Our Professional Dog Training Team
Our assistant trainers have been carefully selected to show the same ambition and passion as Mary does. All of our trainers attended an internship with Mary personally and had to "graduate" before starting to train dogs. With over 25 years of dog training combined, all of our trainers use the same balanced methods and have a slew of information as well. We guarantee that the results would be the same with our assistant trainers as it would be with Mary. All of our trainers have their own niche that they prefer and are good at, so if you have any questions/concerns, please reach out!
Check out some of our training videos on Instagram!
Mary
Georgia
Hi! I’m Mary and I am the founder and owner of FullFocusK9. I currently live in Georgia on a 6.5 acre farm with my horses, dogs and cats. I didn’t always live in Georgia, I was actually born in Romania, and adopted by an amazing family. I’ve always had a deep love for animals and my mother blessed me with being able to work with animals at an early age. I was the odd ball of my very ‘techy’ family and was always finding animals to play with or adopt.
I started riding horses as early as 3 years old and owned my own horse by age 12. I learned early on how much work went into owning animals, but because of my passion for it, I loved the responsibility. Working alongside horses and farm animals has prepared me for my career with other animals as well, such as dogs. I have competed with horses and my dogs, managed horse farms, trained horses, taught summer camps, and trained barn dogs.
I’ve had dogs my entire life and was always at the animal shelter or bringing dogs home. I’m ‘that girl’ at outings or family functions that can be seen petting the dog. PS: tell your dog I said hi!
Liz
Georgia
Hey! I’m Elizabeth (Liz)! I’ve been with FFK9 since they opened and have changed so many clients and dogs lives!
I am an avid animal lover and have always had multiple pets growing up. I originally was in school to become a veterinarian and during that time I worked at a few doggy daycare’s. I absolutely loved being surrounded by dogs everyday.
While I was in school, I liked the medical side of animals, but I wanted to explore more of the behavioral/training aspect. This led me to my internship with FullFocusK9 and learning/teaching with Mary. During my internship I realized there was nothing better than working with dogs and seeing their transformations.
My favorite type of dogs to work with are easily fearful/anxious or young puppies. I also love pitties and huskies. I love to help owners grow and build a strong relationship with their dogs!!
Emily
Georgia
Hey! I’m Emily! I’m currently Mary’s full time assistant dog trainer here at FFK9.
I’ve been an animal lover ever since I could remember, specifically dogs and horses! I’ve always dreamed of working with animals full time. When I was 14-16, I started working summer horse camps. I got my first official job when I turned 18 working at Pet Supermarket for 2 years. Then I started at Hollywood Feed, a holistic pet store. I worked in pet retail and customer service for 4 years. I found myself constantly helping clients with my dog training knowledge and expertise which made me want to do it professionally. I eventually started to intern under Mary and learned to train dogs more professionally.
My passion for dog training started very early on. I got my very first dog, Roxy, at 10 years old, and then eventually Bo, who got me into training and dog sports. I started dock diving with him and in just a few months he earned his Masters title. In 2021, I got my German Shepherd puppy Vendetta, who has earned her WDA FO, and I plan to continue to compete with in disc, dock diving and other dog sports.
Alana
Georgia
Hi, I’m Alana! I am FFK9’s office manager and part time dog trainer providing boarding, lessons and summer board and trains! I’ve had the opportunity to shadow Mary and Emily and learn directly from them and I’m happy to be apart of the FFK9 team.
Growing up dogs were my favorite thing in the world (still are) and I would read everything I could get my hands on to help me learn about them. While in college, I fostered dogs for local rescues since I wasn’t able to have a dog of my own at the time. I started with puppies and eventually moved on to taking some of the older dogs with mild behavior issues to help turn them into the best dogs they could be for the families they were going to be a part of. This really helped me expand my knowledge on dog training.
It wasn’t until I got my miniature schnauzer, Baxter, that I realized how beneficial balanced training could be for a dog. He is by far one of the most challenging dogs I’ve trained, but he has taught me so much which really ignited a passion for training dogs. I love figuring out how their brains work and how to get them to want to work with their people.
In my free time I love hiking with my dogs, training with my own puppy, and participating in dog sports when we can! You can see what we are up to outside of training on my personal page @thewild.beard!
Samantha and Tommy Schmidt
Georgia
In the world of dog training, few couples can match the expertise and accomplishments of Sam and Tommy. As a married team, they have dedicated their lives to enhancing the bond between dogs and their human companions, specializing in working dogs, service dogs, behavior modification, and advanced obedience.
The couple’s collaborative approach is rooted in their unwavering belief in the power of the human-canine bond and the psychology behind human and canine behavior. They emphasize the importance of building trust and communication between owners and their furry companions.
Sam’s Accomplishments and Experience:
- For the past 2 decades, Sam has been actively involved in dog sports, including training her beloved Dutch Shepherds.
- Sam has spent time working with and under the tutelage of renowned trainer L. Thornton, a graduate of the prestigious Tom Rose School, further enhancing her expertise.
- She has competed at various levels, showcasing her skills in obedience, service dog training, and personal protection work.
- Most notably, Sam has emerged as a dominant force in Practical Protection Dog (PPD) competitions, where she has amassed multiple titles/certificates.
- In 2024, Sam achieved 1st place in the PPD-2 Appie Kamps Cup Championship with her dutchie, Vapor.
Tommy’s Expertise and Certifications:
- As a former sheriff’s deputy of 8 years, Tommy brings a wealth of experience decoying law enforcement K9’s and working dogs.
- He has had great success training not only family pets but also highly specialized working dogs.
- Tommy has demonstrated his versatility by certifying dogs in all levels of the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Canine Good Citizen program.
Collaborative Achievements:
- Together, Sam and Tommy have developed a training technique that blends their unique experiences and expertise.
- Their focus on behavior modification techniques has enabled them to help dogs overcome challenges and thrive in diverse environments.
Through their individual accomplishments and collaborative efforts, Sam and Tommy have established themselves as invaluable partners in the dog training industry. Their dedication to responsible ownership, balanced training methods, and continued education have made them true assets on our team.
Kelly
Georgia
Hi guys! I offer puppy board and train programs and adult dog board and train programs in the Atlanta and Augusta, GA area. I specialize in puppies and owner education!
What I love most about being a dog trainer is helping people live better lives with their dogs. Through training and education, I help owners build a better bond/relationship with their dog(s)!
Dogs have been a huge part of my life since the age of 15 when I saved up to purchase my first working-line shepherd! Since then, and before, dog training has been a lifelong goal of mine.
I have a passion for puppies and working dogs. I have raised multiple working litters and sport prospect puppies, as well as titling dogs in the dog sport world (IGP/Schutzhund). This experience has helped me learn so much in helping the everyday pet dog as well! I look forward to bringing out the best in your dog!
Aleina
South Carolina
Hi, I’m Aleina! Dogs have been my number one passion since I can remember. At 12 I started getting involved with AKC obedience training and search and rescue organizations with our family German Shepherd. When I was 15, I rescued my own German Shepherd and trained her in Rally Obedience.
I discovered my love for dog psychology and behavior when I trained my personal dogs and when I graduated high school, started the course to become a Veterinarian. After a year of school, I decided the medical route was not where I wanted to be.
After I graduated from college, I bought my first working line German Shepherd, Caspian, and through him I have finally taken my passion and knowledge for dog training professionally at FullFocusK9! Bringing understanding and empowerment to people through their dogs is so incredible to see. I strive to help every dog live a balanced, fulfilled life by teaching their owners how to communicate with them in every aspect of life!
Cori
South Carolina
Hi! My name is Cori! I have been a huge lover of dogs my entire life, and from an early age I worked with dogs owned by my family and friends simply because of how fascinated I was with training.
After this initial love for training, I got Stark, my German shepherd who has made me fall in love with training. Stark and I have done almost everything together, including bite work, dock diving, trick training, and much more. After I had been working with Stark for a few years I began to train professionally, and I have taken private clients on my own in the past ever since then.
I am beyond excited to be a part of this wonderful team, and to be able to bring quality training to the South Carolina area! I am very blessed to work with this amazing team, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store!!
Heather
GEORGIA
Hi I’m Heather and I offer board and trains and consults at this time! I have been training dogs professionally since April 2019. I did mostly obedience work for the first two years of my career and then transitioned to working reactivity and aggression cases. I’m extremely passionate about behavior modification, my favorite thing is to work a challenging case and see positive changes in the dog’s mindset. Fear based aggression cases hold a special place in my heart, the process of building trust and confidence in fearful dogs is so rewarding.
I grew up with 3 Miniature Pinschers so my love of animals started very young! I fell in love with dog training in college when I started training my first dog, an American Pit Bull Terrier named Jetta. Seeing how training transformed our relationship and helped me start fully meeting her needs is what sparked the idea that I could become a trainer and help others in that same way. Now I strive to do my best to help my clients set and meet realistic goals for their dogs and enjoy every step of the way!
