Meet the Heart Behind Kelly K9 Connections

Training that Builds Leaders.

My Story

Hi, I’m Kelly - founder of Kelly K9 Connections.

My journey into dog training began under the mentorship of Jaz Leverette, Founder of Cali K9 in California. Learning hands-on from professional trainers gave me a strong foundation in dog behavior, structure, and leadership. From there, I continued learning directly from other experienced trainers and began shaping my own training style.

The biggest lessons came from my son’s American Pitbull Terrier. He challenged me, humbled me, and taught me that training isn’t just about obedience. It’s about clarity, consistency, and accountability as a handler. Dogs reflect us. When we grow, they grow.

I work with everyday dog handlers who want clear direction and real results. My programs are structured, practical, and built to guide you step-by-step.

Mission Statement

To help handlers build trusting, respectful relationships with their dogs through clear boundaries, effective communication, cooperative leadership, and genuine connection, rooted in patience and fairness.

Core Values

Confident Leadership | We teach handlers to lead with calm, consistent confidence-firm, fair, and clear-so dogs know what to expect and handlers trust their ability to guide.

Mutual Respect | Training is a partnership. Handlers establish clear boundaries while honoring their dogs’ needs and instincts, and dogs learn to respond with respect in return.

Presence & Patience | We slow down, observe carefully, and respond with intention, giving both dogs and handlers the space to learn and grow.

Learning from Dogs | Dogs reflect our habits and communication. They teach patience, clarity, and leadership, quietly guiding us to grow alongside them.

Connection Over Compliance | We value cooperation and understanding over simple obedience. Training should strengthen the relationship as much as it shapes behavior.