Meet Jenelle Prieto | Dog Trainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenelle Prieto and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenelle, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in Colorado. Got into working with dogs when I was fairly young and I fell in love with it. Worked with rescues mostly and as I got older worked with a variety of different trainers and mentors. I am also disabled, so when I was about 20 years old I acquired and trained my very first service dog Mara who is the namesake of my business. Through her and doing that I developed a love and passion for helping people and dogs and decided to continue to do that. It was a huge impact on who I am today and what I choose to do with my life and my business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets apart Mara’s K9 Companions apart from the rest is the fact that we are willing to work the pet owners at the level they are at to help them achieve their individual goals in the best way that works for them and their pup specifically. Wether it be in behavior modification or basic obedience to competitive sports or full filling their need for a service animal due to that person’s disability. We are excited to keep helping in our community and keeping these resources available to those who need them at an affordable cost.

As for how we got to where we are today it was a lot of hard work and the love of dogs. We had a lot of set back but at the end of the day it was my desire to continue Maras legacy that kept me going to make myself the best I can be and my business the best it can be.

When I acquired Mara she opened the world up to me in so many ways. That’s the legacy I want to keep going on for her. Wether it’s giving someone their independence back through the help of a service dog or through making a difference and bettering the live of that family and their beloved pet.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Would always suggest going to visit any of the many state parks and breweries throughout Colorado.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to thank all the people who took the time to teach me over the years and all the knowledge I gained through books and I’d like to thank my parents for believing in me and encouraging me to chase after my goals and dreams. would love to thank Kelly Born for suggesting me!

Instagram: @marask9companions

Facebook: maras k9 companions

Image Credits
Sam McGinley