Get To Know
A Canine Affinity
A Canine Affinity: Separation Anxiety Guidance, Resources and Resolution for Dogs And Pet-Parents Everywhere
A Note From Your Trainer
My Teaching Philosophy
From rambunctious puppy’s to settled seniors, regardless of size, breed or behavior challenge, all dogs learn using the same basic behavioral principles.
It's my goal to empower you to teach your dog the skills they'll need to meet your training goals and feel good doing it.
We’ll work together using a positive reinforcement approach - clear communication, kindness, and science-backed techniques that actually make sense to your dog. It’s the most effective, humane, and empowering way to help any animal learn. My goal isn’t just to shift your dog’s behavior; it’s to help you both build a strong, trusting relationship that carries you through their whole life.
Hey Pet-Guardians!
I'm Melissa Dallier, founder, owner and trainer and behavior coach at A Canine Affinity. My goal is to help you learn about and work to resolve separation anxiety related behaviors to ensure both you and your dog are able to enjoy time apart and together.
I am a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT), Fear Free Certified Training Professional and Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) with special education from the Academy of Dog Behavior in Shelter Dog Evaluations and Working with Fearful Dogs and Assessing Canine Body Language.
As your behavior coach and trainer, I promise:
When you work with me, you get guidance that removes the guesswork — no more wondering what to try next or whether you’re making things worse. I give you a clear path forward rooted in humane, science-based methods so you can finally feel confident helping your dog.
You get a training plan tailored to your dog, your household, and your capacity — not a one-size-fits-all script. Every step is designed to fit real life, not a perfect version of it.
You get a coach who communicates clearly and consistently, so you always understand why we’re doing something and how it’s helping your dog feel safer alone. You’ll never be left guessing or piecing things together on your own.
You get long-term skills you can rely on — not just for separation anxiety, but for building a calmer, more connected relationship with your dog throughout their life.
And you get a partner in this journey. Someone who believes in your dog’s potential, understands the challenges you’re facing, and stays in your corner as you help them grow more confident day by day.
Thanks for being your dog’s best friend!
Positive Reinforcement…..?
Is a training methodology that teaches our dogs what we like about their behavior by immediately reinforcing those behaviors with something desirable to the dog
Scientifically proven to be the most effective way to train for lasting results and a happy dog that understands and enjoys learned communication and relationship building skills
Looks at and addresses dogs behavior, health, environment & learning history to define root causes of behavior to best lay out effective behavior modification strategies
Doesn’t rely on the use of force, pain, punishment, coercion, corrections or fear to suppress undesirable behaviors or obtain desirable ones
A Canine Affinity’s ongoing Commitment to our Community
At A Canine Affinity we affirm full support for clients on all levels regardless of race, gender, ability, religion or sexual orientation. We adamantly oppose discrimination, racism and bigotry of all forms. Inclusion is about the actions we take each day and we strive to make our business a safe place for our clients to learn and train their dogs in a welcoming, force free, positive, evidence based manner, free from any form of discrimination.
As a part of the greater Atlanta, GA community we are committed to donating a minimum of 10% of profits quarterly to local rescues and shelters. A new organization selected each quarter, as well as donating time and resources in the way of volunteering, fostering, donating supplies and space as well as training scholarships. Contact us for more details.