Happy K9 Academy
Service area: Murrells Inlet, SC, and the Grand Strand area.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Competition / Agility
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Basic Obedience
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Jumping on People
- Biting / Nipping
- Fearfulness
- Stealing Food
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- In-Home
- Private Facility
- Board and Train
Program Formats
- Sessions Package
- Intensive Program
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
- Senior (8+ years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive Reinforcement Only
Equipment:
- ✓ Obstacle Courses
Happy K9 Academy offers various training programs tailored to individual needs and goals. These include group classes, private training sessions, and specialized seminars/workshops. For intensive training, they provide “Stay and Train” packages where dogs stay at their Kamp facility for 2 or 4 weeks, focusing on skills like loose leash walking, recall, “Leave it,” “Mat,” “Stay,” “Down,” and “Sit.”
The academy also runs a “Prep School” program, described as a weekly half-day session where dogs engage in activities that work both their bodies and minds, including obedience foundation training and coordination exercises like agility ladders. Melissa adapts her training protocol to each owner/canine team, emphasizing positive, humane, and fun methods to help owners understand and communicate with their dogs.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Stay and Train packages are offered at $1,699.00 for 2 weeks (14 nights) and $2,999.00 for 4 weeks (one month).
Testimonials
“Melissa’s classes are very positive, humane and fun! The variety of topics are interesting, important and touch all facets of dog training and behavior. She is great with the students (both canine and human). And the results are remarkable!!!”
– LAURA & WILMA and WINDSOR
“Happy K9 Academy (HK9A) is very aptly named. I am happy because there is finally an indoor “climate controlled” facility for year-round dog training in Murrells Inlet. My dogs are extremely happy to go to their weekly ½ day of Prep School with Melissa Ellis that not only works their bodies, but their minds as well.”
– KASEY & STAN and HENRY
“From the second she stepped into our house we were a changed family. On her first visit she taught Cooper how to sit and worked on training ME. She taught me about giving Cooper boundaries and rules otherwise he would think HE was the alpha of the house.”
– SARAH & COOPER
About the Trainer
Happy K9 Academy, Inc. is a professional dog training business owned and operated by Melissa Ellis, a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). Melissa has nearly 20 years of experience training dogs of all breeds and is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). She continuously updates her skills by attending seminars hosted by top dog trainers and animal behaviorists.
The academy offers a variety of services including professional dog training, dog boarding, and more. They provide group classes, private training, seminars/workshops, and intensive Stay and Train packages where dogs reside at their Kamp facility. Happy K9 Academy also offers overnight boarding and a “Prep School” program, which functions like a daycare with integrated training.
Melissa’s training philosophy is based on positive reinforcement, focusing on educating clients about canine behavior, communication, and building a lifelong, mutually rewarding relationship with their dogs. The facility is climate-controlled and features rubberized flooring for safety. Melissa also volunteers for Border Collie Rescue, fostering and rehabilitating fearful dogs, and competes with her own dogs in Agility, Obedience, Frisbee, and Rally.
Accomplishments
Melissa Ellis is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and has nearly 20 years of experience training dogs. She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and stays current by attending seminars from top dog trainers and animal behaviorists. Melissa volunteers for Border Collie Rescue as a foster home and trainer/rehabilitator for feral/fearful dogs. She also competes with her own K9 crew in Agility, Obedience, Frisbee, and Rally.
How to Get Started!
Prospective clients can call to discuss their dog’s needs. They can also view classes currently in session on the calendar or sign up for eNews. New clients may need to complete a Behavior Questionnaire and a New Client form.
Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Evening
Hours
8am-6pm
Certifications
- CPDT-KA
Associations
- APDT
Languages
- English
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible entrance
- wheelchair accessible parking
Other Services Offered
- Dog day care center
- Pet boarding service
Location
378 Sea Marsh Rd #2C, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576Listing Tools for Trainers
For Happy K9 Academy Only
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