Melody Daggs

Melody Daggs Professional Dog Training offers a range of programs, though group classes are currently suspended due to Melody’s retirement. Previously offered group classes included Puppy Primer (4 home visits), Puppy Socialization (14 weeks to 5 months, basic obedience, leash manners, problem behaviors), Beginner Obedience Levels 1 & 2 (heeling, sit, down, come, stay, problem behaviors, Canine Good Citizen/Therapy Dog prep), Intermediate Obedience Levels 1 & 2 (refining basics, off-leash, hand/verbal signals, jumping, retrieving, competitive sports prep), Advanced Obedience (distance/distraction, directed jumping, retrieving, scent discrimination, individualized problem solving), and Tricks.

Dog sports classes include Intro to Dog Sports, Flyball Training, Rally Beginners, Intro to Treibball, Fun with Scent (Levels I-III), and Fun with Agility (Levels I-III).

Private instruction is available in-home or at their facility. Problem Dog Counseling addresses specific behavioral issues like aggression, housebreaking, fear, and separation anxiety. They also offer Day Training (2 days/week) and Board & Train (4 weeks) programs, which include basic obedience, loose leash walking, socialization, and outings.

Pricing Summary

Private lessons are $125/hr in your home or $100/hr at their facility. Makeup lessons for enrolled students are $30/30min. Phone or Apple FaceTime consultations are $40/30min. Dog sports classes like Rally Beginners and Fun with Scent are $190 for 6-7 weeks. Intro to Treibball and Fun with Agility Level I are $150 for 4 weeks. Costs for Puppy Primer, Puppy Socialization, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Tricks classes are not explicitly listed, but group classes are suspended. Day Training and Board & Train costs are not listed, requiring contact for more info.

Policies

All dogs must be current on vaccinations. For group classes (now suspended), pre-registration was required, but no fee. Class dates were subject to change based on enrollment. Any person unable or unwilling to comply with their masking policy (during COVID-19) would be asked not to sign up or to leave.

Melody Daggs Professional Dog Training has been training dogs in the San Joaquin Valley since 1973. They specialize in positive and innovative training methods that build strong bonds between dogs and their people, making learning fun. The business offers a full range of services from puppy socialization to advanced obedience, including training for Canine Good Citizen and various competitive dog sports.

Melody Daggs is retiring, and group classes are ending. However, private instruction and consultations will continue to be offered by associate trainers. The facility is a 5,000 square foot indoor building that is fully carpeted, heated, and cooled, suitable for year-round training.

They also provide problem dog counseling for issues like aggression, housebreaking, extreme fear, separation anxiety, constant barking, and destructive behaviors. Additionally, they offer Day Training and Board & Train programs for friendly dogs, which include basic obedience, loose leash walking, socialization, and outings.

Accomplishments

Melody Daggs has 50+ years of experience as a professional trainer, apprenticed with Kathy Huxtable for 4 years, and another trainer specializing in hunting, agility, tracking, police service, bomb, and drug detection dogs for 1 year. She founded the first flyball teams in the area and the performing dog troupe ‘Paws For Fun’. Melody studied with Dr. Ian Dunbar and established the first puppy socialization classes in Fresno. She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and continues to study new methods through seminars.

Michele Evans joined in 2000, has experience as a veterinary technician (since 1985) and kennel manager (since 1989), and shows dogs in conformation, obedience, herding, and dog sports. She is active in Bouvier rescue and Mutts In Motion flyball club.

Leesa Tyrrell, a Karen Pryor certified partner, joined in 2021 after 11 years of classes with Melody. She is a Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer (trained through Wizard of Paws and Fenzi Dog Sports Academy). She has 10 years of flyball experience, trains for Mutts in Motion, and her dogs have advanced titles in flyball, dock diving, tricks, rally obedience, and scent work. She also has 6 years of experience boarding and training puppies.

Samantha Renfro started her training journey in 2013, apprenticed with Liz Force, and has studied under Michael Ellis, Jay Jack, and completed the Karen Pryor Academy dog training course. She is active in flyball, dock diving, and herding practice, and teaches tricks, lifestyle obedience, and Stand Up Paddleboard for dogs.

How to Get Started!

For private instruction or consultations, clients can call or text Leesa at 559-304-4076. For general inquiries about classes, private consultations, workshops, or special events, call 559-455-9019. Specific trainers can also be texted: Michele at 559-907-0209 and Samantha at 559-696-3080. Applications for classes and private lessons are available online.