Reviews & Ratings for Positive K-9

Melissa Cocola is the Best Trainer Ever!!

by Nancy McCarthy at Citysearch

We brought our beautiful one-year-old Newfoundland, Dukie, to Positive K-9 because we had run out of training options. Our loveable 130 pound “boy” was ruling the roost. He wouldn’t get in the car, go up stairs and balked in doorways. “Come” was an optional command, he mouthed and pawed strangers and friends for attention and was able to pull me in any direction he wanted to go. With the use of a “pinch” and remote collar and firm, consistent loving guidance and praise, Melissa Cocola and her colleague, Kourtney, changed our lives. Dukie lived in residence training at Positivek9 for three weeks and emerged a changed dog. He kept his loveable spark but became the responsive, highly trained friend we needed him to be. I was hesitant about the remote collar Melissa suggested but quickly found that the need to use it was sparse. We mostly utilized, if necessary, the “pager” mode (similar to the pagers used in restaurants to alert you that your table is ready!) To me, using the collar was a safety net for an about face if our dog is barreling across a busy street, about to body slam a small child or encounters an unfriendly canine. However, that said, we are finding that we very rarely need to use the remote collar at all. For instance, one recent evening, after an off leash ball-playing session, Dukie suddenly bolted toward a horse field. I calmly said to him, “leave it.” He turned to me, slowed his gait, and met my eyes. I then said, “Dukie, come!” He u-turned and ran joyfully toward me, tail wagging, arrived by my feet and sat down. I didn’t use the remote collar at all. I then knew that our Dukie had figured out that I was the boss now and that was perfectly fine with him! He is a wonderful, loving dog and friend. I would recommend Positive K-9 to anyone who was having trouble training his or her dog. Thank you, Melissa!

One Fine Bulldog...

by JCopie at Citysearch

When I was younger, I had my heart set on getting an English Bulldog. One with lots of wrinkles, the flatter the face the better, the package. I finally got my wish three years ago and I purchased an English Bulldog from a breeder with a champion sire. Tank arrived and was more than what I ever wanted and expected.... in more ways than one! Around the time Tank turned two, he began to overcome the household with his overbearing personality and soon aggressive nature. Soon, I had visited the Emergency Departments twice, once for a bite that split my upper lip in two and required a plastic surgeon and 42 stitches. Tank was constantly growling, being aggressive with everything and was out of control. Clearly, we had lost control of Tank and the household all together. The aggression soon turned constant and we couldn't have him around any other people or dogs. Food, toys, couches, beds, collars... Everything turned into a nightmare ordeal. We needed help. I spoke to the vet and had him checked out for medical issues, all negative. I asked around and heard that Melissa and her staff were the best in town, truly comparable to the great Caesar Milan! I was skeptical that anything or anyone could help Tank but needed to try. Giving up was not an option. I set up an appointment with Melissa and she set a positive but urgent tone to the prognosis. Tank needed to have a residency program established to help him understand his role and we needed to learn how to handle our dog. We decided it was a last option and went for a 4 week program based on her diagnosis of the situation. It was the longest 4 weeks of our lives but Melissa and her staff made it easier with CONSTANT updates, communications, pictures & videos. When it was time to pick up Tank we were thrilled. We went to the long transition session to receive our training and soon found out two distinct measures: 1.) Tank was a great dog who was seriously confused due to the fact that he needed to be the pack leader because we weren't fulfilling that role & 2.) We needed to drastically adjust our view and lifestyle for Tank's sake. Once we took on the new role Tank was a completely different dog! Our expectations were well beyond surpassed. Melissa did not turn our dog into a zombie like we had feared but the exact opposite. Tank was a controlled and calm submissive dog that looked to us for direction. We had the Tank personality without all the negatives he had developed over his few years with us. We had a difficult time adjusting to the new lifestyle because it meant we needed to constantly be in control, but once we settled into a role it was great. It is now 3 months after the residency program and we have an amazing relationship with our bulldog. Not only is Tank the best natured dog I have ever met, he is obedient, fun, loving and above all trustworthy. I would recommend Melissa and the staff at Positive K9 hands down over any one else. They worked with us to help us realize our roles in our dog's life and made it clear that we needed to take on the role of pack leaders. If you are considering their services, you must not think twice!

Exceptional Dog Training - Exceeded My Expectations!

by janfullertyndall at Citysearch

We brought home the cutest 8 week old lab puppy. That was her only asset. Within the first month, my clothes were ripped, my arms had scabs, and I was trapped in one room with a crazy puppy. I was miserable.

I brought Ami Lou to puppy school once a week in the evenings yet all she did was bark at me for her hot dog treat. I was embarrassed and frustrated.

I turned to Positive K-9 and Master Trainer Melissa Cocola. I had heard great reviews regarding her dog philosophy, training and facility. We sent Ami Lou to Melissa and within two weeks we have a 6 month old puppy that did a complete 180 degree turn. I can do anything in my house without her jumping on me and biting me. This weekend she attended a garage sale, a family picnic and visited two infants. People were amazed and I was beaming with pride.

Thank you Positive K-9, Melissa and her dedicated staff. We have the puppy we always wanted. We can't wait to spend our life with her!!

When you want the BEST...

by Chesterbing at Citysearch

The only place I'll bring my dog. Why? Melissa is formally trained in canine behavior modification. She has a special way with dogs. It has to be seen to be believed. Her staff is supportive and knowledgable as well. I am so glad that we found a trainer with the outstanding credentials that Melissa has. We would strongly encourage anyone who is looking for a dog trainer to first look at their qualifications (especially education) before hiring them.

We still can't believe it!

by LeDebant at Citysearch

Pearl came to us from a rescue group in Indiana at three months of age. We thought we knew Labs, but she was definitely a challenge. We went through training classes with two different trainers, read and re-read books and heard lots of advice. The issues remained. We were so very fortunate to have found Melissa and Positive K9. Pearl was in residence at Creekside Resort for only two weeks. We simply could not believe what a young lady she had become! We just knew that she was a great dog. Melissa brought out the best in her. Not only are we impressed with the result of her training, but Pearl is a much happier girl. People actually ask us if she's the same dog! We also had never boarded a dog before. I visited various kennels, but the experience just reinforced my opinion. Creekside stands alone. It was like puppy camp! Thank you to Melissa, Rob, Kourtney and everyone at Creekside Resort. Woof!

Seeing is believing!

by AlexKershner at Citysearch

Our rescue puppy has issues. Afraid of people,not nice to other dogs,as well as anxiety issues. My wife made the appointment and I was honestly a bit skepticle.

Melissa was patient,caring and most of all honest. Within 2-3 weeks of following her instructions, Bruno has made a complete turnaround. We have had 2 lessons and are getting compliments from our friends,family, and even our vet.

I would not have believed it if I did not see it first hand. Anyone who has a dog with "issues", this is the only place to go.Thank You SO SO much.You really saved our dog from having to be returned to the rescue.

• Pros: Abundance of knowledge
• Cons: We had to wait a while to get in

Amazing Trainer, Amazing Place, Fabulous Results!

by enbudd at Citysearch

I must say I wasn't sure what to expect from our first training experience (also our first dog), but I was beyond pleased with the services of Positive K-9. The grounds and facilities are absolutely breath taking. I have never been a fan of boarding, but this is seriously a paradise for dogs! Upon arriving I was immediately put at ease by the serene environment and can only imagine that all dogs visiting feel the same way.

Melissa was a dream. She was thoughtful, educating and personable in our consultation and was very honest that we would only need one session to accomplish our goals. This display of business ethics really impressed me, as she easily could have "raked us over the coals" by recommending unnecessary time with her team.

And she was right! After one lesson my dog has been utterly changed. She listens, comes when called, and has calmed down tremedously. She no longer jumps on our guests, or makes visitors unomfortable with her unbridled, puppy energy. Everyone that visits our house has noticed the over night change and is very impressed by the efficiency in Melissa's training.

I highly recommend Melissa's services and would not second guess recommending any of my friends and family to Positive K-9. It is well worth the wait and the money!

• Pros: Honesty, integrity of the trainer; Beauty of the location; Care for their craft
• Cons: Long wait to get in

What a wonderful experience!

by LindaReid62 at Citysearch

We have used both the training and boarding services, and are always delighted with the results.

What is really important is that when we are pulling in the parking lot our dogs can not wait to get out of the car to go in!

When we arrive to pick them up they are happy to see us,but would be just as happy stay there and play. THANK YOU for giving our "kids" a great place to stay. Your business is very much loved and respected in the community.

Best training and boarding ever!

by annmason at Citysearch

My dog was trained by Melissa when he was just a year old. Everything about Positive K-9 and Creekside Resort is just fabulous. Therefore when I read the diatribe by Jose Whoever, not a real name I don't think, I was somewhere past furious. If he has a problem, why can't he address it with Melissa or Rob? What is the point of writing this? Oh wait, could it be because none of it is true?

Jose, stand up like a man (or woman), speak your piece using name that could be responded to. Obviously your mother didn't take YOU to Melissa for training. She should have.

Toby has starred in the Rochester Children's Theatre production of Wizard of Oz, playing to a packed house for every performance. He is now a certified therapy dog, TDI, is a hospice volunteer and also visits the elderly at nursing homes. He came with a sweet temperament, and Melissa took that raw material and turned him into the perfect dog.

I visited lots of places before choosing Melissa. She out-Cesars Cesar!

And the facility is clean, well staffed, offers frequent walks and outdoor play times, is in a beautiful and safe setting, and is just completely wonderful. But go see for yourself.

Tell them Toby sent you.

Pros: Great training, great atmosphere, great people

Cons: Absolutely NONE.

Thank you for continued commitment to excellence!

by RichPappert at Citysearch

My wife and I just had our third Cocker Spanial trained by Positive K9. We have known Melissa and her staff for over a decade. We have referred neighbors, co-workers, and other family members to Melissa over the years for training as well as boarding. It is a one of a kind facility! We would trust no one else with our dogs.

As for the comments from the "client' who was not satisfied with the results. Sounds a bit shady to us.

My family and I have been to the facility dozens of times [some unannounced ] -not only have we found it to be spotless inside and out .Melissa is always hard at work with her training dogs.

At the end of each residency program there is a very detailed, and through demonstration of your dogs training done right before your very eyes. Each time we have picked our dogs up from this program we bring our video camera to tape this lesson, because it is AMAZING to see the metamorphosis.

We have watched Melissa be a teacher to dogs and a mentor to their families. There is simply no way to "mislead" any owner with this training. It sad to see a review such as that about a business who's kindness and knowledge has saved countless dogs over the years.My experience was phenomenal, and remains so. As they say,the pleasure has been distinctly all mine.

• Pros: The only training your dog will ever need!
• Cons: none