About Us

Our Dog Trainers have Two Core Values:



Trust

We get it – trusting someone with the wellbeing of your dog is tough. We recognize that you are investing a lot of trust in us! Your dog will be learning from a Certified Dog Trainer who always takes the Spoonful of Sugar Approach. We pride ourselves on keeping up with modern dog training best practices to ensure our curriculum and techniques are the latest and most effective, while prioritizing your dog’s mental and physical well being. All of our instructors are trained in canine behavior and body language as well as how to spot specific signs of fear, stress, anxiety, and physical discomfort.



Love

We believe that love is foundational to learning, for both people and dogs. We are proud to offer dog training services that prioritize the human-dog relationship to achieve learning that lasts. We take the Spoonful of Sugar Approach with dogs (and their guardians!) to cultivate a comfortable and inclusive environment for all. We love helping dogs learn, and we aim to show that everyday, in everything we do!

Meet the Team!

Every member of Merry Puppins is a trained professional. We invest heavily in our team so that they can provide the best and safest care to your pets.

Melissa - Owner, Merry Puppins Pet Care Pittsburgh, PA

Owner- Melissa

She/Her

Founder, Certified Professional Pet Sitter, Certified Pet Tech First Aid and CPR Instructor

Melissa founded Merry Puppins in 2018 with the goal of raising the standard of in-home pet care- because pets deserve it! Melissa launched Merry Puppins School for Dogs in 2024 to provide much needed services to our friends and neighbors who frequently ask us questions about dog training, and share their frustration with finding convenient, available training in the East End.

With a passion for learning, Melissa believes that Merry Puppins and Merry Puppins School for Dogs can provide THE best and safest pet care and integrative training experiences.

“Wonderful! Thank you, Melissa. It is such a pleasure to work with you and your team. I just referred you to one of my neighbors today! She asked me if I had any recommendations for dog walkers, so I passed along your website, along with my glowing endorsement.” – Marla M.

Pawfessor Barbara

She/Her

Pet Sitter / School for Dogs Program Manager

Barbara grew up in Pittsburgh and brings more than 30 years of hands-on pet care experience to the Merry Puppins team. Her career has included managing the dog floor at the Humane Society of New York for six years, where she gained deep expertise working with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. She also owned and operated Bow Wow Doggie Daycare, where she built a thriving community of happy pups and pet parents.

Now based in Edgewood/Regent Square, Barbara loves the neighborhood’s greenery and the spontaneous, interesting conversations that bloom around every corner. Outside of work, she enjoys long bike rides with friends (and plenty of snacks), and is a creative spirit who loves making things — from woodworking and felting to found-object sculpture.

We’re thrilled to have Barbara’s experience, empathy, and love of dogs on the Merry Puppins team.

“Wonderful & creative first photo. I can’t believe the deer snorted at you. Did you see how happy Evie was to see you? So glad you came tonight.” Katie P.

Get In Touch!

833- MRRY-PUP (833-677-9787)
We are excited to talk about your needs and learn about your pets! A phone call is the best way to get the intake process started. Once we talk, we can help set up an online account, and schedule you for a Meet and Greet so we can meet in person!

BOOK NOW