Melanie Wonneberger
R.E.A.L. K9 Training Ridgway, CO
R. E. A. L. K9 Training adheres to science and positive reinforcement based methods, fostering a lasting bond between owners, handlers and their dogs. Melanie belongs to the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, an organization dedicated to establishing highly scientific, ethical standards in the unregulated dog training industry. Melanie is committed to incorporating these methods into every dog family's home and supporting the organization of Professional Dog Trainers.
​
Melanie regularly serves the Western Slope of Colorado, including Ridgway, Ouray, Montrose, and will travel for service dog training*. She can't wait to help you and your dog unleash your dog's potential!
*Travel fees may apply for locations beyond a 25-minute radius from our facility *
Melanie's Mission
Melanie founded her company driven by a deep passion for dogs and a commitment to fostering harmonious relationships within families. With a profound belief that a happy home involves a strong bond between family members and their pets, her mission is two-fold: assisting pet owners with their dogs and aiding those in need of a service dog.
​
As a dedicated professional service dog trainer, Melanie is on a mission to enhance the lives of others by promoting better physical and mental well-being through the companionship of a well-trained service dog. Her goal is to uncover the potential within each dog and empower them to provide valuable support to their owners.
​
If you seeking to strengthen the bond with your canine companion or in need of a service dog for improved health and independence, R.E.A.L. K9 Training is here to guide you on this transformative journey. Let our expertise and passion for dogs and owner help create a healthier and happier life with your four-legged friend.
Get To Know Me Further
My love for animals began as early as I can remember - It all started when I was a child and watched my father train our family doodle to pick me up from school every day. While dogs had always been a part of my life, as a person with medical issues, I never realized how much I could benefit from having my own service dog until I got Rex.
When Rex, my (now mostly retired) service dog, joined my family, I planned on training him to do some dog sport, but I was introduced to service dog training and learned about how he could improve my life. While training and working with Rex, I realized I had a passion for service training as well. During my service dog training program with him, the lead trainer recognized my skills and potential and signed me on as a trainer and coach.
​
Since taking on a training role, I have undergone extensive education in learning theory, dog behavior, and body language. I am proud to hold certifications as a Fear Free Certified Professional and a CPDT-KA certified trainer. I am also a Certified Puppy Start Right Instructor through Karen Pryor Academy, a DWYD Certified Instructor, an AKC Trick Dog, S.T.A.R. Puppy, and CGC Evaluator, and a Snake Avoidance Instructor through Summit Dog Training. Furthermore, I am an Atlas Assistance Dogs Facilitator and am currently working toward my certification as an Atlas Certified Service Dog Trainer.
​
I believe my own disabilities have allowed me to connect more deeply with my clients, as I can relate more to their experiences and understand their needs on a personal level. Being a service dog handler myself, I've gained valuable independence through my own service dogs, and I am passionate about training dogs to help others achieve similar success. I take great pride in celebrating both the small and large victories along the service dog or pet journey, while also offering support during the more challenging times for both the dog and the human. Owning a dog with big emotions brings its own challenges, and both the owner and the dog need support along the way, not just training.
When I’m not training, dogs still play a major role in my life! I live just outside of Ridgway with my husband, who is a member of the Ouray Mountain Rescue team, along with my Newfypoo in-home service dog, Kona; my retired German Shepherd service dog, Rex; my husband’s German Shepherd, Angel; and our son’s cat. All of my adult dogs have earned CGC, UCGC, and ACGC titles, with Kona also holding a Trick Dog title. Our children are grown—our daughter is studying nursing in college, and our son is serving in the Air Force, currently stationed in Japan. In my free time, I enjoy e-biking in the mountains, traveling, scuba diving, skiing, and backcountry skiing with our pack. I’m also passionate about continuously learning more about dog behavior.
