Your dreams of calm canine cohabitation are out the window, Chicago. Sure, you accepted that happy hour was a thing of the past, sleeping in on Saturdays no longer an option, and shoes must be locked away the instant you walk in the door. But you never dreamed you’d be walking a lunging lunatic at the end of the leash or that you’d be embarrassed by the pooch who pounces on every passerby. We’re Barker Behavior, Inc. and we’ll mend your Mastiff’s manners, free your Frenchie’s fearfulness, and banish your Berner’s barking.
Experience

Hi, I’m Melissa Arteaga. I’ve adored dogs all my life. While volunteering, I fell in love with Timmy (Pointer Mix puppy) and discovered my professional calling. To keep my high-energy, super-smart puppy in my good graces, I taught Timmy a plethora of tricks and lots of life skills (manners and obedience) via positive training. Tricky Timmy’s YouTube channel has over 1,000 subscribers!
Knowledge
Studying with other trainers, attending seminars and workshops, and reading every professional journal and book helps me stay up-to-date on the latest canine behavior research, so I’m providing proven, yet innovative advice. I’m an accredited trainer, Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and APDT member. I’m a dedicated people coach and tenacious partner always excited to help you and your dog succeed.
Commitment
I’m obsessed with helping my clients—dog and human. In my free time, I add to Tricky Timmy’s long list of behavioral achievements and Karma (my Cattle Dog mix) often joins in the training fun. Timmy’s “fetch me a drink” trick has been featured in USA Today Weekend, Steve Dale’s Pet World, and twice in American Dog Magazine.