About the Trainer

Meet Coach Melissa “Parker”

Owner and Trainer

I can clearly remember getting my first puppy as an adult. I didn’t quite realize what I was getting myself into and quickly became overwhelmed with the daily challenges of managing my personal responsibilities while aspiring to nurture a well-behaved dog. It was hard. Thankfully, I was able to devote the time needed to train and socialize my puppy to flourish as an older dog.

My passion for dogs has always been a driving force in my life, and I’ve cherished the opportunity to train and coach others throughout my time as a college basketball coach. This love for training eventually led me to pursue the Karen Pryor Academy’s Dog Trainer Professional Course. Through this esteemed certification program, I learned how to train dogs using force-free, positive methods, ultimately earning the title of Certified Training Partner.


CERTIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION
Karen Pryor Academy - Certified Training Partner
Fear Free Certified Professional
Living and Learning with Animals 2024
Dog Trainer Foundations
Puppy Start Right for Instructors
TAGTeach Foundations
ClickerExpo Live 2024
ClickerExpo Live 2023
ClickerExpo Live 2021

University of Illinois Champaign, Urbana
BS - Sport Management
Florida State University
MS - Sport Administration

Karen Pryor Academy - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training