We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Melanie Uhde recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Melanie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us about a time where you or your team really helped a customer get an amazing result?

I am always inspired by the progress and transformation of my students and their dogs. One particularly memorable success story is that of Julie and her 1.5-year-old border collie mix, Jasper.

From the moment Julie got Jasper, she was filled with hope and excitement for the future with her new puppy. However, as Jasper’s anxiety and fearfulness started to manifest, Julie felt increasingly helpless and desperate. Nothing seemed to work despite her best efforts, hiring various recommended trainers and trying different training methods. Julie’s hope turned into skepticism, especially after a 4-week program that solidified Jasper’s basic commands but did not address his underlying fear and anxiety issues.

The emotional toll was immense. Jasper’s reactivity to people, dogs, and cars, combined with the medical complications caused by his anxiety, left Julie feeling completely lost. She was faced with conflicting advice from different professionals and even considered the heartbreaking possibility of giving Jasper away. The disappointment and frustration were overwhelming.

When I had my first consultation with Julie, it was clear that she needed a different approach, one that addressed the root causes of Jasper’s anxieties and fears rather than just focusing on obedience and surface-level behaviors.

She felt a glimmer of hope for the first time in a long time. I believe that the heartbreaking tears turned into tears of relief. She felt understood, and more importantly, she felt that someone finally understood Jasper and what he was going through. The connection was immediate, and Julie felt a wave of gratitude.

We started by educating Julie on the neuroscience behind fear and anxiety in dogs, and why traditional training methods were not effective for Jasper. Then, we developed a customized step-by-step behavior modification plan to help Jasper learn new, healthier ways to cope with his anxieties. As Julie and Jasper embarked on their journey with Canine Decoded, Julie’s emotions fluctuated between hope, determination, and at times, doubt. Behavior modification is a gradual process, and there were moments of setbacks and challenges.

But Julie was committed to the process and worked diligently with Jasper, following the guidelines and exercises we provided on our online platform. Over time, Jasper began to transform. He became calmer and more relaxed indoors, and more confident and less stressed outdoors. Julie learned how to manage Jasper’s reactivity and help him feel safe and comfortable in different situations.

The progress didn’t stop there. Jasper started to show signs of improvement in his interactions with people and other dogs during walks. Friends and even his vet noticed the significant changes in his behavior. Julie felt educated and supported throughout the process, and for the first time, she felt hopeful about Jasper’s future.

The transformation in both Julie and Jasper was profound. As Jasper became calmer, more relaxed, and more confident, so did Julie. She went from feeling helpless and desperate to empowered and hopeful. The support and education she received from Canine Decoded not only transformed Jasper’s life but also her own.

Now, Julie has the confidence to go on adventures with Jasper, something she could only dream of before. She feels equipped to manage any challenges that may arise and is excited about the future with her beloved companion. The journey was undoubtedly emotional, but it was also incredibly rewarding. Julie and Jasper’s story is a beautiful example of resilience, determination, and the power of a supportive, science-based approach to canine behavior modification.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am originally from Germany, where my love for biology led me to earn a PhD in Natural Sciences. I then moved to New York City to conduct research at Columbia University, where I was deeply immersed in studying neurobiological connections among living beings. My journey took an unexpected turn when I found myself in Thailand, working on a research project that made me realize the importance of making a tangible difference in real lives, beyond the confines of academia.

This realization prompted a shift in my career and personal life. I entered the corporate world, seeking to amplify my impact, and adopted a German Shepherd Dog (GSD), Harvey. Suddenly, I found myself navigating a sea of confusing advice and questions about dog training. I relied on my science background to troubleshoot issues and create an environment where both Harvey and I could thrive.

As I delved deeper into the dog training world, I noticed a troubling gap. There was a pervasive divide among trainers, creating a toxic environment that often sidelined empathy and expertise, leaving the well-being of our dogs compromised.

Inspired to make a change, I founded Canine Decoded, a brand that fuses scientific knowledge, empathy, and real-world applicability. We stand at the intersection where research, real-world solutions, and a deep respect for our canine companions meet.

I took my message to the masses, using social media and webinars to share a different approach to dog training. The response was astounding – I was bringing hope, opening eyes, and disrupting the status quo.

Today, Canine Decoded is committed to developing fun, supportive, and engaging dog training and mentorship programs. We help dog owners and professionals overcome the fear of missteps and the frustration of feeling lost. We enable them to carve out small and large adventures alike, fostering a sense of belonging and satisfaction within a supportive community.

Our mission is to transform the dog industry from a fragmented battlefield into a united force of change. We are blazing a trail in real-life inspired canine research and offering education and mentorship that blend empathy and innovation. All to reignite the magical bond between humans and dogs.

Welcome to Canine Decoded, where we decode to better understand and enrich the world of our beloved dogs.

What sets us apart is our unique approach that combines empathy and science. We are most proud of the tangible, positive impact we have made in the lives of dogs and their owners. We want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that Canine Decoded is dedicated to providing supportive, science-based dog training and mentorship programs that prioritize the well-being of dogs and empower their owners to create meaningful, lasting change.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

At Canine Decoded, fostering a sense of community and loyalty among our followers is of the utmost importance. From the moment someone joins our global community via our newsletter, we aim to make them feel welcomed, supported, and valued. It all starts with a personalized welcome email that not only expresses our genuine excitement for their decision to join us but also clearly outlines why they are here, what they can expect, and what their next steps should be. This communication sets the tone for our relationship right from the start, demonstrating that we understand their challenges and are committed to helping them every step of the way.

Maintaining regular communication is key to fostering a strong relationship with our students. We ensure that they are always in the loop through weekly emails, special event invitations, and updates on new programs. We also make a point to share a ton of free resources, such as our Dog Personality Guide, to provide continuous support even after a student has completed a program. And, we promise to only send really cool stuff—no spam here!

Our Facebook page serves as a hub for daily inspiration, updates, and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks. It is a space where students can connect with each other, share their experiences, and feel a sense of belonging in a community of like-minded dog lovers.

Our commitment to our students doesn’t end once a program is completed. We continue to offer support through additional resources, follow-up emails, and invitations to special events.

In essence, Canine Decoded is not just a dog training service; we are a community of dog lovers dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of dogs and their owners. And we make it clear right from the start that we are here for our students, every step of the way.

What our fans value the most is the connection between science, simplicity, and empathy. And that never stops, right?

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building a reputation within any market requires a commitment to values that resonate deeply with the community you serve. Our reputation at Canine Decoded has been built on a foundation of empathy, transparency, and a relentless pursuit to redefine the dog training industry.

We are acutely aware of the judgment, shaming, and belittlement that many dog owners face from ‘know-it-all’ professionals. We are tired of the ‘quick fixes’ mentality that floods the dog training industry with misleading claims and pushy marketing. We lament the loss of the magic that comes from sharing our lives with dogs, as society becomes obsessed with divisive training methods and tools. We reject the outdated ‘done for you’ approach that leaves dog owners feeling powerless and uninformed.

Our mission is to disrupt the status quo, call out what isn’t working, and redefine how we share our lives with dogs. We want to empower people to feel confident in their abilities to handle their dogs and excited about the life journey they embark on together. We want to make the dog training world a modern, kinder, and more united place.

At Canine Decoded, we are driven by a deep-seated desire to restore the magic of the human-canine bond. We believe that by providing dog owners with the knowledge, tools, and support they need, we can transform the way people interact with their dogs and ultimately create a more harmonious world for all. Our reputation has been built on this unwavering commitment to our values and our determination to make a lasting impact in the lives of dogs and their owners.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.caninedecoded.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caninedecoded/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caninedecoded/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanieuhde/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtbhcyIAR4BtqsIih3n_TxA