Harmonious Handling

Harmonious Handling offers various training programs, primarily focusing on Board and Train for puppies and adolescent dogs. These programs integrate puppies into a home environment, providing individualized attention, positive reinforcement, and daily mental enrichment. Progress updates are provided through weekly phone calls, videos, pictures, texts, and report cards. Training equipment, excluding crates and playpens, is provided for a smooth transition home, and veterinary care is included.

The Board and Train programs include: Puppy Jumpstart (2 weeks) for foundational training, core commands, potty training basics, and crate training; Puppy Foundations (4 weeks) for reinforcing basic obedience, 70% potty training, and commands like “leave-it,” “touch,” and “drop it”; Puppy Polished (6 weeks) for advanced training, socialization, 80% potty training, and 2-3 outings; Puppy Pro (8 weeks) for highly reliable companions, mastering advanced commands, 95% potty training, and at least 4 outings; and Puppy Elite (10 weeks) for comprehensive training, complete potty training, and at least 6 outings, with all vaccinations handled. All Board and Train programs include lifetime support.

Other services include Basic Obedience Training, which are one-hour, one-on-one sessions held at their training office in Hagerstown for basic skills like sit, down, stay, and come. Behavioral Consultations are 2-hour assessments for issues such as resource guarding, reactivity, lunging, biting, cat aggression, and separation anxiety, leading to a personalized training plan. Virtual Consultations are available via Zoom for clients living farther away or for separation anxiety cases. Day Training allows dogs to be dropped off in the morning and picked up in the evening for training, socialization, and mental enrichment, requiring an initial consultation.

Pricing Summary

For breeder partners, clients receive a 20% discount on board and train programs. Veterinary care is provided for all puppies in their care at no additional cost to the owners.

Harmonious Handling, led by Melissa McNally, offers comprehensive dog training programs designed to help puppies and adolescent dogs build a solid foundation for lifelong success. Melissa is a certified professional dog trainer who integrates puppies into her household as family members, ensuring individual attention and a low number of puppies at any time.

The training methods are rooted in positive reinforcement, never involving shock or prong collars, to build confidence and well-rounded temperaments. Key features of their programs include daily mental enrichment activities, controlled socialization in safe settings, and the provision of training equipment (excluding crates and playpens). Veterinary care is also included for all puppies in their care at no additional cost to the owners.

Harmonious Handling provides various services including Board and Train Programs, one-on-one Basic Obedience Training sessions, Behavioral Consultations for issues like reactivity or separation anxiety, Virtual Consultations, and Day Training. They emphasize proper socialization and mental stimulation, believing physical exercise alone is not enough for a happy and healthy dog.

For breeders, Harmonious Handling offers exclusive partnership benefits, including a 20% discount for their clients on board and train programs and free support after puppies go home. The business aims to ensure every puppy exceeds their potential, becoming a well-behaved, confident, and happy companion.

Accomplishments

Melissa McNally is a Fear Free certified professional, a member of the Pet Professional Guild, and certified by CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer Knowledge Assessed). She is also recognized by Good Citizen Dog. Melissa is committed to ongoing education, staying up to date with the latest science-backed training techniques.

How to Get Started!

To get started, clients can book a free phone consultation to discuss their pup’s history and training goals, helping determine the best training path. For specific behavioral issues, a 2-hour behavior consultation is the recommended first step. Day Training services require an initial consultation. Clients can request an appointment online.