Bark to Basics

Specialties

Bark to Basics offers private, in home dog training based on positive reinforcement methods to teach obedience as well as solve problem behaviors in a fun and effective way.

Training is available for basic and advanced obedience as well as problem solving for issues such as jumping, house training, play biting, separation anxiety and aggression.

Using positive reinforcement based training techniques Melissa helps pet owners learn how to effectively communicate with their dogs so both can live together happily. This reward based system uses food, toys, attention, play or anything else the pet finds rewarding to communicate the owner’s wishes in a fun and positive way.

History

Established in 2007.

Bark to Basics began in 2007

Meet the Business Owner

Melissa R.

Business Owner

Melissa Ruthenbeck-​Chiaramonte, CPDT-​KA, got started in her training career while working with shelters, vets and rescues. She is currently President and Medical Liaison for Basset Hound Rescue of Southern California.

Melissa is a licensed and insured trainer certified by the Certification Council of Pet Dog Trainers. She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and graduated with a bachelor of arts in psychology from Drake University where she focused on animal behavior and learning. Melissa also has a background in the vet medicine field as a tech, which enables her to guide owners in raising a happy, healthy and well behaved dog overall.

With an extensive background in rescue work Melissa understands the specific needs of newly adopted dogs and enjoys helping adoptive families work through issues and bond with their new family member. Many of the dogs in shelters or rescues are there because of behavior problems, most of which could be solved through training.