Meet Katie and Eleven…

  • It started with Love.

    My involvement with dog training started as many trainers does, with the love of a dog. In 2002, I adopted a large, mixed breed dog named Hart. All the love in the world did not prevent him from developing major behavioral issues. Facing the prospect of euthanasia, I committed myself to learning everything I possibly could about training in order to save my best friend. It was quite the journey, but it led to my discovery of balanced training, and Hart lived a long, fulfilling life. 

    The incredible bond we share with dogs is unparalleled and deserving of immense gratitude and respect. Personally, I have been profoundly changed by my relationships with my dogs. I feel lucky to wake up each day knowing that I get to help dogs and their owners live their best lives, together.

    For years I was involved in the rescue world, rehabbing and training dogs who would have otherwise been euthanized. I ran my own dog rescue for awhile, and encountered so many examples of dogs being given up for trainable behavioral issues. With the help of balanced training, these “unadoptable” dogs became beloved pets.

  • It became a Passion.

    In 2016 I discovered the competitive dog sport PSA. I was lucky to be surrounded by the best of the best from the start, and have learned so much from my experiences in this sport. Having a background in the sport world taught me about motivation, helping dogs find joy in the work, and gave me so many unique tools to work with a wide variety of dogs.

    When I decided to take the leap into training professionally, I was mentored by John C. (Then Part of the Pack.) When he and Kristina opened up Canine Connection NJ, I was lucky to be the first employee. They are phenomenal trainers and it is a wonderful facility. I learned so much in my time spent there, working with a wide variety of dogs and behavioral challenges.

    My hunger for dog training knowledge is endless. I completed Principles of Dog Training 1 and 2 with Micheal Ellis, an experience that was invaluable and incomparable. I continue to attend seminars and training days with top trainers to further my dog training education, and believe that in this field, you must always be learning and growing. I opened Elevated K9 dog training officially in January 2019 with the goal of bringing modern, science-backed, reward-based balanced training to our rural area of Sussex County NJ.

The Canine Half of Elevated K9

Eleven is my best friend, sport dog, and partner- the other half of Elevated K9. She is a three year old Belgian Malinois. She helps me to train and socialize the dogs we have the privilege of working with. From joining lessons to schooling puppies, she is always helping other dogs to grow and thrive.

Eleven has earned quite a few titles, including her Canine Good Citizen, Community Canine, Coursing Ability, Dock Junior, and Dock Senior. Our main sport, however, and what she was bred to do, is PSA (Protection Sport Association.) Eleven earned her PDC (Protection Dog Certificate) in May 2021 with the highest PDC score of the weekend. Eleven earned her PSA1 title in February 2022, in West End, North Carolina under judge Joe Parks. She also podiumed at both of her Level 1 passing trials, earning a 2nd place medal in each. In May of 2023, Eleven and I passed both legs of our PSA2 in a single weekend, under judge Ben Lepinksi. We are currently training for our PSA level 3 title.