Welcome to Mako’s Way!

Golden, Colorado Dog Training and Behavior Counseling

A golden retriever dog with a colorful autumn leaf patterned bandana lying on a log in a park with hills and buildings in the background on a clear day.

A rigorous education through the Academy for Dog Trainers and a network of incredible, well respected colleagues means we’re up to date on the latest in ethical and effective training practices. In a widely unregulated industry, we believe in the importance of having a well rounded education that is based on the science of animal behavior.

Credentialed

A brown, curly-haired puppy with a purple bandana, sitting on a woven outdoor rug on a porch with a black wicker chair and railing in the background.

Mako’s Way is committed to treating your dog with the kindness and respect that they deserve. We will never use outdated, painful training methods (like electric shock or other painful collars) and instead will be breaking skills down into achievable steps and building on them over time. The result of training this way is a dog who eagerly participates because they want to, rather than one who complies due to fear or stress about making “mistakes”.

Kind

A close-up shot of a smiling dog, possibly a Labrador Retriever, surrounded by purple wildflowers and green grass in a natural outdoor setting.

We truly love what we do! We believe that the training process should be fun for both ends of the leash. Our hope is that you and your dog are able to live happier, more fulfilling lives as a result of training with us.

Passionate

Our favorite things to work on:

  • Puppy training

  • Socialization

  • Building trust with newly adopted dogs and puppies

  • Confidence building

  • Loose leash walking

  • Polite greetings

  • Coming when called

  • Basic obedience

  • Trail manners

Our Services

  • Leash reactivity

  • Resource guarding

  • Body handling/Cooperative care

  • Stranger danger

  • Fear & aggression

Testimonials:

  • Frankie

    “Frankie was very fearful in new environments, and I was having trouble walking him as a result. Anna did wonderful work with Frankie on his fear of new environments, loose-leash walking, and recall. All of these improved tremendously during her time working with him. Perhaps most importantly, Anna taught me how to read Frankie’s body language and behavior so that I can give him what he needs in different situations. With both of us, Anna was kind, attentive, and supportive. I felt completely comfortable leaving Frankie in her hands. I would recommend her to any dog parent as a compassionate and dedicated trainer.”

    — Susannah P.

  • Beans

    “Beans, a Malinois/German Shepherd mix, came to us as a dog who had developed severe anxiety around both people and other dogs. Anna’s patience, skill, and genuine love for her made a huge difference in Beans’ life and ours. Through consistent one-on-one sessions, Anna developed a deep understanding of her temperament and needs. She provided not only expertise, but also encouragement and guidance for us as first time dog owners being thrust into some difficult situations…Beyond her technical ability, Anna brought warmth and dedication beyond what we expected. Beans loves exceptionally hard but not easily, however by the end of her time training with Anna, she truly considered her one of the family.”

    — Sarah and Neal H.

  • Lena

    “Anna is very patient with dogs and their owners. Our Lena can be a very exuberant Labrador Retriever. Anna taught us how to handle Lena so she doesn’t jump up on people and to remain calm when she gets attention…Anna is extremely responsible, dependable, and has a strong work ethic. She is generous, humble, and has a great sense of humor. She loves animals!”

    —Mary P. and Maria S.

  • Sammy

    When we were blessed (or cursed) with a highly anxious rescue dog, there was a period of time where I could not picture him remaining in our home - he was afraid of people, sounds, traffic, and could never be left alone. Anna not only showed him that people are kind and can be trusted - she also showed him the innumerable things he is capable of. Under her guidance, he came to LOVE learning new things, and though somewhat hesitantly, has now learned to go new places and meet new people. She has taught us how to better understand his cues and respect his pace, and now I could not picture life without our strange and hilarious boy - his personality is larger than life, and his world is so much bigger because of the wisdom and patience Anna has shown to him. He's a better dog, and we are better owners, and I couldn't be more grateful! 

    — Candace S. and Emily L.