Grace Dog Training & Behavior

Teaching old dogs new ways. I am 57 years old and have for the past 14 years been navigating the residual effects of MS. Four months ago we got a puppy with the plan of training him to be a service dog for me. Bear is learning to be a brace and balance support as well as a retriever of items I drop. Looking at our 8 week old ball of fluff, I was overwhelmed with the thought of how to start training that would accomplish the goals I have for Bear. A referral led me to call Ana and I will forever be grateful for that referral. Ana has been the perfect trainer for Bear and I. The first thing you see from her is that she loves dogs and if Bear is any indication, dogs love her. She is quick to praise, you will hear often “that’s what I am talking about!” She is very analytical in her work. In our sessions she will often talk about the information we are gaining from the different experiences we are presenting to Bear and then will be guided toward adjustments related to that information. Ana is also able to hold both the young dog, Bear and the old dog, me accountable. In her sometimes thick New York accent she will tell me when my actions are creating issues for Bear and what I need to do differently. Never harsh, but always direct, Ana’s comments are spot on. When you sign on with Ana, you get so much more than the face to face session time. Logistically, Ana has established spectacular communication structures, whether reaching out to her assistant or directly texting Ana, my questions are always addressed quickly. Additionally, Ana wants videos from those she is helping and uses those videos between sessions to help adjust training. Bear and I have a long ways to go to perfect his service work, three months into this work, I can tell you with all confidence that with Ana’s help we will get to where we are trying to go. You will be very pleased if you choose to work with Ana Melara and Grace Og Training and Behavior.