Meet the Heart Behind Kelly K9 Connections

At Kelly K9 Connections, we put our love for dogs and their handlers into all that we do.

I didn’t set out to become a dog trainer. I became one out of love, frustration, and a deep desire to help my dog. My journey began when my son went off to college, and I took full responsibility for his American Pit Bull Terrier, Bubba. He was dog-reactive, strong, and unpredictable - and I had no idea what I was doing.

I tried everything. Different trainers, different methods, even ones that didn’t sit right with me. Some approaches only made Bubba’s reactivity worse. I broke up dog fights, got hurt, and was left feeling scared and defeated.

But I didn’t give up. I studied, learned from my mistakes, and started building trust - not control. That experience opened my eyes to what dogs really need: a calm, confident, consistent leader who builds connection through relationship, not fear.

Then came Malina, a pit bull rescued from the brink of euthanasia. She had no house manners, was obsessive with toys, and reactive toward small animals. Today, she’s a happy off-leash dog with impulse control and a peaceful spirit. Her transformation reminds me of why this work matters.

My Story

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

Why This Work Matters

Before I started training dogs professionally, I worked in addiction recovery, foster care, and advocacy for domestic and sexual assault survivors. That work shaped my heart and taught me how to meet people where they are - with compassion and grace.

It’s the same with dog training. This isn’t just about obedience - it’s about healing, growth, and giving second chances to dogs and their people.

My Philosophy

I’m a relationship-based trainer who leans heavily into positive reinforcement. I believe training should feel like a conversation - not a battle. Every dog is unique, and I approach each one with intuition, patience, and creativity.

Training with me isn’t rigid. It’s respectful, flexible, and fun - designed to build trust and bring out the best in your dog while helping you grow more confident as a handler.

I believe you don’t need to dominate your dog. You just need to understand them.

What Kind of Leader Does Your Dog Need?

Dogs don’t need to be dominated - they need to be led with calm, confidence, and kindness.

At Kelly K9 Connections, we believe dogs thrive under leadership that’s clear, consistent, and rooted in trust. A good leader doesn’t rely on force or fear. Instead, they provide guidance, set healthy boundaries, and create a safe environment where dogs can learn and grow.

We teach you how to become the kind of leader your dog feels secure with - someone who’s patient, fair, and dependable. When your dog knows they can trust you, they naturally become more relaxed, responsive, and connected.

What Is Relationship-based Training?

At Kelly K9 Connections, training is more than just teaching obedience - it’s about building a bond. Relationship-based training focuses on trust, respect, and clear communication between you and your dog. It’s a gentle, effective approach that uses positive reinforcement and patience, not force or fear.

By understanding your dog’s emotions and needs, we help create lasting results and a deeper connection. When your dog feels safe and understood, they’re more eager to listen, learn, and grow. This approach leads to real change - and a more peaceful life together.

Meet My Dogs

These two are more than just pets - they’re the reason I do what I do. Bubba and Malina have been my greatest teachers, each with their own challenges, breakthroughs, and personalities that shaped the heart behind Kelly K9 Connections.

  • Bubba is my 4-year-old male pit bull, the dog who started it all. He came to us as a puppy when my son brought him home. After my son went to college, I took care of him full time. I soon realized how strong and reactive he was, and how unprepared I was to manage him.

    I explored many options: various trainers, techniques, and advice. Some strategies even worsened his reactivity. Instead of quitting, I pushed forward. I learned, practiced, made mistakes, and persisted. Bubba pushed me to improve as a listener, leader, and trainer.

    Through clear communication and successful trigger management, he's overcome reactivity in diverse situations, facilitating our strong bond of trust and mutual understanding. Bubba's journey, both difficult and rewarding, sparked commitment to learning and helping others with their dogs.

  • Malina is my 4-year-old female pit bull with an inspiring rescue story. She was found as a stray and taken to a full shelter, where she was nearly euthanized because of her breed and behavior concerns. An elderly couple adopted her but returned her when their family didn’t want a pit bull. Malina then lived on a farm with six other dogs, but her energy was too much for that environment. Eventually, she came to me.

    When Malina came to us, she had problems with guarding food, being obsessed with toys, and reacting to small animals, plus she didn’t have good house manners. Yet, she was smart, eager, and full of energy. With time, care, and training, our bond grew, and Malina improved significantly. She is now trained to be off-leash, calmer, and better behaved. She still has her playful and silly side and is one of the happiest dogs I know. Her journey proves that with the right support, misunderstood dogs can become safe, steady, and loving companions.