We help owners and their dogs build a calm, cooperative relationship through structured obedience training — so you can live together peacefully, wherever life takes you.
Every dog we train moves through the same disciplined obedience foundation — the base everything else is built on, whether you're working on manners at home or reliability out in public.
Sit, down, stay, come, and place — taught with clear markers and consistent timing so the dog understands exactly what's being asked, and why it's worth doing.
Loose-leash walking and self-control around food, toys, and other dogs. A dog that can hold itself together is a dog you can actually take places.
Commands get tested in real environments — busy streets, other animals, crowds, noise — because obedience that only works in a quiet yard isn't obedience yet.
Once a dog is solid on leash, we start removing it — building commands that hold up in public without a physical connection to fall back on.
We bring you into every stage, so by the end you're not just handed a trained dog — you know how to maintain, correct, and build on what they've learned.
Melissa was born and raised in the Bay Area of California. With her parents' support, she enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17. In 1999, she became an aircrewman and was soon deployed overseas, where she earned the Kosovo Campaign Medal and served during the Global War on Terrorism. She was honorably discharged in 2006 as an AD2(NAC).
In 2010, Melissa continued her commitment to public service by joining the Sheriff's Office, where she served her community until her retirement in 2021.
In 2023, Melissa and her husband, Jeff — a decorated veteran and retired police officer — moved their family to Spotsylvania. Driven once again to serve the community, Melissa combined her military background, law enforcement experience, and years of dog training expertise to open Mission Ready K9s in 2026.
Mission Ready K9s is about more than obedience commands — Melissa's goal is to help owners build cohesive, well-balanced homes where people and their dogs can live peacefully together.
Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong.
Why dedicate a section to the dogs? Because let's face it, they're the real heroes. Plus, they're cute and awesome.
Meet Tyge and Atka — our own dogs, trained by Melissa, and the reason we know firsthand what consistent, patient training can do for a dog's confidence and manners.
Good obedience isn't about the breed. It's about clear communication and consistency, every time.
Born in Indiana and trained in California by Melissa and Jack Fields of K9 Development, Tyge works as both a service dog and a detection dog. He's always ready to train and please, and when he's off the clock he loves running, playing fetch, and roughhousing with his sister Atka.
Atka came to Melissa from Texas at 10 weeks old, with protection-dog lineage behind her. She looks tough, but she's the biggest baby in the house and will melt in your arms. Her favorite things: couch cuddles and a good game of stalk-the-Tyge.
The groundwork every dog needs — impulse control, focus, and reliability on and off leash, in public and at home.
Calm, controlled walks and self-control around food, toys, and other dogs — no more fighting the leash to get down the block.
Working through jumping, pulling, reactivity, and other everyday frustrations, so your dog is a pleasure to live with.
Early socialization and foundational manners for puppies, so good habits take root before bad ones have a chance to.
We train the other end of the leash too — sessions that teach you to read, correct, and maintain what your dog has learned.
Our team's background includes military, law enforcement, and protection work — we know what "ready" looks like on the job.
Clear communication and consistent standards, adjusted to each dog's drive and temperament — never one-size-fits-all.
Follow-up sessions, handler coaching, and a direct line to us for as long as you and your dog are working together.
Tell us about your dog and what you're working on — leash manners, a puppy just getting started, or a house that needs a little more calm — and Melissa will follow up to set up an evaluation.
Fill out the form and your request goes straight to Melissa's inbox. Most replies come within a day or two.