SOS K9 Training

One day we visited the park by our home. At this park there was a couple with their dog. This dog was off-leash, enthusiastically running around following commands from his dad and just the most incredibly, PERFECTLY well behaved dog we had ever seen. My fiance commented on this and they smiled and responded, “Melo.” We walked away that day with a mysterious name and phone number, and we didn’t know it yet but our lives would be changed for the better. Cleo, our 7 month (at the time) old pup was already pretty decently trained. I spent a lot of energy and effort on teaching commands and manners, but she had the persistent habit of getting overly excited around other dogs. She would stop listening and/or pull us towards the dog. I would never let her off leash because in the presence of other dogs (or dog loving humans) she would forget all neutrality and recall turns to zero. I had been looking around for dog trainers in the city, and even had a few consultations, but felt completely overwhelmed with the options. Enter Melo—I decided to take the leap of faith since we had already met the fruits of his labor at the park (I mean, isn’t that the best evidence??). We opted for the one month board and train and it was the best decision ever—I’m SO GLAD I didn’t go with anyone else. She came back still herself but with more obedience and structure. I particularly like the way Melo emphasizes “training” us humans, because truly the future of the dog is in our hands. Melo sent us lots of informational videos of Cleo nearly every day and if you actually do your homework and watch the videos and work with your pup after, you will be guaranteed success. One great perk about the board and train program is that Melo offers boarding services to his previous board and train clients. This way when you’re out of town, he can continue to work with your dog and fine-tune and upkeep their training. He also offers pick up and drop off so don’t worry if you’re in Manhattan without a car like us! We’ve really learned so much from Melo— you can tell this man really loves dogs and his job!! I always feel peace of mind when Cleo is with him; the way Melo approaches everything is prioritizing the dog first. In the end, being able to trust Cleo off leash has truly changed our lives AND hers for the better! People always talk about this freedom you feel, and now I get it. Now, WE are the ones at the park next door training with our perfect dog. And when people comment on how great Cleo is, you already know we’re smiling back at them with this one name…