“Melinda’s methods work—and not just on dogs.”

“Melinda’s positive reinforcement methods work, and not just on dogs. She introduced me to clicker training and showed me how I could use it with my horse and my rabbits.

“Last year my horse tore a ligament, and I couldn’t ride him for eight or nine months. During that time, Melinda helped me teach him some new skills, like coming when he’s called and standing in place when he’s asked. Once he started to get the idea, we took on a more complex challenge—teaching him tricks. Today, he’ll push a ball across the riding arena or ‘fetch’ a toy that I’ve thrown, bring it back to me and drop it in a bucket. It was amazing how quickly he learned the task when he discovered that it would earn him a treat.

“Melinda was really great at teaching me timing, helping me break down tasks into small steps so I didn’t confuse the horse, and troubleshoot if I got an unexpected result. She had a good way of balancing ‘showing’ and ‘telling,’ so I understood the theory but could also see how it was supposed to work. She’s a confidence-building coach, too.

“Once I saw how Melinda’s methods worked, I tried them with my rabbits, both of whom live in the house. Now they will also come when they’re called, beg for treats when I ask, sit quietly next to me and jump over obstacles. 

“The best part is, the critters seems to love it. The bunnies greet me when I walk in the room, and my horse willingly does anything I ask. They all seem like they’re having fun, and there doesn’t seem to be any limit to what you can teach them.”

Cathie C.
Lightfoot, Appaloosa cross, 17 yrs.
Shackleton and Nemo, mixed-breed rabbits