Our Story
A Life Built Around Dogs
Peak K-9 Dog Training began with the idea that every dog deserves the best chance to live a full life. Run by husband-and-wife team Matt and Melanie, we are located in Drake, Colorado in a cute log cabin with our 8 dogs, various foster dogs, 2 horses, chickens, ducks, and 1 brave cat.
Our whole life revolves around dogs. We believe that the relationship between owner and dog is the most crucial part of the training journey, and we use balanced training methods — all four quadrants of learning science — to communicate clearly with each dog.
Meet Your Trainers
Matt & Melanie
Melanie
Co-Owner, Lead Trainer & Behavior Consultant
Melanie's training experience started in 2012 volunteering with Guide Dogs for the Blind as a puppy raiser. After raising puppies for 5 years, she worked under a mentor furthering her experience and knowledge of dog behavior.
She led a drop-off socialization and training program for dogs from 8 weeks to 7+ years old for 2 years. She is a Certified Trainer and Behavior Consultant through the Starmark Academy of Dog Trainers and an Evaluator for CGC through the AKC.
Matt
Co-Owner & Trainer
Matt gained his experience through working for a mentor for 2 years until he began his own dog training business in Pennsylvania. He ran his business for 3 years before also attending Starmark Academy for Dog Trainers.
He then moved to Colorado where he and Melanie have worked together ever since, combining their expertise to help dogs and their owners build lasting relationships.
Starmark Academy
Certified Trainer and Behavior Consultant
AKC CGC Evaluator
Official Canine Good Citizen testing
Community Support
10% discount for military, veterans, first responders & shelter dogs
Life at Peak K-9
Our Dogs in Action
Client Stories
What Our Clients Say
Melanie is a wonderful trainer.. so patient with both the dogs and their humans! The facility is very nice... each dog has plenty of space to work without being on top of another dog. Class size is small. Our Sadie came a long way in the beginner class!
— Linda and Sadie
Melanie has been wonderful! I took the Basic Manners class, with my 1.5 year old dog, and it has truly made a big difference. Highly recommend it.
— Cristina and Ash
Melanie did an amazing job helping us direct our hyper and out of control golden puppy into a calm, but still joyful, family dog!
— Tyler and Archer
Melanie truly has a gift. She takes the time to get to know your dog and their personality and is able to work with them in a way that works for them. Additionally she has been a huge help in teaching me as to how best to help my dog with anxiety and obedience. The kindness and knowledge that Melanie brings has transformed my dog. I could not recommend Melanie & Peak K-9 more highly!!
— Sam and Pippa
After adopting an adolescent rescue with a rocky start to life, we found ourselves needing lots of training and coaching! Melanie's training made all the difference in the world. She balanced a commitment to our success with patience and compassion. Her extensive knowledge helped us learn how to redirect our dog's energy, manage new situations, and build new skills.
— Lauren and Maggie
I finished the Basic Manners class with Melanie and am now in the intermediate manners class. Melanie is patient and kind and has a nice calm teaching style. The class, and the follow up emails, are well structured and concise. The results are obvious and appreciated.
— Jon and Annica
Absolutely LOVE Peak K-9!!! Melanie is stellar with our dogs. I have 2 very stubborn 7 year old huskies who are runners. She was able to show us how to hone in that energy and focus on the boys on us and not everything else. We learned so much from Melanie!
— Heather, Neiko, and Sage
The Best!!! We have taken both our dogs here and truly a help!! We saw a difference after the first class. Our trainer for life, could not recommend enough and affordable. Truly cares about the animal and remembers they are a dog at the end of the day!
— Makenli, Obi, and Ani
Our doggos have already learned so much in such a short amount of time! We are so happy! Highly Recommend!
— Kaitlyn, Milo, and Zoe
We love Peak K-9! We adopted a crazy and energetic lab puppy and Melanie helped channel his energy and teach us how to manage his behaviors. She addressed our specific needs and was super flexible and supportive. 10/10 recommend!
— Meaghan & Cody
I cannot say enough good things about Peak K-9 and Melanie. We started training right away for our pup and I never knew that a puppy could learn so much. Melanie also helped us in a moment of need and did some board and train and it was like night and day difference.
— Brittany & Lloyd
We did a 5 week in home training course with Melanie and continue to use her for sporadic training & boarding. She has significantly improved our dogs life, and our lives. We never felt comfortable boarding our dog or finding a trainer we trusted to care for him like their own -- until now! We are so grateful for Melanie and Matt!
— Savannah & Wilbur
Let's Talk About Your Dog
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