About Me

Melanie has been involved in dog agility since 1998, and has developed her own style of handling, melding concepts from great handlers around the world. Her handling is always aimed at giving the dog the earliest possible information, while keeping the handler ahead to show clear, effective cues. She also recognizes that each dog and handler team is unique, and works to find the best possible solution for that team. She believes that each team’s potential is unlimited and she works to give a clear plan for the next most critical steps to help that team reach their full potential.

Melanie has a unique approach to her instruction, combining several key concepts:

• High motivation for all dogs to maximize drive and potential
• High reinforcement for all handlers to keep the game fun
• Focus on delivering information as early as possible to the dog through timely handling and skill proficiency
• A holistic view of all the components required, including a solid mental game, fitness of handler and dog, and keeping all elements in balance.

Melanie has been on multiple EO, IFCS, and WAO World Teams with multiple dogs, and she has several young, upcoming dogs that are preparing for overseas endeavors. At home, she regularly competes in the top levels of AKC and UKI trials. In addition to being a high level competitor, Melanie has also used her passion for the sport to champion improvements in safety for the sport plus availability of the new ISC program offered by AKC.