About
Melissa Ruthenbeck-Chiaramonte, CPDT, got started in her training career while working with shelters and basset hound rescues. She is currently the Event/Volunteer/Transport Coordinator for Basset Hound Rescue of Southern California. Melissa is also a foster home for the organization and provides training to her foster dogs to increase their adoptability. In the past she served as an adoption coordinator to help find the dogs loving homes. Many of the dogs in shelters or rescues are there because of behavior problems, most of which could be solved through training.
With an extensive background in rescue work Melissa understands the specific needs of newly adopted dogs and enjoys helping adoptive families work through issues and bond with their new family member.
Melissa is a licensed and insured trainer certified by the Certification Council of Pet Dog Trainers. She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and graduated with a bachelor of arts in psychology from Drake University, where she focused her studies on animal learning and behavior. Melissa's experience working with training facilities as well as veterinarians helps her to better understand the big picture of dog behavior and care.
Using positive reinforcement based training techniques Melissa helps pet owners learn how to effectively communicate with their dogs so both can live together happily. This reward based system uses food, toys, attention, play or anything else the pet finds rewarding to communicate the owner's wishes in a fun and positive way.
Melissa lives in Mission Viejo with her husband, Paul, and their two rescued bassets, Tabasco and Dharma, as well their foster hounds. In addition to continuing education in training and behavior she also spends time studying dog nutrition.
With an extensive background in rescue work Melissa understands the specific needs of newly adopted dogs and enjoys helping adoptive families work through issues and bond with their new family member.
Melissa is a licensed and insured trainer certified by the Certification Council of Pet Dog Trainers. She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and graduated with a bachelor of arts in psychology from Drake University, where she focused her studies on animal learning and behavior. Melissa's experience working with training facilities as well as veterinarians helps her to better understand the big picture of dog behavior and care.
Using positive reinforcement based training techniques Melissa helps pet owners learn how to effectively communicate with their dogs so both can live together happily. This reward based system uses food, toys, attention, play or anything else the pet finds rewarding to communicate the owner's wishes in a fun and positive way.
Melissa lives in Mission Viejo with her husband, Paul, and their two rescued bassets, Tabasco and Dharma, as well their foster hounds. In addition to continuing education in training and behavior she also spends time studying dog nutrition.
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