Dogs have never been a hobby for me.
 

They have been my life’s work.
 

At five years old, I was already studying canine behavior instinctively, observing body language, patterns, and emotional responses long before I had the vocabulary to explain what I was seeing. By thirteen, I was going door to door asking neighbors if I could interact with their dogs. By sixteen, I was training for free, driven not by money, but by discipline, curiosity, and a profound respect for the relationship between dog and human
 

From 2001 to 2016, I lived in Germany, where my philosophy was shaped by European standards of structure, balance, and public integration. Dogs there are seamlessly woven into everyday life. They are welcome in public spaces because expectations are clear and boundaries are upheld. That cultural standard became the backbone of my approach: structure creates freedom, and clarity builds confidence.

During my years in Germany, I founded and operated Alpha Pups Academy, where I built a reputation for reliability, accountability, and real-world obedience. I also worked on a U.S. military base, developing relationships with Military Police and their K9 units, observing and studying operational training systems rooted in discipline and precision. In addition, I worked inside a veterinary clinic, gaining invaluable insight into canine health, prevention, and behavioral development. I came close to pursuing veterinary medicine, but I ultimately chose training because education and leadership prevent crisis before it begins.
 

My passion for behavior extends beyond dogs. I studied child development and have always been deeply drawn to psychology and biology. Understanding how the brain forms habits, how emotions influence behavior, and how structure shapes development has profoundly influenced my training philosophy. Whether working with children or dogs, the principles remain the same: consistency, clarity, emotional regulation, and trust build stability.
 

After returning to the United States, I founded Positive Energy Dog Training, followed by Custom K9, which I built and operated as a structured board and train program known for elevated standards and measurable results. Custom K9 became recognized for its calm authority, balanced methodology, and commitment to long-term reliability.
 

Today, I operate independently through MK9 Training and Boarding in Daly City, where I continue to uphold the same uncompromising standards of structure, leadership, and integrity.
 

I am an AKC Certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, guiding dogs from Puppy STAR foundations through advanced CGC-level urban reliability. I specialize in puppies, first-time owners, powerful working breeds, reactive dogs, and complex behavioral cases involving fear, reactivity, and household imbalance.
 

I am a balanced trainer.

I believe in positive reinforcement paired with clear, fair boundaries. Training has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Dogs deserve leadership, not confusion. They deserve communication that makes sense to them.

This work is not about dominance.
 

It is about emotional intelligence, structured guidance, and building a relationship rooted in trust.

My mission is simple: to help dogs thrive confidently in the human world, and to help their owners feel capable, supported, and empowered alongside their best friend.

​

This work is not about control.

It’s about trust, confidence, and connection.

My goal is simple: to help dogs thrive in the human world and help people feel understood, capable, and supported alongside their best friend.
 

This is not trend-based training.

It’s a standard.