“Can an online program really be better than an in-person class?”

In short, yes. I’ve been helping dog owners overcome reactivity, fear and aggression with online programs for several years, and the results have been “life-changing.” But I’ll leave it to my student Marg to talk about her experience.

Marg joined us online after feeling like she’d “tried it all” - things had gotten bad with her dog Buddy and she found herself living in one half of the house, while her dog buddy was living in the other. They didn’t trust each other and Marg didn’t know where to turn. He showed signs of aggression, fear and reactivity.

Marg lives in Australia, so was nervous about the timezone impacting her experience but it was never an issue. Even though Marg couldn’t join every call live, she’s been able to successfully implement the relevant lessons and has transformed her relationship with Buddy. She’s gone from “living on eggshells” to a “bright future” with Buddy. 

" Highly recommend! Dr Melanie, Canine Decoded, and her Better Together program have been life changing for Buddy and I..

I had tried many different tools and trainers only to have the unwanted behaviours return. I felt stuck, lacking confidence and uncertain of the future.

With Dr Melanie's help I am finally getting to the 'why' and the root cause of the behaviours rather than just treating the symptoms.

Buddy and I have learnt what is really important to work on and as a result our relationship has completely transformed. We have felt 100% supported without judgement. We have learnt new skills that we can sustain.

The future for Buddy and I is looking very bright 🌞 "

- Marg

“We’ve already invested a lot of money into this dog and nothing’s worked. What if this is another one of those programs?”

I completely get it. It’s easy to feel betrayed by trainers who promise the world and don’t give you results. People often come to us as a last resort after trying several board and trains, online programs, or even puppy school – and we’re often the last training program they ever need.

The thing with most other programs is you get limited support and are then left to your own devices. If you need to do more training, you pay to hire another trainer. If you need to ask follow up questions, you pay to hire another trainer… it goes on.

The TWO things we do differently inside Never Alone:

• We give you homework with every module. At the end you will get the opportunity to get individualized feedback from Dr. Melanie FOR FREE, with direct pointers on how to improve and what to focus on next. But pssssst.... it's a surprise and will be revealed in the last module. No-one else does this and it’s something we’re really proud to offer.

• We give you the tools you need to train your dog yourself. We encourage you to follow the frameworks and create your own training plans so you have the ability to do this time and again as different behaviors present. Not only does this equip you better, but it helps build a stronger, more trusting relationship between you and your dog.

"Having unsuccessful experience with previous training programs, we have found Canine Decoded to be the "right fit" training program, with markedly more positive outcomes with Brando. Brando was attacked twice at an early age by a large, unleashed dog. Since that time, he has been very reactive (aggressive, out of control barking and hair standing up on his back) when he encounters large dogs, no matter how gentle they might be.

While this will be an ongoing and iterative training process, the behavioral/relationship based Canine Decoded approach has resulted in dramatic improvements in the way Brando responds when he encounters other dogs. We walk frequently on the Beltline; and when other dogs approach, he will first look at the dog, then to me when I distract him, and then we will continue to walk along the trail without incident.

Other improvements: remaining "in place" during mealtimes, rather than underfoot in the kitchen or under the table; responding quickly to "come here" command after initial, instinctive impulse to run to the door to bark at people or dogs outside.

Overall, very satisfied with this program and would highly recommend to others for achieving positive results with their canine companions."

- Susan  

“I’m busy! How much time will I need to invest to see results?"

The live program itself is spread over 8 modules, with 8x 1.5-hour online coaching sessions. On top of that, you’ll need the time to take action and train your dog. You can see results in as little as 15 minutes a day. But of course, the results depend on your dog’s personality and their behaviors.

With each module, there’s also some homework which we strongly encourage you to complete.

Just because the program runs for 8 sessions, it doesn’t mean everything will be different after that (we like to keep things real here). But you will have all the tools and knowledge you need to keep building on the lessons and you’ll have access to the course materials to continue your training.

We try to make the training as fun as possible and encourage “play” time as a way to foster an awesome relationship between you and your dog. So while there is work involved, it won’t all feel like work.

“Will I get 1:1 access to you, Melanie?”

Unlike the annual LIVE program, Never Alone Accelerated will NOT give you access to 1:1 sessions with Dr. Melanie. However, you will have the opportunity to join 8 consecutive group sessions with Dr. Melanie Uhde and other students to report progress and get personalized feedback.

“How long do I get access to the training for?”

You get lifetime access to all the modules, workbooks, and resources. We get that rehabilitation isn’t a quick fix and want you to feel equipped to handle any situation, long after the program is finished.

If you feel you need additional support after the program ends, you’ll have the option to sign up for ongoing group calls.

“I have another question. How can I get in touch with you?”

If you have any questions at all and want to make sure this is a good fit for you and your dog, please send us a message at melanie@caninedecoded.com and we’ll help you make the right decision for your unique situation.