Recommendations & Reviews

We’re proud to share a few of the dog trainer reviews, recommendations, and testimonials we’ve received both from area veterinarians and satisfied clients:

“We Are So Glad We Found Training Tracks”


We are so glad we found Training Tracks when we got our Affenpinscher from the shelter. Mel worked to help her overcome her incredible shyness, and each month she comes around a little more. She now even jumps on the couch to cuddle up next to me! Thanks, Mel! You were fantastic.

~Reocmmendation from EJudith & Glenn Rymer, Oxford, OH

First-Time Dog Owner


As a first time dog owner with a high-energy puppy, I had/have A LOT to learn – Mel has been an invaluable resource in getting both pup and owner on the right track! We did both private sessions and the Basic Obedience class and can’t wait to do another class in the future! Not only did we learn basic commands, but I was able to find a way to deal with my pup’s crazy energy that used to come out in lots of jumping/puppy nipping/attention-seeking as well as how to help teach him impulse-control (lifesaver!). We’ve gotten many compliments on Cowboy’s polite demeanor in public and it’s all thanks to Training Tracks!

~Reocmmendation from Alica Bachledova, Cincinnati, OH

“Training Tracks has been a gift from heaven!”

Reocmmendation from

We needed personalized, in-home training for our 2 female dogs who fought with each other and who needed to be prepared for the arrival of a baby. We got help with these issues and so much more. Through the patience and knowledge of Training Tracks’ trainers, our girls are now well behaved and play happily as ‘sisters’. And, not only did we receive in-house visits, Training Tracks was available by phone for questions in between training sessions. Thank you for changing all of our lives!

~Reocmmendation from Elizabeth and Chris Taylor, Oxford, OH

Praise from a veterinary partner

Dear Fellow Veterinarians,

I would like to recommend Training Tracks for use in your practice. I really do feel that their pet training abilities have been invaluable to my practice and to my clients. We started recommending them to our clients several years ago. We received impressive comments and results from our clients and patients. We now include their very helpful and informative handouts and brochures in our puppy folders. We have also worked very closely with them with problem dogs. Their knowledge of behavioral issues is extensive and insightful.

~Reocmmendation from Donald E. Alford, DVM, Westside Animal Hospital, Hamilton, OH

Weezer, the terrier who terrorized the grandchildren


When we brought Weezer home from the shelter, he had an unfortunate habit of nipping hard enough to draw blood. This was unacceptable around my grandchildren (ages 8 months, and 4, 8 and 9 years). The nine year old lives with me, and the others visit frequently, so I called the shelter and made arrangements to return Weezer. However, I’d heard of good results with board and train, and decided to try that before giving up on Weezer.

Training Tracks has been wonderful with him—no more biting! Jeff and Mel kept him for two weeks, and then came to the house for training visits with myself and my family. They have turned Weezer into a dog that is generally obedient, walks on leash easily, comes when called, waits quietly while his food is prepared, even rings a bell when he wants to go out, but most importantly, has been safe with my grandchildren. He still has his wonderful bouncy terrier personality, and clearly adores both Mel and Jeff, so I know their methods are gentle. They really seem to be miracle workers, and I am very appreciative of their service. Maintaining training does take time and dedication on the part of myself and my family, but the outcome has been well worth it.

~Reocmmendation from Liz Ledbetter, Monroe, OH

More praise from veterinary partners

As behavior consultants, Mel and Jeff Silverman have offered a service to this area that is invaluable. All new puppy examinations in my office include my suggestion that they attend puppy socialization classes. At my veterinary clinic we notice the puppies that have had this training because they are better balanced and are much more easily handled. They truly make better family members. I can be assured that those puppies that have enjoyed Mel and Jeff’s input will be much better appreciated at home.

Mel and Jeff have brought a professional, trained approach to our community, and we consider them very valuable to our quality of life. The continuing education they attend keeps them on the forefront of training for better behavior and wider appeal for their services. In the years I have known them there has never been a complaint voiced to me of disappointment or dissatisfaction.

~Reocmmendation from D.C McGrew, DVM, Oxford, OH

Tater, the aggressive deaf rescue dog


Tater was our bad little deaf rescue puppy. He barked at everything that passed our window. He pulled us down the street while he chased everything with four wheels, two legs or four paws. Tater would come home from walks with back pockets in his mouth.

This was our first dog and we needed help. Training Tracks came highly recommended with special experience in training deaf dogs. They knew how to handle our special needs puppy. With only a few sessions, Tater began to respond amazingly. We now enjoy peaceful walks. Tater can watch a passing bus and think nothing of it. He used to have issues with almost any person who was not his Mom or Dad. No longer. He is much more obedient and much less of a worry. Training Tracks offered many tips and tricks that all seemed to make so much sense. They had an answer for everything and it all worked! Tater is now such a joy.

Our training paid for itself now that we don’t have to pay for ripped pants every couple of days.

~Reocmmendation from Misty and Jordan Brough, Cincinnati, OH

Another veterinarian’s endorsement

Mel Bussey and Jeff Silverman of Training Tracks Canine Learning Station provide the expertise that helps you understand why your canine companion does what he does. You will learn what motivates your dog to be well behaved and what motivates him to be not so well behaved. This applies to new puppies as well as older dogs with specific behavior issues. Through an organized methodology and positive reinforcement you will be given tools to encourage good behavior rather than just punishing bad behavior. Your results are largely a function of how much time and patience that you can invest but you will find the Training Tracks experience a rewarding one for you, your dog and your entire family.

~Reocmmendation from Dr. Ronald A. Reagh DVM, Oxford Veterinary Hospital, Oxford, OH

“Dusty quickly transformed from a frightened shelter dog to a confident and obedient companion!

I adopted Dusty, a shy and anxious Shetland Sheepdog, from a local rescue shelter in Ohio. Despite his good qualities, Dusty had many behavioral problems. He was terrified of men and other dogs. In addition, he ignored many basic commands.

Training Tracks played a critical role in Dusty’s development into a well-behaved companion. Using positive reinforcement and specific training techniques, Dusty quickly transformed from a frightened shelter dog to a confident and obedient companion. Jeff and Mel shared their expertise and extensive training experience to encourage Dusty’s development. Their dog training tips were priceless! Within weeks, Dusty mastered many basic skills and continued to learn more. One of the most rewarding aspects of the Training Tracks experience was the enhanced bond between Dusty and me. Through our weekly lessons and practice time, Dusty and I grew to truly trust and love each other.

~Reocmmendation from Lisa Hanasono, West Lafayette, IN

“Mel and Jeff are serious about their work, but make training fun.”

Our rescue dog had some serious behavior problems. We hesitated to use Training Tracks because we didn’t understand what clicker training was. We are so glad we did not let that stop us because we ended up loving the positive reinforcement approach and found it to be very effective. Mel and Jeff are not only great at training dogs but wonderful at helping the humans understand the reasons behind the technique so you can apply it at home and in unanticipated situations. Before going to Training Tracks, I was afraid of my dog but thanks to Training Tracks, our dog is now happy and rather charming and we can enjoy having him as one of the family. I highly recommend Training Tracks. Vet recommended. Mel and Jeff are serious about their work but make it fun and are very pleasant people.

~Reocmmendation from Bernadette Unger, Oxford, OH

“Training Tracks has truly been a lifesaver for us.”

Our dog, Lily, has been somewhat of a challenge from the beginning. As a rescue puppy, she was immediately a beloved member of our family, but we quickly noticed that she had more energy than most any dog we have ever come across. So, being excited new parents and looking for a way to rein her in at times, we enrolled her in Training Tracks’ puppy class. The results were incredible.

And, when we ran into a rough patch with her after a traumatic period in our lives, we were able to get her right back on track with the help of Training Tracks. Lily is so very important to us and has become such a wonderfully well-behaved dog. We have Training Tracks to thank for that. Without their help, I don’t know how we would have done it. Training Tracks has truly been a lifesaver for us.

~Reocmmendation from Jacob and Amber Long, West Chester, OH

“Jeff and Mel are incredible trainers and very personable.”

My husband and I highly recommend Training Tracks! We initially met Jeff through a local animal shelter and then started in-home training sessions with our first dog for some behavioral problems. Both Jeff and Mel are incredible trainers and are very personable. Their positive-reinforcement approach is very rewarding for both the person and the dog. When we got our second dog we continued with basic training classes at the West Chester location and were very happy with those as well. I would recommend, and have recommended, Training Tracks to many friends!

~Reocmmendation from Courtney Ress Schank, West Chester, OH

“I was so pleased with our experience that I returned again and again for advanced training.”

I brought my 8 week old puppy to Training Tracks at the recommendation of my vet. I was a new dog owner, terrified and annoyed and wondering if my hyperactive, mouthy puppy was normal. The folks at TrainingTracks helped me and my dog transform from a newbie pair to a happy team! I was so pleased with our experience in the puppy class that I returned again and again for more advanced training classes, and now my dog is a Canine Good Citizen and works as a therapy dog in my psychotherapy practice. Everyone who meets her remarks on how well-behaved she is!

~Reocmmendation from Siri Hoogen, Oxford, OH

Nipping aggression in the bud

Fantastic! I was referred to Training Tracks by my vet for aggression issues with my puppy. Jeff did in-home training sessions with our entire family to teach us how to minimize this behavior. He is extremely knowledgeable with positive-reinforcement training methods and my puppy responded very well. It was money well spent. I highly recommend Training Tracks!

~Reocmmendation from Leslie, Mason, OH

“Mel and Jeff taught us how to bring out the best in our dog.”

Training Tracks did wonders for our energetic blue heeler mix. She went from a timid, excitable puppy to a well-behaved dog with confidence. Mel and Jeff taught us how to bring out the best in our dog. We had no idea how much potential she had! As owners, we were taught how to solve behavior problems by breaking down training into mini-steps. Our dog absolutely loved the classes, and we’re not sure who learned more, she or us!

~Reocmmendation from Jenny and Keith Gelber, Oxford, OH

“We’re thrilled with our results!”

We definitely appreciated your approach to things. You’re a really good communicator. You have a way of expressing concepts that makes the dog’s perspective easier to grasp. Quite honestly, you were the first trainer we talked with that we all felt we could follow, and we’re thrilled with the results.

~Reocmmendation from Teela Casseday, Liberty Township, OH