Our Team
Ana Melara, CPDT-KA
Ana Melara has been working with dogs and their families for almost 2 decades, originally in NYC and for more than 10 years here in Colorado. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and member of the (APDT) Association of Pet Dog Trainers and a member of (IAABC) International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is a Canine Good Citizen evaluator. She keeps herself current by attending various workshops, seminars and conferences. Her training techniques are founded on praise-based, dog-friendly methods, and a fundamental belief that, as their guardians, we are responsible for their well-being and training. Whether she is teaching basic manners, agility, puppy socialization, potty training or addressing a dog’s aggression issues, Ana stresses to all of her human clients the profound importance that their leadership plays in their dog’s training. Ana also donates her time and services to various rescue organizations in the Denver Metro Area.
Ana lives in Lakewood with her husband, her daughter and four fantastic dogs. Her newest addition, Tatonka, is a 3-ish year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier who is learning that there are way more nice people in this world than he had been exposed to previously. He is now on the road to becoming another great agility champ. Meg is her 8 year-old black lab agility superstar. Gracie is her 13 year-old agility champion whippet/pit-bull mix. Argos is her 10 year-old German shepherd mix who is one of our greatest assets in helping dogs with aggression issues.
Ana can be reached by sending her a note or calling 303-238-3647.
Gracie
Gracie is a whippet/pit-bull mix that I found tied to a fence in NYC in 1999. She was in bad shape, weighing 25 lb with broken teeth, a broken spirit and missing over 50% of the hair on her body. She came home with me to teach me many lessons. With love, hope, passion, understanding and guidance she quickly became a beautiful, confident, strong RockStar! In 2008 Gracie competed in Cynosports World Games, USDAA Agility. She has multiple agility titles under her belt and has helped puppies, dogs with aggression issues and countless others. She is now in her golden years and still working with me regularly. She loves her belly-rubs, liver cookies and naps under the blankets.
Meg
Meg is a black lab who joined our family at about 12 weeks old. She is the easiest dog we’ve ever had. She’s smart, patient and a great listener. Meg helps our team with our puppy classes as well as in our agility classes. She also competed in the Cynosports World Games, USDAA Agility in 2008 with Gracie.
Argos
Argos is a German Shepherd mix who joined our family in 2002. He was found as a stray in a neighboring state and was brought to Colorado for some medical attention. He is a huge asset to the Training With Grace team. Argos helps us with young puppies who have severe aggression issues. He is a brilliant nursemaid for infant kittens. Argos is a superstar at K-9 Nose-work and absolutely lovely with young children. He has taught me patience, forgiveness and dedication.
Tatonka
Tatonka joined our family in March of 2010. He came to us with multiple lacerations, punctures and scars from having been bound. His physical scars have mostly healed, but we regularly show him that there are more people in this world who are gentle and safe. He dodged euthanasia twice within a span of 3 months. He is now training to compete in agility. He’s already on the road to stardom! He is a gift.
Travis
Travis is Ana’s husband. They met in NYC at the dog-run in Hell’s Kitchen. He has a background in para-medicine, firefighting and spent 6 years serving our country in the Army. In 2008 Travis started the Jog the Dog service for Training With Grace. Travis takes high-energy, special needs dogs out for runs, jogs and vigorous power walks in order to help families with busy schedules and to to drain some of your dog’s energy in a focused mindful way. Jog the Dog is an excellent alternative for dogs who are not fit for a daycare environment and for dogs learning how to mind their manners out in public. A tired dog is a good dog.
Rebeca
Rebeca is our daughter and she is a treasure! She has helped us with countless animals. She helps us socialize puppies and dogs to children. She helps therapy dogs practice for reading programs. Rebeca has been working with dogs since she was an infant. She now is practicing agility with Meg and will soon start trialing with Meg regularly. She has also been riding horses from the tender age of 8 months and is currently training weekly. Rebeca is planning on getting her own horse when she turns 7!