Joanna Meleiro, CTC, CPDT-KA, CSAP-BC, FFCP, CAMadvocate level 1

I found my calling while photographing adoptable dogs for local rescues in 2013. Intrigued by the challenge of helping the dogs feel comfortable for the camera I started studying canine behavior and soon adopted Zoe Moo - one of the dogs I had photographed. 

As behavior became more interesting than painting with light, I left the camera behind and applied to Jean Donaldson’s prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers to explore a more formal path of education in dog training and client counseling. I graduated with honors in 2017 and I am committed to continued education in increasingly more specialized areas of interest as well as animal behavior in general.

I created DOG IS RIGHT to help worried dogs and their stressed people.

I am a graduate of the Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer Program with Julie Naismith (author of “Be Right Back: How to Overcome Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety and Regain Your Freedom”) and I have completed a one-on-one mentorship with Tracy Krulik of Separation Anxiety & Beyond.

I work primarily with Separation Related Behaviors whether that is anxiety,  frustration,  boredom,  fear,  or a combination of the above. Whatever the reason your dog is not able to relax while home alone and you are consumed with stress from dealing with the aftermath of their panic moments - we work together to help your dog learn that absences are safe so you can go about your life while they snooze.

Thanks to all the lessons from Zoe (and later her siblings Violet and Blue) I am especially drawn to the ‘worried’ dogs, with endless patience to help their people speak dog more fluently so they can communicate better and navigate the world confidently together.  My special  interests include social play, fear & aggression, practical enrichment solutions, and training games. 

I live in Vancouver, WA with my husband and three senior dogs.