Our dog trainers have been carefully selected to show ambition and passion just as Mary does.
All of our trainers complete a shadowing program with Mary personally before starting to train their dogs with us.
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!
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!
Hey! I’m Elizabeth (Liz), and I’ve been with FullFocusK9 since opening in 2020. I’ve had the privilege of helping transform the lives of countless dogs and owners throughout Georgia.
I originally pursued veterinary medicine and worked in doggy daycares before discovering my true passion: dog behavior and training. Through my internship and mentorship under Mary, I realized nothing compares to watching fearful or anxious dogs gain confidence.
I especially love working with puppies, anxious dogs, pitties, and huskies, and helping owners build strong, lasting relationships with their dogs.
Hey! I’m Emily, Mary’s full-time assistant dog trainer at FullFocusK9. I’ve loved animals—especially dogs and horses—for as long as I can remember.
I’ve been an animal lover ever since I could remember, specifically dogs and horses! 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.
Hi, I’m Alana! I’m FullFocusK9’s office manager and part-time dog trainer, providing boarding, private lessons, and summer board-and-train programs.
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!
Hi, I’m Sarah! I work directly with Mary at her facility on her farm! I provide lessons & board and trains.
My journey in the dog world began back in high school, working as a kennel tech at a veterinary clinic. That early hands-on experience sparked a deep curiosity about canine behavior, and I’ve been learning, growing, and working with dogs ever since.
I officially began training back in Chicago 6 years ago, starting with the basics, puppy foundations and obedience, before diving into behavior modification. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of breeds from high-drive working dogs in sport and service roles to beloved family pets and rescue dogs. Each one has taught me something different.
I’m a beginner decoy for sport and protection dogs, have volunteered with the TSA’s explosives detection canine team, and continue to focus on behavioral modification as my core specialty. I love working with dogs helping bring out their confidence, clarity, and drive in a safe, structured way.
Rescues were where it all started for me, and they still hold a special place in my heart. I believe in meeting dogs where they are, whether they’re reactive, fearful, or just figuring out how to be a dog in our world, and helping both ends of the leash learn to communicate more clearly.
Happy to be apart of the FFK9 and bring out the best in your dog!
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!
Hi!! My name is Jordan! I have worked in the pet industry since I was 15 years old. Everything from doggy daycare, to boarding, to vet med, to grooming. I landed on training about four years ago after adopting a rescue dog that gave me a run for my $35 adoption fee!
Long story short, this guy taught me a lot. He was recommended for behavioral euthanasia multiple times. After seeking professional advice from a trainer that inevitably made him worse, I was determined to find a way to help Kane on my own. Lots of big mistakes, little victories, blood, sweat, and tears later, I found it. And I found my passion for canine behavior science along the way.
Years later, I am now a full time trainer with a soft spot for rescue rehabilitation. Nothing brings me more fulfillment than watching people like my younger self (and dogs like Kane) see the light at the end of the very long, dark tunnel. So, here we are! I specialize in rescue rehabilitation, fear, and reactivity. I work with you and your dog as a team to change the way your dog FEELS about the world, not just how they act!
Hey, I’m Brandon! I’m new to the FFK9 team, but my passion for animals is lifelong. Growing up in Monroe, Georgia, I was always surrounded by dogs—especially hunting dogs in the countryside.
Outside of training, I work in law enforcement and have experience working alongside K9 units from various agencies. I'm also connected with Georgia Emergency Search and Rescue and preparing to work with one of their dogs.
My training journey began in 2019 while studying psychology at Georgia State University. I first applied those concepts to help my ex’s Cane Corso, Saphira, overcome severe separation anxiety and advanced her obedience with tasks like retrieving household items. Soon after, I rehabilitated a reactive German Shepherd named Sam, helping keep her safe with her family. What started as passion quickly became purpose.
Today, I focus on building trust, clear communication, and lasting relationships between dogs and their owners. Having completed professional coursework, including Theory & Principles of Modern Dog Training with Justin Rigney, I specialize in obedience, reactivity, and scent work—tapping into dogs' natural instincts.
Hi, I’m VictorAs an Army combat veteran who grew up around Metro Atlanta and now lives in Dacula, having dogs my entire life means working with animals has always been second nature.
My professional training journey started after getting my first German Shepherd out of the military. He pushed me to master canine behavior and communication, turning a desire to understand my own dog into a passion for helping others.
With five years of experience across training, boarding, grooming, and breeding, I specialize in difficult behavior cases. Whether addressing reactivity, fear, anxiety, or a lack of structure, I help owners build stronger relationships on both ends of the leash.
My training style is balanced, relationship-based, and heavily influenced by Training Without Conflict (TWC) principles, focusing on engagement, play, clarity, and communication. Seeing dogs become confident and fulfilled—and empowering their owners along the way—is the most rewarding part of what I do.
Caesar is my almost 11-year-old German Shepherd, my heart dog, and the inspiration behind my career and life.
He is a dual-purpose dog and, while retired from major sports, still serves as a helper dog for FullFocusK9 but his son Kane has stepped into his role, ensuring Caesar’s legacy continues.
Competing in both sport and pet obedience worlds has shaped my approach to training and strengthened my respect for clear communication, structure, and consistency.
Through Caesar, I was introduced to the world of dog sports and an incredible training community. Together, we hold over 15 titles/certificates in multiple dog sports, including:
In addition to Caesar, I work closely with Kane, Thalia, their progeny, all German Shepherds who assist in training, socialization, neutrality with dogs, demonstrations and more.
At FullFocusK9, we tailor training methods to the individual dog. While our approach is best described as balanced dog training, there is no one-size-fits-all program here.
Balanced training means we are skilled in positive reinforcement, structure, and fair corrections when necessary. We don’t ignore unwanted behaviors—we work through them in a way that is clear, humane, and productive.
We emphasize engagement, structure, and communication from day one. Using positive reinforcement and operant conditioning, we build a solid foundation before introducing training tools such as slip leads, prong collars, or e-collars. These tools are never used to teach behaviors, only to reinforce known cues once the dog fully understands them.
We never train through fear or intimidation. Our goal is to create confident dogs, informed owners, and lasting relationships, so training becomes an adventure your dog looks forward to.
20+ Years of Expertise
Trusted by hundreds of dog owners
Consistent results across all trainers
Specialists in behavior cases, obedience & off-leash training
Professional and balanced dog training methods
If you’re searching for a trusted Atlanta dog trainer, FullFocusK9 offers the experience, structure, and team support your dog deserves.
We provide premier dog training in Atlanta, Dacula, Lawrenceville, Buford, and surrounding Georgia communities. Need professional dog training in South Carolina or nearby areas? We also have SC locations. People also travel to book training or boarding with us.