Get To Know
A Canine Affinity
A Canine Affinity: Separation Anxiety Guidance, Resources and Resolution for Dogs And Pet-Parents Everywhere
A Note From Your Trainer
Hey Pet-Guardians!
I'm Melissa Dallier, founder, owner and trainer and behavior coach at A Canine Affinity. My goal is to help you learn about and work to resolve separation anxiety related behaviors to ensure both you and your dog are able to enjoy time apart and together.
I am a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT), Fear Free Certified Training Professional and Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) with special education from the Academy of Dog Behavior in Shelter Dog Evaluations and Working with Fearful Dogs and Assessing Canine Body Language.
I am deeply committed to continuing education, because like all science, the science of dog behavior continues to evolve. As a positive reinforcement based professional my goal is to remain curious about the most effective ways to help dogs learn through the lens of patience, understanding and compassion for their needs versus control and obedience.
As your behavior coach and trainer, I promise:
To never use force, fear, intimidation or pain to modify behavior - I only use ethical, scientifically supported training methods
To treat you and your dog as individuals, I don't believe in a one size fit's all approach to training
To show you compassion, empathy, accommodation and work to help you find the the humor in tough situations - because sometimes, you just need to laugh
I'm honored to have the opportunity to help you and your dog find freedom from separation anxiety, both of you deserve to feel safe and comfortable when your canine companion is home alone.
-Melissa - CSAT
The Mission Behind A Canine Affinity
At A Canine Affinity we strive to provide care, understanding and behavior modification to separation anxiety dogs, as well as provide support to pet-guardians who struggle with the emotional toll that separation anxiety can take.
Through comprehensive, personalized, evidence-based methods, we are dedicated to helping dogs recover from separation anxiety with effective, kind training approaches. We aim to deliver a strong framework of effective strategies that will help pet guardians create bonds of trust for years to come.
We believe all dogs deserve to be treated humanely and thrive in a loving forever home, and are dedicated to doing our part through training and community outreach to make that possibility a reality.
Positive Reinforcement…..?
Is a training methodology that teaches our dogs what we like about their behavior by immediately reinforcing those behaviors with something desirable to the dog
Scientifically proven to be the most effective way to train for lasting results and a happy dog that understands and enjoys learned communication and relationship building skills
Looks at and addresses dogs behavior, health, environment & learning history to define root causes of behavior to best lay out effective behavior modification strategies
Doesn’t rely on the use of force, pain, punishment, coercion, corrections or fear to suppress undesirable behaviors or obtain desirable ones
A Canine Affinity’s ongoing Commitment to our Community
At A Canine Affinity we affirm full support for clients on all levels regardless of race, gender, ability, religion or sexual orientation. We adamantly oppose discrimination, racism and bigotry of all forms. Inclusion is about the actions we take each day and we strive to make our business a safe place for our clients to learn and train their dogs in a welcoming, force free, positive, evidence based manner, free from any form of discrimination.
As a part of the greater Atlanta, GA community we are committed to donating a minimum of 10% of profits quarterly to local rescues and shelters. A new organization selected each quarter, as well as donating time and resources in the way of volunteering, fostering, donating supplies and space as well as training scholarships.