I’ve been an animal lover my entire life—not just with dogs, but across a wide range of species. Over the years, I’ve cared for dogs, cats, horses, chickens, ducks, fish, hermit crabs, guinea fowl, a tenrec, a hedgehog, and even snakes. Understanding animals and learning how to meet their individual needs isn’t just something I enjoy—it’s my passion. I’m deeply driven by helping people train their dogs and work through behavioral challenges. Watching the bond between a dog and their owner grow stronger and more trusting never gets old. I believe training is a lifelong journey, and I’m just as much a student as I am a teacher—because both dogs and humans are always learning, evolving, and improving together. Here are some of my certifications: × AKC CGC Approved Evaluator × Certified Raw Dog Food Nutrition Specialist – Dogs Naturally × National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI) Certified Member × UKC SPOT Evaluator × UKC Obedience Judge × LIMA Certified Accolades: × AKC OTCH - All American (2025) × AKC #1 Obedience American Staffordshire Terrier (2024 and current) × AKC OTCH - American Staffordshire Terrier (2024) × UKC OCH - All American (2024) × UKC OCH – American Pit Bull Terrier (2023) × AKC UD – All American (2023) × UKC Top Ten Obedience - All American (2022-23) × UKC Top Ten Obedience - American Pit Bull Terrier (2022-23) × AKC National Obedience Championship - Working Dog Group Winner (2014) × AKC OTCH - Rottweiler (2014) × AKC CDX & RE – Pit Bull Terrier (2011) × AKC CD – Rottweiler (2006) × AKC CD – Rottweiler (first titled dog) (2003)

Michele is our conformation guru. She has done an excellent job helping her students excel in the conformation ring. Michele has extensive experience in the conformation world working along side of some incredible breeders and exhibitors over the years. She also teaches puppy class and beginner novice classes. Michele has two dogs. Snap is an adorable Brussells Griffon and Miles, is a Whippet. Snap has his CD in AKC obedience and is in training for open. Miles is her newest addition and finishing up his novice training.

Sarah teaches Puppy Class and hosts drop-in play days at AQK9. She currently owns Silas, her rescued bully mix; Brick, and Reece - both American Staffordshire Terriers. She competes in obedience and conformation; you'll see her around AQK9 in assorted classes with all her boys. While the bully breeds make up her experience so far with raising dogs, she's grown to appreciate many breeds and advance her canine handling experience through peers and clients at AQK9. Sarah takes the BEST pictures and videos and is a top-notch choice for many AQK9 clients. Sarah has interests in canine health and nutrition and is an avid Fetched-Up shopper - ask her about products, treats, etc - odds are she's tried most things!

Brett started training with AQK9 in 2021 thinking he would "fix" his problem dog in 10-weeks and move on with his life. Little did he know he would fall in love with obedience training, AQK9, and all his fellow classmates and dog-centric friends. Obedience training and helping others learn how to handle their dogs have grown into Brett's passion. Brett substitute teaches The Sit Club and organizes AQK9 off-site training sessions. He loves the boxer breed, having owned multiple sets of boxers over the past 25 years, and volunteers with the Minnesota Boxer Rescue. Brett's current resident boxers are Rex, who is his training partner and the better half of Team Brexy, and Fiona, his senior-living relaxation pet. Brett and Rex compete in both UKC and AKC obedience.