About Me

My name is Melissa Pezzuto-Heiting and I’m a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and Dog Behavior Expert. I’ve spent many years working in the animal welfare system. I started as a volunteer and quickly turned into a foster parent for a local rescue. I wanted to help more dogs so I started studying animal behavior and working with as many dogs as I could. In 2014 I made the decision to quit my corporate job and become a full-time dog trainer. Since then I’ve had my own training business, worked at an animal sanctuary, and ran the behavior programs at the local shelter for 6 years.

I’ve been fortunate enough to work with many species of animals as well as many types of people. I enjoy building relationships and learning what motivates my clients. Dogs should enrich our lives and I want to help you have that special relationship with your dog. My approach is holistic and I don’t use aversive-based tools like prong, choke, or e-collars. In fact, my favorite tool is a flirt pole.

I love volunteering and I’m a volunteer trainer for Pets for Vets as well as a mentor trainer for CATCH Dog Training Academy. I’ve done a lot of cool stuff in my time, I’d love to tell you about it!