Punta Gorda-based credentialed handlers
Local trainers credentialed
ADA-aligned standards
Charlotte County Dog Training Built for Your Needs — Not Just Obedience
Find the training program that works best for you and your dog. Dogs by Melissa offers services for puppies and dogs of all ages. Advanced training, off-leash, and private coaching.
- Florida-based trainers who know Punta Gorda public access law
- Owner-train Your Dog
- Basic Obedience and Behavioral Training — we follow ADA-aligned task training, not registration scams
FREE · NO OBLIGATION
Talk to a Punta Gorda trainer this week.
15-minute call to assess your situation, your dog (if you have one), and the right training pathway for your disability.
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500+
Charlotte county dogs trained or in training
10+
Years training dogs in Florida
VISIT US IN PUNTA GORDA
Dog Training of Punta Gorda
Our Punta Gorda partner office for in-person consultations, temperament evaluations, and private coaching. See neighborhoods covered below.
Trainer Highlight
Melissa Hepler
Background
Melissa Hepler is the owner of Dogs by Melissa, a Punta Gorda pet-obedience company she founded in 2015 after more than a decade in veterinary medicine — first as a veterinary technician, then specializing in veterinary dentistry, and later as a clinic office manager. With over 25 years training dogs and 20+ years in dog sports, Melissa is an IGP judge with DVG America (since 2011) who has competed at club, regional, national, and world levels and titled many dogs. Her team uses a balanced approach built on communication, respect, and consistency, working dogs both on and off leash through three core principles: timing, consistency, and motivation.
View full credential
Dogs Training of Punta Gorda
Powered by ServiceDogs.com — Florida-based service dog training partner
ADDRESS
801 Solana Loop
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
PHONE
WHY CHARLOTTE COUNTY TRUSTS US
Dog Training that actually meets the standard.
Trainers at Dogs by Melissa are certified professionals that have decades of experience working with animals even in the veterinary setting.
Backed by ServiceDogs.com
The educational authority on service dog standards and law.
WHAT KIND OF DOG TRAINING PROGRAMS?
Programs we train in Punta Gorda
Dog training is not one-size-fits-all. The right program depends on you and your dog.
On- & Off-Leash Obedience
Structure, discipline, and manners using a balanced approach.
Lesson Program
Structured multi-week program (e.g., their 10-week lesson program).
Service-Dog Obedience Foundations
Obedience prep for dogs headed into partner service-dog programs (3K9 Working Dog Solutions, Phokus On My Canine).
Behavior & Manners
Communication, respect, and consistency for real-world reliability.
Board & Train
In-kennel training with a dedicated kennel team (vaccination proof required).
Trainer Internship Program
Hands-on pathway for aspiring dog trainers.
YOUR PATH
From first call to fully-trained dogs
Each program offered by Confident K9 is tailored to every dog and handler's need.
PUNTA GORDA COVERAGE
Neighborhoods we cover
- Punta Gorda Isles (PGI)33950
- Burnt Store Isles (BSI)33950
- Historic Downtown District33950
- Burnt Store Meadows33950
- Seminole Lakes33955
- Burnt Store Marina33955
- Burnt Store Lakes33955
- Burnt Store Village33955
- Tropical Gulf Acres33955
- Babcock Ranch33982
- Charlotte Ranchettes33982
- Prairie Creek33982
- Rio Villa3313933982
- Deep Creek33983
Judith B.
5 months ago
Thanks so much, Jackie! I am thrilled with the way that Daisy responds to all of the commands that she’s learned! Your “little comments“ I think help me learn the most to be a good trainer And good mom for Daisy🤩 I feel confident in taking Daisy wherever I go, and that shall be very well behaved! You gave me the confidence that I needed to be successful! I’m sure Daisy loves her new behavior too😂🤩
John & Chrystal S.
6 months ago
Melissa and her team are the most incredible trainers! They are so good with the dogs, our cane corso, Romeo, absolutely loves her! Extremely professional, very communicative, and a genuine heart for the babies she trains. She is a tremendous asset to the dog training world and we highly recommend Dogs by Melissa!! Your fur baby will be lucky to train with her and her team! Thank you for helping our Romeo be the bestest boy ever!!
KorieShipley
2 years ago
Melissa and her trainers were absolutely AMAZING! We completed the 3 week board and train for our pup Loki and ended up with a whole new dog! If you know anything about Dobermans, you know how crazy they can be! Melissa had no problem turning our boy into a very obedient pup! We went from struggling with him going potty in the house, not listening, jumping on the counter, and everything crazy you can imagine, to being able to bring him anywhere with no problem. He listens, respects us, and understands all of our commands. We are so grateful for the work they put into our dog and couldn’t be happier with her and her team! THANK YOU!!!!
M D.
2 years ago
One week before starting training, our 80 pound lab puppy ran out the front door, across the street, and terrorized an elderly woman walking a little dog because he wanted to play.
The morning we were to start training, he bolted for another dog, pulling me over, leaving me with busted up front teeth, a minor concussion, a sprained wrist, and lots of bruises.
Dogs By Melissa took him for three weeks for the board-and-train program.
On his first day home, he went on a two mile walk, passing a flock of white birds, two bunnies, twelve pedestrians, two dogs he was friends with, one dog he did not know, two dogs who were as unruly as he used to be, a kid on a scooter, three kids playing in the street, one person sitting in their driveway, lawn sprinklers, and a twelve foot tall animated holiday decoration. He did not break form once. His behavior was so stunningly remarkable that my neighbor down the street asked if I’d gotten a new dog.
Dogs By Melissa gave us a dog we could enjoy, stress-free, as a part of our family. He is so proud of himself and we are able to spend such better quality time with him now that he is able to control his energy, plus we no longer have to worry about him placing himself or others in dangerous situations. The training they provide was by far one of the best investments we’ve ever made.
The morning we were to start training, he bolted for another dog, pulling me over, leaving me with busted up front teeth, a minor concussion, a sprained wrist, and lots of bruises.
Dogs By Melissa took him for three weeks for the board-and-train program.
On his first day home, he went on a two mile walk, passing a flock of white birds, two bunnies, twelve pedestrians, two dogs he was friends with, one dog he did not know, two dogs who were as unruly as he used to be, a kid on a scooter, three kids playing in the street, one person sitting in their driveway, lawn sprinklers, and a twelve foot tall animated holiday decoration. He did not break form once. His behavior was so stunningly remarkable that my neighbor down the street asked if I’d gotten a new dog.
Dogs By Melissa gave us a dog we could enjoy, stress-free, as a part of our family. He is so proud of himself and we are able to spend such better quality time with him now that he is able to control his energy, plus we no longer have to worry about him placing himself or others in dangerous situations. The training they provide was by far one of the best investments we’ve ever made.
Karen M.
2 years ago
Excellent experience! Highly recommend! Jacquye was the trainer assigned to us and she did a fabulous job, really knows her stuff and was committed to ensuring our success (both human and canine!). We have a very smart, energetic - large and working-breed - puppy, and the 10-week course made a huge difference in how we experience home life with her. Melissa was also a big part of the experience, checking in and ensuring we were on track throughout. Big thanks to Jacquye and Dogs by Melissa!!!
Steve R.
3 years ago
We are very pleased with the dog training provided by Jacquelyn and Melissa. Our standard poodle Sage completed the 10-week training program and it exceeded our expectations. We were provided with weekly instructions after each training session. Sage adapted well and continued to take on additional instructions without regression. We are able to take Sage to outdoor restaurants or events without causing any issues with others, which is a great compliment to our trainers.
Steve & Donna Roberts
Steve & Donna Roberts
Jen C.
4 years ago
Melissa and Amy are amazing! They did a job that I thought to be impossible. We put our 3YO Doberman in the 3-week training program and have received a well-trained dog in return! Our girl loves hard but had no manners and would act absurd in public. To take her for a walk was embarrassing and unmanageable… She now listens to our commands (we requested them to be in German and the team delivered 🙌🏼) and is enjoyable while walking! As you can see in the photo I provided she is on a walk with me, sitting and staying without me physically controlling her.
This was our first time using professional trainers for any of our dogs. I only wish we had decided to do this sooner! We were not sure what to expect. Melissa and Amy were professional, caring and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend Dogs by Melissa!!!
This was our first time using professional trainers for any of our dogs. I only wish we had decided to do this sooner! We were not sure what to expect. Melissa and Amy were professional, caring and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend Dogs by Melissa!!!
The 2026 HUD ESA Memo: What Changed and What Didn’t
On May 22, 2026, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued an internal memo that changes how the agency will handle complaints about emotional support animals in housing.
- HUD will now apply an “individually trained” standard to housing complaints it investigates
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
If your question isn't here, ask in the consult form — we answer every one personally.
What kind of training does Dogs by Melissa offer?
Balanced, on- and off-leash obedience focused on structure, discipline, and manners — built on timing, consistency, and motivation to create a clear line of communication between you and your dog.
Do you train service dogs?
Dogs by Melissa is a pet-obedience company, not a service-dog-task provider. However, we train the obedience foundations many dogs need before entering a service-dog program, and we partner with service-dog organizations like 3K9 Working Dog Solutions and Phokus On My Canine.
What programs are available?
Private and structured lesson programs (including our multi-week course), board-and-train, and behavior work for dogs of any size or age. We also run an internship program for aspiring dog trainers.
What experience does Melissa have?
Over 25 years training dogs and 20+ years in dog sports. Melissa is an IGP judge with DVG America and has competed and titled dogs through the world level, backed by a career in veterinary medicine.
Ready to start training your Punta Gorda service dog?
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