It’s been a very satisfying on-going experience which will continue. I am very pleased with the process and results. I highly recommend Angels in the Making!" 
​L. Norman

Mission Statement

​"We believe in the human-animal bond and that every dog, like every person, has a purpose. We love to work with all people and dogs, but especially those who have dogs that struggle to live in a human world, which can cause a rift in that bond. As a result of our work together, we will create teamwork and build a thriving relationship through fun  and effective training, that is force free."

Who We Are
Angels in the Making is a positive reinforcement, force free, dog training organization offering group class, private classes, in person or virtually via Zoom and workshops and seminars on dog behavior and training.

Our History
We've been in Grand Junction, Colorado training dogs and their people since 2004. We are always learning and growing. Once a one person organization, Teri Thomas, founder and owner of Angels in the Making, added an administrative assistant in 2018, a part time trainer in 2019, and another in 2023.  All trainers are certified through Absolute Dogs training, a game based, dog training, worldwide organization.
Now I can see how important rest and mental stimulation are for my dog. I’m hoping to sign up for another one of the group classes after my trip, but also know how quickly those classes fill up. My goal is to work towards that tails on trails course. I appreciate your dedication and follow through with Blue. You are helping us to be an amazing team!"  Alicia M.

What working with us looks like

Getting Started We are simply an email and phone call away. Let us know your struggles, hopes and dreams with your dog in a clarifying conversation, and we’ll guide you into the right program to fit your needs.

Group Classes- Surviving Puppyhood, Life skills Course called Basic Angels, Flex Schedule Class, Loose leash Walking Course Rock the Walk,  Tails on Trails the hiking with manners course and the Therapy dog Course If a group class has been recommended for you: Be assured that we understand the stress that can be involved in being in a room with other dogs and people. We keep it fun by using games and motivating your dog to want to succeed. From the first class you will see how we keep it fun and safe by
  1. ) Providing a good working space for you and your dog.
  2. Use of visual barriers to keep the dogs from staring at each other when needed.
  3. Keeping our class sizes small (1:3 or 1:5 student teacher ration depending on the course) to lower overwhelm and stress on your dog AND you.
  4. We provide you with videos of each week’s lesson plan as well as
  5. Providing you with handouts in your homework book weekly
  6. If you are struggling or have questions, we are an email away to discuss solutions throughout AND after the course.
 If a private appointment has been recommended from our clarification phone call, you have the option of:
  1. Coming to us at our training facility near 25 Road and Patterson Rd or
  2. We are happy to come to you so we can meet you where your dog lives and in the comfort of your home.
Through this private appointment, a personal program that will be the most beneficial for your dog and for you, taking your schedules, family members and end goals in mind. Your program is yours. We help you design it, and we keep expectations real. It is not a cookie cutter “one size fits all” program. This is why we are different and how we get great results.
 
We offer a 10% discount for prepay appointments in packages of 3 sessions from that point forward or you can pay as we go with no discount awarded. You are given homework from the initial consultation so that transformation can begin straight away. A time frame of meeting every 2 weeks is generally what works best. We let you guide us as to what works best for you to avoid added stress. We want you to be part of the process in our journey together.

  1. Special Equipment- As a force free training alternative, we will NOT be using the standard choke chains, prong collars or e-collar (shock collars) that other training business use. We will be using your dog’s normal caloric intake of food and or treats and toys for motivation, as we believe all dogs should work for their food. Our training style is science based. We may recommend a special harness to provide control on walks and or a 20-foot leash for long distance work. We may recommend a natural product to support the science in gut brain health.
  2. No quick fixes or broken promises- We will always be honest about progress and expectations. We appreciate that every dog and owner learn at a different pace, and we support that. We believe dog training is about relationship building and trust. These things are not achieved overnight but in a step-by-step process.
 Let’s get busy! If your relationship with your dog isn’t what you want, let us help. If what you are trying isn’t working, let us help you find a  better way. We are ready and committed to helping you succeed. We will meet you and your dog where you are and help you get where you want to be.  
Contact us by phone at (970) 263-8634 or by email at info@angelsinthmaking.com
​Thank you! Sadie had another good day with the Cavaletti game and the stump/picnic table and while on our walk today. Her confidence continues to grow. She actually hopped over a low wire fence instead of going under which was new! We’ll add the proximity games today to our routine. Thanks as always for your amazing knowledge and guidance!"             L. Priddy
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