Melony's Canine Mind

Hello my name is Melony Boles,

 

          My love for animals goes back as far as I can

remember. I have studied different dog breeds, their

characteristics, and genetics starting at about the age

of eight years old, when I got my first dog breed book.

I have always been so amazed and interested in how

dogs learn and why they do different behaviors.  After

what seemed like years of convincing my mom that I

could take care of a dog, I got my first dog at the age

of ten, a westie named Nichols. Having Nichols for the

past ten years has changed my life. He has taught me

as much as I taught him if not more.

          I have enjoyed working with animals in different

pet stores, as well as working in a day care and

boarding facility. I have worked alongside groomers as

a bather helping out wherever I could.  I eventually

enrolled in the Animal Behavior College, Dog Obedience

course and became a certified dog trainer as well as

certifying in dog First Aid and CPR. It was then I got my

second dog, a beautiful German Shepherd name Xena.

She is very high energy and a little skittish. Xena was

my project for this course and a gift from my mom, to

apply what I have learned. Xena makes it easy for me

to use my training knowledge, but challenges me in

many ways as well.

            I know many different training methods that are proven to be effective. I prefer to use positive reinforcement, making training fun and rewarding for both dog and owner. It means a lot and is extremely rewarding for me when I run into a dog I met at one of my previous jobs or that I have trained in the past, out walking at a park or with their owners and they remember me and are excited to see me. Its like getting a complement from the dog, it tells me I am doing a good job and that I will have a lasting impact on those dogs lives. I am so excited to now own my own dog training business. I have a great passion for dogs and plan to continue my education and certify as a dog behaviorist someday, so that all dogs and their owners can have better lives and relationships.