Dogpanion San Diego, California

We began our training sessions with Mel when our golden retriever pup, Baelin, was 14 weeks old. Baelin has not been an easy pup, very stubborn! Mel is very knowledgeable and always had several different approaches or techniques to get our Baelin to respond. Baelin is now 29 weeks old, and his behavior and listening skills have dramatically improved. We are very happy with the results!! Our only regret is we didn't begin training sessions at 8 weeks old with Mel. So for all of the future pup owners out there, begin training at 8 weeks with Mel. We don't have enough positive adjectives to describe Mel. She is very very good at what she does!!! Thank you Mel for all of your patience and guidance!!

My boyfriend and I adopted Leo, our 8 weeks old lab shepard mix, 2 months ago. We are both first time dog owners, and despite research, we didn't know where to begin with training. We decided to hire a trainer, and we definitely do not regret it. Mel was super helpful in teaching us about puppy training. She helped us learn the foundations using only positive reinforcements, and at the end of our 6 sessions, Leo was crate trained, able to signal to go potty, and able to perform numerous commands. Mel was understanding, and we could tell she truly wanted Leo to leran and grow to be a great dog companion. She is professional, responsive, and very resourceful. We really appreciate her help and would recommend her to anyone who needs help with training their puppy!

If there was any way to give more than 5 star's I would do it. Mel's guidance has enabled us to effectively train our Shih Tzu puppy. We finished the first set of classes and not only understood our dog better but had a lot of fun in the process. Mel is patient and wonderful to work with and covers situations for everyone in the family from adults to the kids. The handouts and homework we get to work on are great to implement and we're very excited for the next set of classes.. If you truly want to train your puppy / dog through positive reinforcement then I would absolutely recommend Dogpanion and Mel.

Giving Dogpanion and Mel the highest rating we can! Her training with our puppy taught us and our dog all the fundamentals we needed to keep her in control, obedient, listening, and us happy. Especially with children around our home, this training was more important than ever. From walks, to calm behavior, or cues, Mel helped us and our puppy learn the most important aspects of training!

I started off with private puppy classes with Mel, but after one class I felt overwhelmed with trying to do our homework and to run a company. Mel was completely understanding and always a text/call away, we both agreed maybe board and train would be the better option for me. After sending my baby kaden to her for two weeks he has come home completely a new pup. He has learned all basic commands and the concerns I had about him she definitely addressed. I am forever grateful and this has taken a HUGE deal of stress off of my shoulders. If you are busy trying to do everything and do not have the time or energy but want the best for your fur baby. Do board and train with Mel at Dogpanion you will not be disappointed!!!!! Thank you Mel, Becca, and Tucker

Mel is an outstanding trainer. Her knowledge of dog behavior and methods of training are top notch. She helped our family learn the appropriate techniques to guide our 4 month German Shepherd to be a well behaved boy. We couldn’t be happier with the things she taught us. Thank you Mel, your great at what you do!

Mel did a great job not only teaching our dog but us too! She explained everything thoroughly and was very responsive via email with any other questions. I also loved the fact that she didn't push us to sign up for multiple visits but to do what we were comfortable with.

Being new puppy parents, we knew we had to find a trainer to educate Binxy (and us) in our new family ways. However, the global lock down meant that we could not use traditional face-to-face training methods and would, instead, need remote training. After some research we were fortunate enough to find Mel Reichek of Dogpanion. Mel proved to be a superb trainer. Working with us through video chat, Mel could see our dog, and she also had a pair of her own dogs to use as perfect role models (something for our little guy to aspire to). We had a series of puppy classes with Mel. Mel structured the classes so that we could learn from her with demonstrations, and following she sent us homework to work on privately with Binxy. We met once per week. Following the first session Mel invited us to text her with questions in between classes; for more complex issues Mel would talk to us on the phone. Mel was very patient with us, answering our questions and steering us through the inevitably weird behaviors that little puppies have, all with her signature good humor. Mel has a great personality, is fun to work with, and is really encouraging to new puppy parents. Our puppy is still small and has a lot to learn but with Mel’s help, Binxy is on his way to being a very good boy! We will be working with Mel again on the next stages of training as our little guy gets older. Mel is simply the best!

We are so happy that we worked with Mel and did her Puppy Start Right package. She was patient, kind, and extremely knowledgeable. My fiancé and I both grew up with dogs, but Scout is our first puppy. After adopting, we were a little overwhelmed by all the various training videos and material out there. Having personal, one-on-one sessions was incredible. Mel helped us learn so much and build a really great foundation. We can’t recommend her enough!

Mel is the best! Any time we had questions or concerns, she was there to help. Having a trained professional by your side — especially when you just got a puppy — makes a world of difference. Thanks to Mel, we are so much more confident in our puppy training abilities. Thanks Mel for all your support and guidance; we couldn't have done it without you!

We have a Goldendoodle Chloe who can be strong willed! Mel is so great with her and we both learn so much in every session! She is so knowledgeable with dog behavior! We love Mel!

Mel has been absolutely fabulous to work with for both Otis (my whoodle) and me. She follows up every session with a recap of what was covered, and includes informative videos/guides for any questions that may have arisen throughout the …

Mel has been amazing training my Poodle Shih Tzu Mix. She has such a great source of knowledge and patience that helped guide me through being a dog dad. My puppy is doing so well and I am going to recommend Mel to everyone.

Melanie is such an amazing Dog Trainer. It was years since I had a puppy and we decided to get a more energetic breed for our family. Mel demonstrated an enormous amount of patience, kindness and knowledge for our stubborn puppy. She also …

Our puppy attended a four week board and train, and we are so pleased with the results. We high recommend Mel, who is a consummate professional. Her training is consistent and kind. You can trust your dog to her care.