Puppy Star Evaluator
Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Trick Dog Evaluator
Conformation Knowledge
Certified Professional Dog Trainer, CPDT-KA
Fundamentals I
Fundamentals II
International Boarding and Pet Services Assoc
Member and Speaker
Owners of Dog Day Care Member and Speaker
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