About Us
If your dog's behavior is frustrating or challenging, we are here to help. Our team is comprised of dedicated, experienced, and passionate dog trainers with years of experience. We can handle it all - from getting your puppy started out on the right paw, to dealing with serious behavior issues like anxiety and aggression. And we do it all with humane, reward-based training for the most effective results. We know you are busy, stressed, and ready to see a change, so let us help you and your pup find harmony in life together.
Melanie Hanan
CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP
Melanie Hanan is the founder and owner of WagMore Dog Training, LLC. She has been a full-time professional dog trainer since 2010. Melanie enjoys learning about the science of dog training and loves helping her students experience the joys of owning a well-trained family companion.
Melanie graduated from Hofstra University with a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, as well as a BA in English Literature. After graduation, she enrolled in Karen Pryor Academy and graduated with distinction from their Dog Trainer Professional Course. In 2014, she passed the CPDT-KA exam and became a Certified Professional Dog Trainer through the CCPDT. She is a supporting member of the IAABC and a Canine Good Citizen Evaluation through the American Kennel Club.
Melanie lives in Dix Hills with her husband Ryan, their two children, two dogs, and their rescue cat. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys hiking, reading, and volunteering with local rescue organizations to help dogs find loving, permanent homes.
Casey Newell
CPDT-KA
Board & Train and Puppy Camp Specialist
Casey Newell is a lifelong year old animal lover, dog mom and home owner. Her love of animals is something she has always felt deep in her soul, and she began her professional career at the young age of 15 with a job position at a local shelter. After five years of walking, feeding, socializing, and evaluating shelter dogs, Casey got a job as a veterinary assistant/technician to help more dogs in need. In 2016, she began rescuing and adopting senior dogs to make their golden years as happy and comfortable as possible.
The knowledge and experience she gained with over 15 years in the shelter, veterinary, and rescue world led her into training where she quickly found that she was a natural. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the CCPDT, is a graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy Foundation Course, and is a supporting member of the IAABC.
Casey cherishes the relationships that she has made through rehabilitating, nurturing, and caring for dogs and feels that they have been nothing short of extraordinary. She currently lives in Miller Place with her American Bully named Bruce. She enjoys hiking with Bruce, off roading on the beach, volunteering with non-profit animal rescues, and fostering bottle babies of all species.
BRODY, CGC
Brody is Melanie’s 10 year old border collie/hound mix who was rescued from a kill shelter in Georgia in 2012. Brody has logged hundreds of hours helping socialize fearful, nervous, and aggressive adult dogs, and even more time being the friendly, adult dog in puppy socialization sessions. He loves learning new tricks and excelled at Karen Pryor Academy, graduating alongside Melanie in 2013. Brody’s favorite activities include walks through the trails, hikes in Vermont, playing with treat puzzles, and chewing on bully sticks. Brody has been at Melanie’s side through a majority of her training career, and she couldn’t ask for a better companion and teacher to learn from every day.
RIO
Meet Rio, our Portuguese Water Dog puppy and resident bundle of enthusiasm. After completing his puppy training foundation classes, he has been busy putting his skills to work by helping other puppies learn the ropes.
Rio shines as a helper dog thanks to his happy attitude, polite play style, and growing ability to read the room. His curiosity and confidence make him a great role model for puppies.
When he's not helping with training session, Rio thrives in the chaos of a home with two toddlers. The real life experiences of sudden noises and lots of movement help him stay patient and adaptable, and carry over into his work as a helper dog.
HANK
Hank is Casey's French Bulldog who joined her family in 2023 and quickly stole everyone's hearts. He may be deaf, but that hasn't slowed him down at all - Hank is always excited to learn and has taken beautifully to hand signals in his training. He truly loves everyone he meets, both dogs and people alike.
Hank's friendly, easygoing nature makes him a wonderful helper dog. He's great at making other dogs feel comfortable and confident, no matter their size or energy level.
When he's not helping in training sessions, Hank can usually be found doing his favorite things: napping (often with impressive snoring), enjoying a good meal, going on hikes, and chewing on his toys.