Happier Hounds Training began in 2021, yet is based upon our founder’s decades of experience in in all “things dog” specializing in therapy dog visitation, training, and evaluation. Happier Hounds provides a welcoming and accessible option for all, with a group teaching model, affordable pricing, excellent outdoor venues, upbeat and positive instruction in a wide range of skills. We also offer coaching sessions 1:1, family or groups.
Let’s improve your relationship with your dog, contact us!
Meet our Founder, Melodie
Founder Melodie Ulman discovered her true calling for animal therapy in 1999 and subsequently became a licensed Therapy Animal Instructor and Evaluator in 2012 before moving to Maui.
This training, coupled with her background and experience in teaching (both children and adults-specializing in early childhood education), counseling, and restaurant management prepared her to successfully create and run Caring K9s Therapy Dogs, Maui from 2012-2020, establishing it as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2017 and by year end 2019, 28 dogs and handlers were able to spread love and joy to over 13,000 clients across Maui.
While managing Caring K9s, Melodie noticed the need for affordable, positive, force free dog training on the island and created Happier Hounds Training to address this need.
Melodie thinks of herself as a “Dog Advocate” and a lifelong student of dogs.
Melodie lives in Makawao with her Chef husband, Erik; her 4 English Labradors, Dawson, Kodi, George, new pup, Jackson; and 6 not-so-feral cats.