"Melissa has a profound knack for teaching owners and their dogs to become a team.  She has not olnly provided the appropriate training for our dogs Parker and Kadence, but as well has educated myself as a dog owner.  She has given me the motivation to keep growing and advancing with my dogs.  Parker and Kadence have also been fortunate enough to partake in Melissa's excellent grooming expertise and petsitting services.  My dogs have never wanted to leave her place and ALWAYS excited to see her at their weekly classes.  I would encourage any dog owner to give Melissa's services a try!" 

~Kendra Clarke
 Burlington, Ontario

"As soon as my husband and I decided we were going to get a family dog it was important to us to find an Obedience school that did not use "prong collars" or corrective methods.  Melissa was referred to us by a family aquaintntance, and I could not be happier with the results we have seen in our dog Abbey.  Melissa tailors her teachings specifically to the dog's needs and will give each owner advice on how to get the best results out of their pet.  Since the classes are small it allows her to give each dog personal attention and notice behaviour which could be corrected early.  Melissa is also passionate about dogs which is clearly displayed in how the dogs react to her.  I have and will continue to recommend Melissa to new puppy owners."

~Melanie Zenga
 Welland, Ontario

"Melissa has taught us so much about our dogs.  Her advice and knowledge has helped us with our two Shelties.  We've attended her classes and had some private lessons as well.  For the past four years we have been using Melissa's grooming services and will continue to do so as she does a great job everytime!  From our first meeting with Melissa it was obvious that she was someone we could totally trush with our dogs.  Sheis patient and understanding with both the dogs...and the owners!  I would recommend her to all who have four legged pals!  If I do have a problem I can always count on Melissa for her words of wisdom."  

~Kathy Pillar
 Niagara Falls, Ontario

I can't say enough about Metro Muttz, I could probably fill a page. Melissa has been taking care of my dogs for a couple of years now and I have recommended her services to all dog owners I know. The dogs always come back looking pretty...from their painted toe-nails to their soft fur, and they are always exhausted after playing with the other dogs in her care.  Her talent in training my unruly 1 year old chocolate lab is remarkable...she always said the dog had misguided energies and just needed to learn how to use the energy effeciently, and now Leia is a loving, well-behaved dog...made a believer out of my husband, who believed the dog to be unruly and untrainable. However, Melissa's utmost dedication came when due to her years of knowledge and expertise in animal health and behavior, she detected a life-threatening illness in our 9 year old yellow lab. Had it not been for Melissa's caring nature, Page surely would have died. I am so grateful to have found Melissa and recommend all her services whole-heartedly.

~Stephanie Mallett
Niagara Falls


Our dog "Bandit" went to Melissa's "puppy1" and "Puppy2" classes. Bandit graduated Puppy 1 with no problem. This class gave Bandit the ability to come out of his shell, because he was very shy and skiddish. When Bandit started puppy2 that was when we noticed how smart the dog really was. We learned how to teach him and correct him properly.Melissa is a very good and careing dog trainer. When Bandit had some troubles with some of the lessons Melissa really took the time to make sure Bandit understood what was expected of him. We highly recommend Melissa to teach your dog.... Sincerly 

~Tina and Matt
Niagara Falls

Georgie and I really enjoyed our Clicker Tricks and Attention Classes at Metro Muttz! Melissa provides a relaxed environment allowing people and dogs to learn, have fun and to achieve their training goals. We will be back for more ;) 

~Susanne & Georgina (German Shepherd Dog)
Fonthill



"Melissa's dog training was a wonderful experience for both our dogs and our family. She is a great instructor but more importantly she provided valuable support while we introduced the puppies into our home.
We are thrilled to have Melissa's dog service to depend on. We completely trust her with our 2 dogs and often notice that they have had a better time on their weekend's away then we did."

~Deb.Plata
Niagara Falls





"Melissa takes pride in her work, interacting positively with her dogs and with us, during and outside of training sessions. She has given us the knowledge and skills to effectively train our dog in a "positive" amd "upbeat" environment. Our lab puppy Amber, has already become an effectionate, social and loving member of our family, who has responded well to Melissa's training techniques. Melissa has provided guidance and advise on Amber's social development, including acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, and we can now confidently introduce Amber to other dogs, children, and visitors to our home. Melissa definitely understands her canine companions, and uses the best techniques to ensure that the training experience is rewarding for both the owner and the dog. Amber absolutely loves Melissa and her dogs too! We are very grateful to have found her, and would highly recommend Melissa to ANYONE out there who is looking to have a wonderful experience while training their dog!"

~Darren, Lorrie, Chelsea (and Amber)
Niagara Falls


When I brought my dog Lacey to Melissa's first class I was very frustrated as my puppy was the worst student in the class. Melissa taught us patience and a few tricks and by the following class Lacey was one of the best students. I have been to other obedience classes in the past with my previous dogs and have found that Melissa's way of positive training, has by far, been the best way to train. She is an expert in what she does and helps you to understand the nature of the dog. You can count on her for help when you need it and I especially like the training sheets she hands out after each class. To us, she is known as the "Dog Whisperer". Thank you Melissa for helping us with Lacey and making her a part of our family.

~Jim and Bonnie Judge
Niagara Falls, Ont





"Melissa's intuitive raport with animals becomes apparent after only one training session. She makes sure that the owner as well as the dog fully understand their roles for effective communication.
I have seen her get through to all types of dogs - from puppies to adults ranging from hyper-active to passive in behaviour. Her training methods are gentle yet successful, using positive reinforcement that will reach even the most stubborn dog.
I highly recommend Melissa as a trainer as I have seen first hand the wonderful results of a happy, healthy dog, living in the home environment."
A true believer,

~Billie Lafond
Niagara Falls

“Melissa has been providing Agility training, and Grooming for my West highland Terrier, Caley. We are both so fortunate to benefit from Melissa’s years of experience with her own business MetroMuttz and competition with her own dogs in which she has won numerous titles in obedience, agility and flyball. Melissa’s classes are always fun and at the same time Melissa is able to impart the basic skills to Caley and myself. Caley, is a part of our family and I feel very secure in the fact that I can consult with Melissa on any concerns I have about the specific needs of the Westhighland Terrier and more importantly the specific needs of Caley. Melissa is always very patient and knowledgeable and has spent many hours of her own time to address my questions about Caley.
Thank you Melissa!

~Lynn
St. Catharines





"Melissa taught us how to gently, lovingly, yet assertively train our Miniature Schnauzer puppy Abby. We learned so much about how and why dogs behave. Melissa was willing to answer our questions in class as well as between classes either by phone or
e-mail. It was nice to know that she was always available when we needed her. We looked forward to class each week as much as Abby did. She loved playing and socializing with the other pups in the class. We appreciated Melissa using her own dogs in class each week to show us what skill we were learning. They are very well trained!

Melissa also does an excellent job of grooming Abby. You can tell how much Abby loves Melissa by the way Abby runs to her for attention. Melissa has exceptional knowledge of dogs and their behaviour and we are thankful that she helped us make our Abby the best puppy she can be!"

~Cathy & Joe Bruno
Niagara Falls


Buddy - my Bichon - has attended Melissa's classes from Puppy basic to
Agility. As a first time dog-owner I had no idea what to expect or how to
train a puppy - Melissa's classes have helped me understand Buddy and his
needs (it is all about him). Buddy loves "school" and Melissa is always a
patient teacher. Not only is she patient with the dogs but also with their
owners/parents as some of us don't catch on quite as quickly as others.
Classes are not only a great learning experience it is a wonderful way to
have fun with your dog and let them socialize with other dogs and people.
Attending Melissa's classes has helped Buddy become a friendly sociable dog
- with very good manners.

~Alison Bradbury
St. Catharines 


We rescued an abused pit-bull X that was afraid of everything even walking out of her yard. Melissa came to the house and did some one on one training with Stella, showing us how to help her get over her fear and within a week we where able to walk her around the block. Since then Stella has taken obedience training courses with Melissa. Her gentle way or rewarding the dog by praise and treats has helped Stella become a much better behaved dog today. She just loves going to classes so she can meet and play with the other dogs. 

~Fred and Gale Hurst
St.Catharines