Melissa's Muttz n Mongrels - Private Dog Trainer - Kettering, OH

5 out of 5

(3 reviews)

Verified Member since Nov 2017 Verified checkmark

Since 2019, I have been turning challenging pups into well-behaved companions, drawing from my rich background of growing up in Kettering, Ohio, surrounded by furry friends. My journey began with competitive horse riding and training my first dog love, a golden retriever named Max, in agility. This passion evolved into a career when I became an Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT). With my expertise in dog obedience training, dog therapy training, and pet behavior modification, I've successfully helped hundreds of dogs of all sizes, from under 20 lbs to 80+ lbs, become the best versions of themselves.

My personal experience with my Beauceron, Montague Beaumont Dahl Cuore, taught me the importance of patience, perseverance, and lots of treats. This rambunctious pup challenged everything I knew, but with dedication, I transformed him into a wonderful companion. This success story inspired me to share my skills with other pet parents, offering mobile services to ensure convenience and personalized attention to each dog's unique needs. Whether it's behavior modification or basic obedience, I'm committed to creating harmonious relationships between pets and their owners.

Are you ready to experience the transformation you've been hoping for with your beloved pet? With flexible cancellation policies and a deep understanding of canine behavior, I am ready to assist you and your furry friend on this incredible journey. Book me through Petworks today, and let's take the first step toward a joyful and obedient companion!

  • Certified
  • Mobile Services

Pricing Packages

Starting Price
$ 100.00 Per Hour

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Dog Trainer
  • Animal Behaviorist
  • Puppy Trainer
  • Dog Obedience Training

What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?

  • Dogs

Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?

  • Dog Obedience Training
  • Dog Therapy Training
  • Pet Behavior Modification

What size animals do you work with?

  • 20-39 lbs
  • 40-79 lbs
  • 80+ lbs
  • under 20 lbs

Pet Certifications

  • Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT)

Cat-astrophes happen! What is your cancellation policy?

PetWorks Cancellation Policy Pet Care Professional's Own Policy If a pet care professional has published their own cancellation or refund policy, that policy governs the refund of the service amount only. Any PetWorks fees, including the Care Coverage Fee and Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee, are governed by this PetWorks Cancellation Policy and not by the pet care professional's policy. Pet Parent Cancels If the pet care professional has not published their own cancellation policy, the service amount is refundable only if the pet parent cancels at least 72 hours before the scheduled start time of the booking. Cancellations within 72 hours of the scheduled start time are non-refundable for the service amount. The Care Coverage Fee is non-refundable when a pet parent cancels, regardless of timing and regardless of whether the pet care professional has their own cancellation policy. Pet Parent No-Show If a pet parent does not show up for a confirmed booking, no refund will be issued for the service amount or the Care Coverage Fee. Pet Care Professional Cancels If a pet care professional cancels a confirmed booking, the pet parent receives a 100% refund of everything they paid, including the Care Coverage Fee. The pet care professional receives no payment for the canceled service and is charged a Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee equal to 10% of the service amount, up to a maximum of $150. PetWorks may collect this fee by deducting it from a future payout through PetWorks or by other means if no future payout is available. Policy in Effect at Booking The cancellation rules that apply to a booking, including any pet care professional cancellation policy on file and the Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee rate, are those that were in effect when the booking was confirmed.

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Montgomery County, Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus, Springfield, Hamilton, Middletown, Kettering, Beavercreek, Huber Heights, Centerville, West Carrollton, Xenia Ohio

What year did you begin serving pets?

2014
Verified checkmark

melissa walther

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LOCATION: 1508 Bowman Ave, Kettering, OH 45409
SERVICE AREA: Within 75 miles, including Montgomery County, Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus, Springfield, Hamilton, Middletown, Kettering, Beavercreek, Huber Heights, Centerville, West Carrollton, Xenia Ohio

Distinction

Pw without hitch Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT)

Customer Reviews

Melissa boarded and trained my 10 month golden doodle for three weeks. I had lots of problems with him before the training and she definitely got him started on the right path and he came home almost a new dog. He knew the commands well and a lot of stress was relieved with having a good foundation for him to grow from and Melissa showed me the ropes and sent home lots of great information to continue.

- Falliase S

Melissa was amazing! We adopted 2 dogs and we were having big issues! I reached out to Melissa and she got me in the next day! We had her come over once a week for five weeks and things are AMAZING now! The dogs got excited when she would come to the door because they loved doing the training so much! I cannot recommend her enough!

- Cara K

Absolutely amazing!!! She is so kind and understanding. She worked with us for drop off and pickup. She did such good work with our dog. He came back looking healthier and much more behaved. He has learned how to be a big boy and moved on from his puppy ways. We couldn’t thank her enough!

- Megan B

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Dog Trainer
  • Animal Behaviorist
  • Puppy Trainer
  • Dog Obedience Training

What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?

  • Dogs

Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?

  • Dog Obedience Training
  • Dog Therapy Training
  • Pet Behavior Modification

What size animals do you work with?

  • 20-39 lbs
  • 40-79 lbs
  • 80+ lbs
  • under 20 lbs

Pet Certifications

  • Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT)

Cat-astrophes happen! What is your cancellation policy?

PetWorks Cancellation Policy Pet Care Professional's Own Policy If a pet care professional has published their own cancellation or refund policy, that policy governs the refund of the service amount only. Any PetWorks fees, including the Care Coverage Fee and Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee, are governed by this PetWorks Cancellation Policy and not by the pet care professional's policy. Pet Parent Cancels If the pet care professional has not published their own cancellation policy, the service amount is refundable only if the pet parent cancels at least 72 hours before the scheduled start time of the booking. Cancellations within 72 hours of the scheduled start time are non-refundable for the service amount. The Care Coverage Fee is non-refundable when a pet parent cancels, regardless of timing and regardless of whether the pet care professional has their own cancellation policy. Pet Parent No-Show If a pet parent does not show up for a confirmed booking, no refund will be issued for the service amount or the Care Coverage Fee. Pet Care Professional Cancels If a pet care professional cancels a confirmed booking, the pet parent receives a 100% refund of everything they paid, including the Care Coverage Fee. The pet care professional receives no payment for the canceled service and is charged a Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee equal to 10% of the service amount, up to a maximum of $150. PetWorks may collect this fee by deducting it from a future payout through PetWorks or by other means if no future payout is available. Policy in Effect at Booking The cancellation rules that apply to a booking, including any pet care professional cancellation policy on file and the Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee rate, are those that were in effect when the booking was confirmed.

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Montgomery County, Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus, Springfield, Hamilton, Middletown, Kettering, Beavercreek, Huber Heights, Centerville, West Carrollton, Xenia Ohio

What year did you begin serving pets?

2014

Customer Reviews

Melissa boarded and trained my 10 month golden doodle for three weeks. I had lots of problems with him before the training and she definitely got him started on the right path and he came home almost a new dog. He knew the commands well and a lot of stress was relieved with having a good foundation for him to grow from and Melissa showed me the ropes and sent home lots of great information to continue.

- Falliase S

Melissa was amazing! We adopted 2 dogs and we were having big issues! I reached out to Melissa and she got me in the next day! We had her come over once a week for five weeks and things are AMAZING now! The dogs got excited when she would come to the door because they loved doing the training so much! I cannot recommend her enough!

- Cara K

Absolutely amazing!!! She is so kind and understanding. She worked with us for drop off and pickup. She did such good work with our dog. He came back looking healthier and much more behaved. He has learned how to be a big boy and moved on from his puppy ways. We couldn’t thank her enough!

- Megan B

🐶 Certified Dog Trainers in Kettering, Ohio


Pet parents in Kettering and the surrounding Montgomery County area, including nearby communities such as Dayton, Beavercreek, Springfield, Huber Heights, Middletown, Fairborn, Xenia, Centerville, Lebanon, Trotwood, often look for a certified dog trainer who can help a dog and their people build a calm, trusting relationship. Trainers like Melissa Walther focus on positive, science-based methods that fit real life at home and in public. Whether the goal is leash pulling, anxiety, reactivity, or a well-mannered companion, a good trainer shapes each session around the dog’s personality, history, and learning style, so progress feels natural and sustainable.


❤️ Great dog training isn’t just about commands — it’s about connection.


Certified dog trainers work with you as the owner, not only with the dog. They help you read behavior, build clear communication, and set routines that hold up at home and in public. A trainer like Melissa is a coach for both of you.


✅ Training Support for Real-Life Challenges


From everyday manners to more complex behavioral concerns, certified dog trainers in Kettering commonly help with:


  • Obedience and focus for home and public settings

  • Leash training and more relaxed, enjoyable walks

  • Reducing anxiety, fear, and reactivity

  • Puppy and new dog foundations for long-term success


Sessions should feel encouraging, practical, and easy to carry into your daily routine. The services listed on this profile show what Melissa offers.


Recommended Certifications for Dog Trainers


When choosing a dog trainer, professional certifications are a strong indicator of expertise, experience, and commitment to ethical, science-based methods. Widely recognized credentials include the CPDT-KA or CPDT-KSA from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, which demonstrate mastery of modern training techniques, canine behavior, and learning theory. The KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner) highlights trainers skilled in positive reinforcement and clicker training, while the IAABC Certified Dog Trainer credential, recognized internationally, signals advanced knowledge in behavior modification and problem-solving. Membership or certification through the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) further reflects ongoing education and adherence to ethical standards. Many trainers also pursue specialty certifications in areas such as aggression management, behavior modification, or puppy development to address specific challenges.


For pet parents, choosing a certified trainer like Melissa Walther is one way to keep training grounded in science, safety, and compassion. Asking about credentials, and confirming them on the profile, is one of the best ways to make a confident choice.


⭐ Why Pet Parents Book Through PetWorks


Booking through PetWorks gives you more than a list of dog trainers in Kettering. It gives you a clearer way to choose.


A profile like Melissa’s lets you review a local professional, read feedback from other pet parents, and book securely through a trusted platform. Many trainers on PetWorks use force-free, positive reinforcement methods grounded in modern behavioral science. Pet parents often look for that supportive, judgment-free approach when they decide who to hire.


🦔 How Booking Dog Training in Kettering, OH on PetWorks Works


Finding the right dog trainer starts with trust and fit. On this page you can explore Melissa’s profile, read feedback from pet parents across Montgomery County, and either start a booking with "Book Now" or begin a conversation with "Get Custom Quote" or "Send Message".


Training works best when you begin at the right time. For puppies and newly adopted dogs, early training builds strong habits from the start. For older dogs, challenges like leash pulling, anxiety, or reactivity can improve with consistent, professional guidance, and many pet parents notice meaningful progress within a few sessions.


In Kettering and throughout Ohio, demand for experienced, force-free dog trainers often rises in spring and early fall, when routines shift and outdoor activity picks up. Booking a bit ahead can help you get a schedule that works.


Most dog training sessions across the U.S. typically range from $75–$150 per hour, depending on experience, location, and training type. On PetWorks, you can review the services on this profile and choose the option that matches your goals.


All payments are processed securely through PetWorks. Every booking also includes PetWorks Care Coverage, with a dedicated concierge team, added protection, and support throughout your experience. Once you connect, you coordinate scheduling, location, and training goals directly with your trainer.


❓ Dog Training FAQs


How many dog training sessions will I need? Every dog is different, but many pet parents begin to see progress within 2–4 sessions. More complex issues like reactivity or anxiety may take ongoing training and consistency at home.


Do dog trainers offer in-home sessions in Kettering, OH? Many trainers on PetWorks offer in-home sessions, local meetups, or virtual coaching. Check the services on Melissa’s profile, or use Get Custom Quote, to confirm what is available.


Can dog training help with aggressive or reactive behavior? Yes. Positive, science-based training can be very effective for reactivity, fear, and certain forms of aggression. A certified professional helps keep that progress safe and lasting.


🐾 Start Building a Better Relationship With Your Dog


Training is an investment in your dog’s happiness, and in your peace of mind.


Explore Melissa’s profile, read reviews from pet parents across Montgomery County, and take the first step toward a calmer, more confident dog. Availability for trainers in Kettering can change week to week, so booking ahead is a good idea.