By Melissa Berryman
Good Dogs Start With Great Owners
The practical, compassionate guide to understanding your dog's behavior — and becoming the owner they need.
"Most dog problems are really people problems — and that's great news, because people can learn."
Our Services
Cage-Free Boarding & Daycare
We believe dogs thrive when they're treated like family. Our cage-free boarding and daycare gives your dog real space, real socialization, and care from people who understand how dogs actually behave in groups.
- Cage-free, open-play environment
- Small groups — dogs get to be dogs
- Staff who understand canine group dynamics
- Tour required for new boarding & daycare clients
New boarding and daycare clients are welcome to schedule a Daycare & Boarding Tour before getting started — we'd love to show you around.
The Foundation of a Good Dog
Three principles that change everything about how you and your dog relate to each other.
Understand the Why
Dogs behave the way they do for reasons. Learn to read what your dog is telling you — and respond in a way they can actually understand.
Train the Human First
The most effective training starts with you. Small shifts in your behavior create big changes in theirs.
Build Trust, Not Fear
Positive reinforcement isn't just kind — it's the most effective method proven by science. Build a bond that lasts.
About the Author
Meet Melissa Berryman
Melissa Berryman is a former animal officer and author who has been teaching dog owners for over 30 years. Her book, People Training for Good Dogs, challenges the entrenched beliefs most owners have about dog behavior — and shows why the human side of the relationship matters most.
Melissa's approach is built on understanding core canine social and behavioral drives, and on helping owners recognize how their own actions shape their dog's behavior. Her ideas challenge conventional wisdom, but her arguments make sense.
Read Melissa's Story →Watch our dog walks on YouTube
The Book That Changes How You See Your Dog
Written with humor and compassion, People Training for Good Dogs is not the average manual for training dogs. Former animal officer Melissa Berryman shows how analyzing situations and contexts can stop the cycle of preventable incidents — and how human behavior has a far greater impact on dogs than most owners realize.
- Challenges what most owners have heard and learned before
- Teaches how to gain confidence and control
- Shows how to solve problems and avoid safety and liability issues
- Written with humor and compassion by a former animal officer
What Dog Owners Are Saying
"Clearly written, and repetitive where it needs to be, People Training for Good Dogs is not the average manual for training dogs. Berryman teaches owners how to gain confidence and control, how to solve problems, and how to avoid serious safety and liability issues. Her ideas challenge what most owners have heard and learned before, but her arguments make sense. Anyone who now has a dog or is contemplating getting one will benefit from reading this book. Anyone who owns a "problem" dog needs to read it right away."
— Cheryl Hibbard
"This book completely changed how I interact with my dog. Within two weeks, the pulling on the leash stopped. I wish I'd found this years ago."
Sarah M.
Golden Retriever owner
"Melissa's approach is so refreshing. No yelling, no punishment — just understanding. My whole family reads this book now."
Linda K.
Family with two dogs
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're looking for training guidance or a cage-free place for your dog to stay and play — we're here to help.
