Keys to Success

American Kennel Club

Puppy Star Evaluator

Canine Good Citizen Evaluator

Trick Dog Evaluator

Conformation Knowledge

Certified Dog Trainers 

Certified Professional Dog Trainer, CPDT-KA

Training Cesars Way

Fundamentals I

Fundamentals II 

International Boarding and Pet Services Assoc

Member and Speaker

Owners of Dog Day Care Member and Speaker

About Marti 

Certified Professional Dog Trainer, CPDT-KA

Memberships & Certifications

Mike Cruz is the original owner of The K9 Mentor. Mike and Marti are fellow dog trainers that have been referring customers back and forth for several years. Marti Michalis purchased the business from Mike in 2020.

She has worked in the pet industry since 2008 and has extensive dog experience. Her training background started with dog rescue and foster in 2001.

After purchasing a pet resort in 2008 she spent her days with 50-75 dogs managing group play and socialization. She followed renowned Veterinarian and Animal Behaviorist Sophia Yin. Marti learned science based training methods. She continued to study animal behavior and attended lectures and workshops relating to the psychology and understanding of dogs. 

Marti expanded her knowledge of dog psychology by attending Cesar Millans’ Courses; Training Cesars Way-Fundamentals. Her experience with various  methods, and hands on experience, have helped her grow into a well-rounded and talented trainer. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer through CCPDT and a member of IACP.  Marti has written articles for dog industry publications and speaks at pet care conferences and seminars. On many weekends she is competing in AKC Conformation and earning obedience titles on her dogs. 

Experience training over 2,000 dogs. Variety of dog breeds and sizes 

30 day Guarantee to ensure customer satisfaction and peace of mind

1 lesson is all you should need if you follow the leadership, structure, boundaries program

Not a 1 style only approach to training. Understanding of fearful dogs and behavior modification for aggressive or reactive dogs

Simple and easy methods  with handouts and follow up homework 

The K9 Mentor