Meet Melanie

Melanie Cerone, Ph.D., BCBA, CPDT-KA

A Dedication to the Highest Training Education

Dog training is an unregulated industry. Unlike other professions, there are no mandatory requirements for education, supervised experience, certification/licensure, or the maintenance of professional standards.

Given the serious nature of treating canine behavioral issues, including aggression and separation-related problem behaviors, Melanie chooses to take a professional stance toward ongoing education. Should you choose to work with Melanie, she wants you to benefit from the very latest empirical research in and practical application of behavior science principles. And she wants you to enjoy the peace of mind of knowing you’re working with a compassionate professional dedicated to connecting the dots between your training goals and your training results.

A Background in Science

Melanie has always been grounded in science. As a Licensed Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Melanie understands the importance of scientific research and training, and the ethical obligation practitioners have to hone their skills and stay on top of the latest developments.

Connecting the Dots Between Science and Dog Training

Always fascinated by behavior, Melanie spent her career as a psychologist assisting others on the path to well-being through the power of behavioral science. Melanie was naturally drawn to the science of animal behavior. Understanding canine behavior—and how to positively influence it through science-based behavior change and training techniques—provides Melanie a safe, effective pathway for creating change for her clients.

The Science of Positive Dog Training

Sadly, much of what passes for professional dog training is based on myth, misguided conventional wisdom, and personal experience. For Melanie, this is unacceptable, particularly when there is a large body of science around how dogs learn and how best—and most humanely—to train them. In fact, the continuing cultural debate over training methodology has been long closed in scientific circles. Unfortunately, without a professional governing body, that science has not yet become our norm.

Fortunately, leading organizations within the canine world have taken strong stands for scientifically-sound, positive reinforcement-based training that eschews the use of pain, force, and intimidation as unnecessary, counter-productive, and potentially harmful. These leadership organizations include the American Veterinary Association of Animal Behavior, the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, among others.

Forging a Path with Clients

Armed with science and a belief in personalizing training plans to fit the people, dogs, and households they’re meant to serve, Melanie works with each client to understand their goals and concerns, their needs and lifestyle restrictions, and what makes their dogs tick. She understands that one size does not fit all when it comes to training plans, and that a plan is only as good as its implementation and results. What matters most at the end of the day is positive change, and that’s what Melanie seeks for her clients.

Understanding canine behavior—and how to positively influence it through science-based behavior change and training techniques—provides Melanie a safe, effective pathway for creating change for her clients.