Top Notch Dogs Positive Training
A Loose Leash For Life
Creating Connection for Dogs and Their People
What is Positive Training?
The keys for compatible companionship:
Positive training is all about reinforcing the behaviors your dog offers. Additionally, by managing their environment and providing tools that meet their needs, we also help you prevent them from practicing undesirable behaviors.
It's a wholistic practice that builds a better relationship between you and your companion while meeting their daily doggy needs.
Dogs already know how to do most of what we ask. There are diverse reasons why your dog may not be able to “comply.” Understanding and interpreting your dog's body language is how you'll start to recognize the reasons for their behavior. We help you see the world from your dog's perspective, to pay attention to the parts of their environment that are affecting their behavior, and to actually understand the meaning of their behavior.
We help you to build a relationship based on trust and clear communication.
It's positive, voluntary, effective and fun!
MEET OUR FOUNDER
Melissa Yank- Animal Behavior Specialist, Trainer, Educator, and One-of-a-Kind Human
The proud founder of Top Notch Dogs, Melissa Yank is an Animal Behavior Specialist with more than 30 years’ experience working with exotic and domestic animals. She is renowned for her keen observation of nuanced, non-verbal communication and behavior and her ability to easily connect with her human learners. Her wholistic, humane approach to canine training is aligned with the latest science on how dogs think, learn and communicate.
With a diverse background that spans raising and educating with exotic animals and sanctuary management, Melissa has dedicated her career to the well-being of animals and the education of communities.
Melissa's journey began with degrees in Journalism and Dance, but a transformative experience working in The San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Habitat in 1986 inspired her to shift her focus to Ethology, the study of behaviors. Working at The San Diego Zoo and The Living Desert, Yank studied animal behaviors, trained wild animals of all kinds, educated visitors, and lead tours. She acted as ambassador for these animals, representing sanctuaries and promoting public interest in animal welfare.
In 1996 she founded a mobile wildlife education company and sanctuary in Southern California. Her sanctuary became a safe haven for unique and exotic species such as the New Guinea Singing Dogs, Fennec Foxes, and Servals. If you think your dog is wild, keep in mind this woman has trained and educated with some truly wild quadrupeds! Through her work with these incredible creatures, Melissa provided wildlife education to local communities, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
"It's all about building a bond based on trust between you and your dog."
Melissa’s expertise extends to canine training, where she emphasizes the importance of connecting with both dogs and their human companions. Her work explores the impact of living environments on both species, animal nutrition, canine cognition, and the neuroscience of animals. Additionally, she is a strong advocate for enrichment activities that promote the mental and physical well-being of animals.
What is Positive Training?
The keys for compatible companionship:
Positive training is all about reinforcing the behaviors your dog offers. Additionally, by managing their environment and providing tools that meet their needs, we also help you prevent them from practicing undesirable behaviors.
It's a wholistic practice that builds a better relationship between you and your companion while meeting their daily doggy needs.
It's positive, voluntary, effective and fun!
Working with Melissa has been an incredible experience—her deep knowledge of positive reinforcement (R+) techniques is matched only by the genuine care and intuition she brings to every session with every client. Her attention to detail is second to none; she notices the smallest cues in both dogs and humans, tailoring her approach to meet each unique need with compassion and clarity. What truly sets her apart is the soulful connection she fosters—not just training dogs, but nurturing trust and understanding between dog and guardian.
Melissa also specializes in working with reactive dogs, a focus that has transformed the lives of many of our clients. Through her thoughtful, steady guidance, countless guardians have gone from feeling overwhelmed and isolated to confident and connected with their dogs. Her skill in reading and responding to complex behavior has helped reactive dogs not only manage their triggers but thrive, bringing peace and joy back into their daily lives. Her extensive experience shines through in the calm, confident progress she helps create, making her an invaluable partner on any training journey.
Jeff Fulmer, Founder of Dogs Colorado
It’s hard to put into words how a knowledgeable and experienced trainer can change a dog’s life.
Bodie and I were so lucky to work with Melissa. She was always available when I had questions. She had just the right experience with fearful dogs. She taught me things to watch for in his behavior and to be aware of in our environment. The outcome was not quick, but it was a miracle.
Marilyn Kraft
We have been very fortunate to work with Melissa. We could not have managed our two rescue pups without her expertise. She has taught us how to interpret their body language, how to implement positive training strategies and so many other skills.
Christie Trenery
Having an incredibly nervous and fearful dog, I was incredibly lucky to meet Melissa as a behavioral trainer. Melissa helped me to minimize triggers for her fearfulness. Then she worked with us to make going out a much less scary event. Melissa worked with us to create some indoor agility for exercise. She showed me how make a scratchboard, which helped me bond with Artemis, while filing her nails. Artemis adores Melissa and is a more calm and confident dog because of her.
Lynn Fillmore
