About Us & Our Approach

RMRDTA President & Lead Instructor Ana Melara, CPDT-KA, brings the same commitment to humane, dog-friendly treatment to the academy as she does to her dog-training center, Grace Dog Training & Behavior. With more than 15 years of experience, she is a specialist in dog behavior — especially aggression and reactivity issues, and relies exclusively on praise-based methods.

In addition to being a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and an avid supporter of local rescues and shelters, Ana is also:

  • a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT);
  • a member of International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC);
  • a S.T.A.R. Puppy instructor & evaluator;
  • a founding member of the Colorado Natural Pet Care Association; and
  • a Canine Good Citizen evaluator.

Ana also knows how invaluable hands-on experience is in the dog-training industry.  One of the things that sets us apart is how much hands-on work there is.  We also make sure our students work with a wide variety of dogs, from familiar pets and foster puppies (when available), and current shelter or rescue dogs awaiting adoption.

Few programs come close to the amount of hands-on application of theories and techniques at RMRDTA.  In fact, we’ve had current and past academy students who chose to also complete our 12-week program, even after going through other training programs that left them wanting!

You can expect to experience 50+ hours of hands on work with various dog breeds and sizes. You will also have the opportunity to train other species. You will be given assignments to complete on your own as well as with a partner or training team.

You will have access to your mentor trainers during your entire time in the R.M.R.D.T.A. You will also work with a mentor trainer to guide you and fine tune your skills. Teaching Impulse Control is essential for every dog. You will learn how to share it with them. You get the constant support you need throughout your academy membership.

Throughout your R.M.R.D.T.A. experience, you will have support and career guidance. The R.M.R.D.T.A. staff will give you leads to jobs and career opportunities. We only work with reputable stable organizations.

What makes us different from other dog training schools? We give you that which is beyond book smart. We give you the hands on, daily. You’ll work with puppies. You’ll learn about dog body language, clicker mechanics. Once you graduate, you will teach a class. Depending on your performance, skills, proficiency and attitude you may even be presented the opportunity to work with us.

You will have access to the R.M.R.D.T.A. private Facebook page where you can connect with graduates, current students and mentors to answer your questions and get help with your dog training challenges.

Your mentor trainer Ana Melara, CPDT-KA and supporting instructors are skilled, knowledgeable, caring individuals who pride themselves in uplifting you, stretching you to achieve greater goals and they will keep you having fun throughout your whole entire stay with us.

Finally, the entire RMRDTA team is committed to developing relationships with our students that facilitate open communication, and help us know how to uniquely encourage individualized growth. Our program is unique because we are there each step of the way, offering guidance and feedback as students increase their knowledge base and develop their skills.

rocky-mountain-dog-trainer-academy-business-planningYour dreams matter. Get them in front of you in a way that you can visit with them daily.

rocky-mountain-dog-trainer-academy-business-planning-2Every Academy gets to participate in a vision board and business planning workshop.

rmrdta-dog-training-gradsOur RMRDTA makes great connections possible with caring grads, teachers, students and clients.