About Melanie (Angus) Smith; B.Sc.(Agri), CCMT, FFCP
Photo credit: Katie Devine
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Melanie has adored and cared for animals since she was a little girl working on the family farm with her dad, Paul, milking cows. She trained her first dog, Gesha, at the age of 9, with the guidance of her mother, Wendy, and Judy Richards of Amherst, NS. |
In 2009, she decided she wanted a dog of her own so she and Steven, her now husband, drove to Scotia Border Collies in Blue Rock, NS and purchased a Border Collie puppy and named him Hank, he ended up changing their lives forever.
With Hanks' very keen interest to work, whether it was tricks, herding, or fetch, Melanie found herself needing outlets for his natural ability to work. She started him in recreational agility and he loved it and was so fast. Passion grew from there in the world of dog sports. She soon began competing in agility and disc dog. In 2011, a tri-coloured Border Collie puppy, Riley, unexpectedly made her way into their lives. She also competes in agility and disc dog.
Once graduated from high school, she went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC) in Truro, Nova Scotia. It was there that her interest was peaked in not only reproductive physiology and nutrition, but in animal behaviour. She graduated in 2012 from NSAC with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture majoring in Animal Science.
With Hanks' very keen interest to work, whether it was tricks, herding, or fetch, Melanie found herself needing outlets for his natural ability to work. She started him in recreational agility and he loved it and was so fast. Passion grew from there in the world of dog sports. She soon began competing in agility and disc dog. In 2011, a tri-coloured Border Collie puppy, Riley, unexpectedly made her way into their lives. She also competes in agility and disc dog.
Once graduated from high school, she went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC) in Truro, Nova Scotia. It was there that her interest was peaked in not only reproductive physiology and nutrition, but in animal behaviour. She graduated in 2012 from NSAC with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture majoring in Animal Science.
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The impact of dog sports and just life in general can have effects on your dogs' physical health so in July 2013 Melanie decided to become a Certified Canine Massage Therapist. She graduated from Equissage in March 2014. She started her business Hankerin' Fur Massage in February 2014. Her business has now grown to accommodate more than massage as her education continues.
In January 2012, Melanie met Heather A. Logan of Cloverfield Animal Behavioural Services when dealing with behaviour issues with Riley. She began working with Heather in April 2014 and in December 2014 completed the Cloverfield Specialist Trainer program. She then became Heather's trainer apprentice, teaching the Cloverfield program and working under her guidance over the next 4 years studying animal training and behaviour. |
Photo Credit: Ashley Coffin
Photo Credit: Ashley Coffin
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Melanie was the President and Head Trainer of a non-profit organization, Maritime Specialty Service Dogs Society for over 2 years. The organization was created to rescue dogs from shelters, train them as service dogs and pair them with people in need. Melanie currently works privately with Service Dog users to assist the handler in training a qualified dog to be certified through the Department of Justice and be protected under the Service Dog Act of Nova Scotia.
Melanie is a part-time Instructor at Dalhousie Agricultural Campus teaching a 12 week course called Positive Animal Training: The Science of Applied Behaviour Analysis through Extended Learning. Contact Extended Learning at DalAC to register or get more information.
In June 2022, Melanie completed the Boarding & Daycare Program certification through Fear Free Pets. The mission of the organization is to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety and stress in pets by inspiring and educating the people who care for them.
Presently, Melanie lives in Great Village, NS with her Border Collies, Riley, Pete and Nick; her husband, Steven and son, Dylan. Her dog Hank, pictured below, passed away suddenly from bladder cancer on July 17, 2019. He left a huge hole in her heart.
Melanie is always updating her education and keeping current on the science of animal behaviour and training techniques so she can offer you, the client, the most up to date and scientifically proven information.
Current Organization Memberships include:
Melanie is a part-time Instructor at Dalhousie Agricultural Campus teaching a 12 week course called Positive Animal Training: The Science of Applied Behaviour Analysis through Extended Learning. Contact Extended Learning at DalAC to register or get more information.
In June 2022, Melanie completed the Boarding & Daycare Program certification through Fear Free Pets. The mission of the organization is to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety and stress in pets by inspiring and educating the people who care for them.
Presently, Melanie lives in Great Village, NS with her Border Collies, Riley, Pete and Nick; her husband, Steven and son, Dylan. Her dog Hank, pictured below, passed away suddenly from bladder cancer on July 17, 2019. He left a huge hole in her heart.
Melanie is always updating her education and keeping current on the science of animal behaviour and training techniques so she can offer you, the client, the most up to date and scientifically proven information.
Current Organization Memberships include:
- Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers
- The Pet Professional Guild
- International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants
- Canadian Kennel Club
