Full Testimonials

Murphy and I have been involved with Keep It Simple and Melanie and Cindy for over 5 years.  I was first attracted to the name because I didn’t need my little 8 week old boy to turn out to be Einstein but I wanted him to be a happy, well adjusted and mannerly little companion.  Selfishly I wanted the fun of being involved with trainers and people in the dog world but the intensity of trying to be a good trainer was a bit overwhelming.  I was rapidly put at my ease and very much appreciated the individualized focus that was apparent in each class.  Learning the odd little fun trick to impress Murphy’s fans has been a real bonus. So we have been to all the foundation classes, many special events workshops and had personal consultations at home.  Fun and informative and really good for a social little boy who is an only child with a single Mom.  It has given (and will continue) to give us something special to do together.   I love their approach to training , that it should be fun and based on positive principals and practices.  I love that both Mel and Cindy keep up with new trends and the evolving science of dog training principles.  The school,as we call it,  is a generous and welcoming space, very comfortable and well kept.  Murphy and I will continue to attend classes and events -  again for the fun and the socializing (for both of us, LOL)   I would very highly recommend  Keep It Simple for all your training needs and desires, and feel very privileged to be offered the opportunity to write this testimonial.

Cathie Eastman 

Not long after being diagnosed with hip dysplasia,  my then 8 month old Rottweiler x Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix became leash reactive. I soon realized that I needed help to address the issue and Keep It Simple Dog Training came highly recommended. 

I opted for private lessons and had no idea what to expect. Mel immediately made me feel at ease and Bruce took to her straight away which made me feel good about being there. She suggested that the hip dysplasia could be an underlying cause for his leash reactivity and gave me the contact information for a canine physiotherapist. Physiotherapy coupled with our training sessions, has made a world of difference for Bruce and he is very obviously a much happier boy these days.

The game based R+ training has made training both fun and built a stronger bond between Bruce and I. He enjoys the games and "middle" is his absolute favorite. I really like that Mel thinks on the fly during our sessions, working with what he is feeling and adapts her approach to best suit where he is at. 

In addition to training, Mel is a great resource for anything dog and is always happy to answer questions and point you in the right direction.  She has introduced us to great products like her own snuffle mats and biothane collars and leashes made by a friend of hers as well as activities like sensory rooms and most recently, barn ratting. She genuinely wants for you and your dog to flourish and to be the best versions of yourself that you can be.

We are extremely fortunate to have Keep It Simple Dog Training here in the Annapolis Valley and I highly recommend them to anyone in need of a trainer.

Two thumbs and two paws up!

Kelly and Bruce

I have been going to KIS dog training for 5 years now. Why do I keep going back? Mel and Cindy both are both excellent dog trainers with certifications I trust. And they have changed positively over the years with their continued education.

Mel and Cindy introduced me to the concept of positive, reward based dog training. They have taught me how to build relationships with my pups/dogs based on respect and trust . I have learned many concepts, my favourite being "how full or empty is your dog's bucket". My favourite game is "It's Your Choice". 

I have had multiple dogs go through puppy , adolescent and older dog programs, attended classes with a reactive dog, gone on group dog walks and had private lessons with both Mel and Cindy.

The facility is clean and pleasant to be in , there is ample parking and it's centrally located. I also love the fact that Mel allows various workshops to go on in her facility- agility, Puzzledog sensory rooms, recently a Barn Ratting workshop.

I refer all my puppy purchasers to Keep it Simple if they live in the valley. I feel the intro class is an excellent way to start a pup off , learning in a safe environment while having distractions... that's why 9, soon to be 10 of my own dogs all start out as young as I can get them in.

Corrections and control training are a thing of the past ... learning how to build a solid relationship makes so much more sense. There are too trainers who don't display their certifications and continue their dog training education. Too many trainers who rely on negative reinforcement tools to "control" a dog. 

I'd suggest anyone who is looking to sign up for classes to ask what programs/classes someone took and what they are certified to do ... you'd be surprised at how many people are out there who feel they can teach classes just because they have owned dogs. If that was the case I wouldn't be continually signing up for classes at KIS , I'd be trying to teach them! 

All and all I feel anyone would have a positive experience with their puppy / dog at Keep it Simple. The lessons are laid out well and the emailed notes are wonderful for remembering what to practice during the week.

Sheila Harris

In Piper's Dream Border Collies

I highly recommend classes with Mel. I‘ve been attending classes for over a year now with my German Shepherd, Huxley. We’ve attended and loved the adolescent dog class, fitness class, next level class and weekly topics. Mel’s classes are very educational with a focus on building a relationship with your dog. Her approach is fun and positive! Huxley’s confidence is growing and I attribute that to what we’ve learned from Mel. We can’t recommend Mel’s classes enough! 

- Laura & Huxley

I've been bringing our 18 month old German Shepherd to Keep it Simple Training for over a year now.  From puppy, adolescent and weekly topics we've enjoyed every minute! 

Both Mel and Cindy are very knowledgeable and love what they do.  I agree with their philosophies and positive games-based training methods.  

Attending their classes has been instrumental in building a great relationship with our dog.  

We are lucky to have access to such a great trainers here in the valley- highly recommended!

Jenn

I only have positive things to say about Mel and Cindy!! Their positive-reinforcement training methods ensure that all of the dogs in their classes receive an ethical, science-based education. The classes at Keep It Simple are always fun, engaging, and well-planned. Mel and Cindy always try to accommodate for reactive or anxious dogs so that they can have a positive experience without feeling overwhelmed. Bennett always gets excited when he knows that he’s heading to class!

Abbey, Kerry, Andy, and Bennett of West Hants, NS

Keep It Simple dog training is by far the best in the valley area!

I have been to Mel's classes over the years with each of my three rescue collies of varying ages who all have very different dispositions. Mel's methods are focussed on growing and deepening the relationships we have with our four legged family members, using positive reinforcement through play and rewards.

And, her methods work!!

The building itself is warm, light and inviting and gives greater confidence with the non slip and soft flooring. Safety for dogs and handlers is paramount too in the small classes. Mel gives great advice and is always encouraging, explaining clearly about how dogs learn and what makes them tick.

Keep It Simple is a school for dogs and handlers alike of all breeds, ages and backgrounds, whether you are first time dog carer or more experienced, there is something for everyone.

I highly recommend it!!

Angela.L.  with Brook, Phoenix and Drift.

"I was lucky to have Mel recommended to me by my veterinarian when I was looking for R+ trainers in the Annapolis Valley. Mango is such a smart but sensitive dog and I knew I needed to work with someone who would take things at her pace and exclusively use positive reinforcement training. In the months since we've been working with Mel, we've put together a training plan that is focused on sustainable results addressing Mango's underlying emotional wellbeing and are starting to see progress in addressing her reactivity. Mel is encouraging and helps us to celebrate the small wins, and really reminds me to have fun with Mango above all else. I really appreciate that she is constantly learning as well and sharing new resources with me when relevant. I would highly recommend Mel to anyone looking to work with their dog through any variety of issues."  

ASHLEY & MANGO

Before starting with Mel and Keep it Simple, we had tried other trainers in the area to help our little beagle Rio, with her big emotions. The approach that these trainers used only worked to address her reaction and didn't help her process or understand what she was feeling. Mel's focus on building confidence and calmness was exactly what Rio needed, and is helping our little girl so much. We have been doing one-on-one sessions for a few months now and Rio has found more confidence in her day-to-day. Walking is becoming less stressful for us all now, as she is doing so much better when we see other dogs or triggers. We love how the training focuses on helping her understand her feelings and not just her reaction to a trigger - this is a game changer and exactly what Rio needed. Mel is very relatable, approachable and easy to talk to, both Rio and I love our sessions, and we always come away feeling more prepared to take on our next challenge. We would recommend Keep it Simple and Mel to anyone looking to work on building confidence with your pups, it's a fantastic approach that actually helps.

Kelly & Rio

I highly recommend Keep it Simple Dog Training. I have taken many classes with them, and enjoyed each one. Their classes are highly engaging, based on the most current methods and research, and use positive re- enforcement. You will have fun with your dog, while strengthening your bond, building your relationship, and learning games to teach desired behaviours. Happy, Sally, and I are looking forward to taking more classes with Mel and Cindy this year.

Kelly, Happy & Sally

I’ve known Mel and her training experience for years. I took some basic obedience with her and Cindy for two of my dogs at least 10 years ago. When I brought my deaf puppy home in October 2022, I knew I wanted to have the best experience to train with him. I enrolled him in Puppy, Adolescent, and a Fitness classes with Mel, and currently are doing semi-private classes to work on additional things. 

Honestly, I don’t know where I would be without the excellent games-based, positive reinforcement experience that I’ve had with her. My puppy can be very challenging and she has coached and supported me with him, both in person and through email, during and outside of class enrollment. She has encouraged me, adapted games for his hearing deficits, pointed out our successes when I’m feeling stuck, and provided a truly safe space for us to learn and express our frustration. Because some days are all about a frustrated dog and handler. She not only sees the dog, but also the handler. Her approach to training has completely opened my eyes to new ways for dogs to learn and bond with their humans. It really is a game-changer (IYKYK)!

As a small business owner in the dog care industry, Keep It Simple Dog Training is my top recommendation to all my clients when they are looking for help with their dogs, regardless of the issues they face. Thank you Mel, for giving me so many great tools in my training toolbox that will help me and my dogs for decades to come. 

Rachel & Edison