Melanie began her journey in dog sports in 2004 with herfirst Vizsla, Sammy, followed by Davis in 2006. Since then, she has actively competed across a wide range of sports and venues, including agility (NADAC, AKC, UKC, USDAA, CPE), rally (AKC, UKC, Cynosport, C-WAGS), obedience (AKC, UKC, CDSP), Barn Hunt, Nose Work/Scent Work (NACSW, UKC, AKC, CPE, C-WAGS), and FastCAT.
Her passion for nose work/scent work took shape in 2010, leading her to extensive training through classes, seminars, and workshops. As she immersed herself further—competing, volunteering, and supporting events throughout the midwest —a friend encouraged her to apply to become a scent work judge in 2017, and she has been judging ever since.Over the years, Melanie has earned numerous high-level titles with her dogs, but she values the relationship and teamwork with her canine partners above all else. Watching dogs work through scent puzzles—whether her own, her students’, or those she judges—continues to be one of her greatest joys.
Melanie is currently owned by Four, a 9-year-old male Vizsla, and Bliss, a 6½-year-old female Vizsla, who follow in the footsteps of their predecessors by competing in multiple sports. She strongly believes in versatility and in keeping her dogs engaged both mentally and physically. Melanie enjoys teaching beginner Nose Work classes and loves witnessing the growth and confidence of young dogs as they learn the sport. She also serves as a nose work/scent work judge for several venues.
