may 2024 KPA CTP of the Month
In this interview, Merissa shares some of her profound experiences, as well as insights and inspirations she has developed, since graduating from the KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program under the mentorship of Julie Shaw a decade ago. From learning new skills with her canine companions to dedicating herself to continuous learning, Merissa herself demonstrates the connections forged between people and their canine counterparts.
Was there a particular dog/animal in your life that was your most important teacher?
Every dog that has been a part of my life has taught me. It’s hard to say which one was the most important, as I wouldn’t be the person I am, or the trainer I am, without the lessons each one gave me.
What is your favorite activity or sport that you do with your own dog(s)?
It depends on the week. I currently do Fast CAT, Agility, Disc, Barn Hunt, Tricks, and Scent Work—and I plan to try Obedience and Rally with my border collie. I love the partnership that comes with learning new skills together. It doesn’t matter what the skill is; it’s the challenge of trying something new.
What is your proudest training moment?
It could be getting a beautiful start-line stay with my border collie or a beautiful heel with my American staff, or nailing those weave poles with either of them. Or that 10-part behavior chain at the end of my DTP exam! There are so many to choose from! But my favorite training moment is that instant where the lightbulbs turn on and the dog just gets what you are asking for, and you just get how to ask for it, and you just CONNECT. I love helping my clients experience that. It never gets old.
My favorite training moment is that instant where the lightbulbs turn on and the dog just gets what you are asking for, and you just get how to ask for it, and you just CONNECT.
What do you do to continue your training education?
Conferences (ClickerExpo!), seminars, online training, clinics, and more. I am part of a wonderful community of trainers, both locally and across the internet.
Who has been your inspiration in the animal training community?
- Leslie McDevitt - Her perceptiveness and ability to read the animal in front of her are awe-inspiring. Leslie has taught me so much about really listening to what the dog is saying.
- Sarah Owings - Her kindness, patience, and ability to make things accessible to her students (human, canine, and bovine) are exceptional skills.
- Hannah Branigan - Her ability to break down behaviors to their smallest components is legendary. Hannah doesn’t just give her learners the right answers—she asks the right questions, which lead her students to think.
Outside of dog training/dog sports, do you have any hobbies?
Horses! I grew up riding horses and currently own three (a long-retired thoroughbred, a grumpy but lovable little mini, and a big goofy warmblood that makes so many questionable decisions).
What is the most important piece of advice you can give to a new trainer?
Keep learning! Keep asking questions. Talk to people. Read books. Attend seminars and conferences. Listen. You don’t have to agree with everything that is taught, but you should learn something from every experience.
Learn more about Merissa through her website.