. She welcomes my precious dog into her home and treats her as one of her own. She is very in tune with a dog's body language and knows what they need and how to help them move forward, past anxiety, fear, behavior problems and every dog that she has ever met (including their owners) have become much better for it. She also knows how to have fun with them based on their individual personalities! All animals, not just dogs, birds, rats, cats, bunnies and more love her in return. I would not trust anyone else with my dog, and I can leave my dog with her if necessary and not worry about her at all knowing that she is in the best hands and loved every moment. I highly recommend Melissa and there are just not enough words to convey what a gifted and special person she is!
About Melissa M.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
Your dog's safety and comfort are my top priorities. My home features a large fully fenced yard with a privacy fence and a dog door, which is a wonderful bonus for dogs who can safely enjoy independent outdoor time at their own pace. For dogs who need closer supervision outside, the dog door can easily be closed off so every dog's individual needs are always respected. I use Adaptil calming pheromone diffusers throughout the home to create a low stress environment from the moment they arrive. Your dog will also have the company of my Rough Coat Collie Maverick, who has been my training partner and helped me raise puppies since he was six months old. He has a gentle, easy nature with other dogs and a gift for helping new guests feel at home. I have crates in all sizes available and can easily section off separate areas of the home when a dog needs extra space or quiet time to decompress. I never force crating unless it is medically necessary or already part of your dog's current training and comfort level. Every dog is treated as an individual here. With my background as a veterinary technician and certified dog trainer I'm also equipped to recognize and respond to both medical and behavioral needs, giving you peace of mind while you're away.
Home
Information Melissa M. would like to know about your pet
Please let me know if your dog has any medical needs or behavioral concerns ahead of time so we can ensure they are as comfortable as possible during their stay with us.
A typical day
We are very outdoorsy and love spending a lot of time with the dogs in the backyard. We routinely set up the agility course and doggie pools, and provide plenty of feeding-enrichment toys as needed. We enjoy hiking with the dogs, weather permitting, and are happy to bring your furry friend along.
Melissa M.
Hagerstown, MD