Melinda Murphy has been training dogs since 1976. In 1994 she became an Approved Member of the NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION OF DOG OBEDIENCE INSTRUCTORS (NADOI) and is currently endorsed as a PUPPY and NOVICE Instructor. Requirements
for OPEN endorsement have been met, and endorsement is awaiting completion of application. For almost eleven years Melinda
was a Field Instructor, Regional Representative, and Presenter for PAWS WITH A CAUSE, a nationally known provider of assistance
dogs to the physically handicapped. Through PAWS, in 1999 Melinda became a CERTIFIED ASSISTANCE DOG TRAINER. She is also a
member of the ASSOCIATION OF PET DOG TRAINERS (APDT) at the "Professional" level. Melinda is a member of GOLDEN RETRIEVER
CLUB OF AMERICA, IRISH WOLFHOUND CLUB OF AMERICA, KANSAS CITY GOLDEN RETRIEVER CLUB, HEARTLAND IRISH WOLFHOUND CLUB, HEARTLAND
COURSING ASSOCIATION, and GREATER KANSAS CITY DOG TRAINING CLUB (GKCDTC). Formerly, she taught obedience classes for GKCDTC
for more than ten years and then for the DOG OBEDIENCE GROUP (D.O.G.) for ten years. Currently, she is the main instructor
of obedience classes being offered by BLUE SPRINGS ANIMAL HOSPITAL. She also gives private obedience lessons to individuals
looking for nice manners in their canine companions. Melinda is experienced in Obedience, Conformation, Tracking, Agility,
Flyball, Lure Coursing, Field, Rally, and Freestyle Obedience (Dog Dancing). Melinda and her dogs are currently competing
in Obedience, Conformation, Rally, and Freestyle. PLEASE SCROLL ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM TO CONTINUE ON TO MY ADDITIONAL
PAGES FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MY QUALIFICATIONS!
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ARE YOU LOOKING FOR PRIVATE INSTRUCTION?
Whether you've never owned a dog before or just never trained one, or if you'd like to compete in obedience
trials, or anything in between, I can teach you what you need to know! Your lessons will be geared to exactly what you want
and/or need. You set the pace, and you determine lesson content.
Generally, unless you tell me you want something different, the first lesson begins with basic dog behavior,
and you learn how to "think like a dog." After that we move on to your problem areas such as housebreaking, biting or nipping,
jumping, etc. When we've covered that, we get into the fun part of training! Whether or not you choose to use an actual "clicker"
or just a spoken word, the method is the same...Clicker training is very motivational and it's something that the dog easily
understands and likes. The things you can teach your dog are only limited by your imagination! And, once you understand the
method, you will have the ability to teach anything you want ... you won't need me anymore!
You are never obligated for future lessons, they are purely at your request. Each lesson will be an hour
and a half and costs $45 if you come to me, or $55 plus mileage if I come to you. I am available most weekends unless I am
gone to a dog event.
I recommend private lessons for initial training no matter what your level. Your dog will not be stressed
by the commotion and chaos of group classes, and you will be able to concentrate. Private lessons are much more conducive
to learning because you get instant answers and feedback to your questions, and because the calm training atmosphere eliminates
stress for both owner and dog.
If you are interested in private instruction in just about any area of dog training, please e-mail me! If
you have further questions about what I do or my qualifications, please e-mail me!
Thank you for visiting my website!
