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.

My Story

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

Hi, I’m Kelly, founder of Kelly K9 Connections. 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. But I was determined to find a better way. 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 from a loving owner who rescued her from a shelter where she was on the verge of being euthanized. She had no house manners, was reactive toward farm animals, and struggled with resource guarding and toy obsession. Through training, she learned impulse control, manners, and healthy boundaries, becoming a loving, affectionate dog who thrives in everyday life. Her transformation reminds me why this work matters.

I also had the privilege of being mentored by Jas Leverette, celebrity dog trainer and founder of Cali K9, who stars on Netflix’s Canine Intervention. His guidance helped shape my approach, deepening my understanding of relationship-based, compassionate training and giving me practical tools to help dogs and their owners succeed together.

Why This Work Matters

I’ve worked in addiction recovery and advocacy for survivors of domestic and sexual assault, and I currently work with children involved in the foster care and juvenile system. These experiences have taught me the importance of meeting others with compassion, patience, and understanding.

Dog training works the same way. Many dogs are misunderstood or overlooked simply because their owners don’t know how to guide them. This work matters because it gives dogs the chance to thrive while equipping owners with the tools, confidence, and knowledge to lead with clarity and care—creating bonds that are trusting, loving, and lasting.

My Philosophy

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

My goal is to help dogs and their owners communicate clearly, build trust, and develop a strong bond. Training isn’t rigid—it’s respectful, flexible, and fun. I focus on creating real-life skills that prepare dogs for everyday situations while helping owners grow more confident in their leadership.

I believe dogs don’t need to be dominated—they need to be understood, guided, and supported with calm, consistent leadership.

What Kind of Leader Does Your Dog Need?

Dogs don’t need to be dominated—they need to be led with calm, confidence, and consistency. Leadership is about clear communication, structure, and trust, not force or intimidation.

At Kelly K9 Connections, we focus on helping owners be the kind of leader their dog can rely on. By providing guidance, setting boundaries, and reinforcing positive behaviors, you create an environment where your dog feels safe, confident, and motivated to follow your lead.

This approach transforms not just behavior, but the relationship between dog and owner, fostering a connection built on respect, understanding, and mutual trust.

What Is Relationship-based Training?

At Kelly K9 Connections, training is more than 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 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 harmonious 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.