Melissa Duran, CPDT is certified by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.  She is also a certified American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen evaluator.  Melissa apprenticed under a veterinarian and a Cornell-certified canine behavior professional for five years before she began teaching classes of her own.  She also has fourteen years of experience as a veterinary technician.  This valuable blend of veterinary knowledge and training experience enables her to better evaluate each pet's needs and problems.  Melissa has also studied Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Before starting Canine Acclaim, Melissa taught pet dog classes and was responsible for the successful implementation of doggy day camp programs at local animal hospitals.  She currently is the director of Companion Animal Hospital of Wakefield's Doggy Day Camp program, where she utilizes her dog behavior knowledge to optimize each dog's day camp experience.

In addition to her teaching and veterinary work, Melissa volunteers and provides training services for several animal rescue groups.  She is also training her two rescue horses using positive motivation training methods.  She continues to expand her knowledge by attending behavior seminars, classes and conferences.  Melissa lives in Youngsville with her husband (a veterinarian), two cats, three dogs and two fish.