About Happier Hounds Training Maui

Force-free classes from Makawao

Happier Hounds Training Maui is a Makawao dog training business founded in 2021 by Melodie Ulman, with a mission of a healthier, happier human-canine connection built on communication and understanding. All classes use only positive and force-free techniques. Melodie became a licensed Therapy Animal Instructor and Evaluator in 2012 and ran Caring K9s Therapy Dogs, Maui from 2012 to 2020. Each class has a "Helper Dog" teaching assistant that models good manners and comforts anxious dogs.

Classes and pricing

Group classes meet Saturday mornings on the Great Lawn at UHMC or at other outdoor venues, as a series of five classes. Foundations covers sit, down, stay, come and loose leash walking for dogs 4 months and up; Team Building takes those skills further with more distraction, duration and distance; and Out & Aboutings works on socialization in novel environments, limited to five teams. Each series costs $150 ($155 via PayPal), with up to 10 teams. New students start with a dog handling workshop. Other options include AKC Canine Good Citizen, Rally Obedience, a new puppy package, one-on-one, family or group coaching, therapy team certification and socializing play groups in Makawao.

What owners say

One student wrote that "Melodie met the [very different] needs of both of [my dogs], and taught me how to do that too!"