Grassroots K9

04/03/2025

We’re so excited to kick off week 1 of our March Madness trainer edition ! Don’t forget to follow along and watch these amazing trainers go head to head in the “healing” category !

Voting happens Friday at 8pm EST for 24 hours on the Grassroots K9 story.

Good luck competitor’s!

26/02/2025

It’s here—March Madness kicks off next week!

We’re beyond excited to launch our 4th annual March Madness - Trainer Edition on March 3rd. Trainers from all over will go head-to-head, showcasing their skills in a three-round competition that includes:

Round 1: Heeling – Let’s see those fancy feet
Round 2: Bite Work – Show us those grips
Round 3: Freestyle – Creativity unleashed

The final winner will face off against last year’s champion, Josh (), in an exciting showdown.

How it works:

Trainers submit videos every Thursday by 8 PM EST
Voting starts every Friday at 7 PM EST on our Instagram stories
Followers decide who moves on through public voting
The final match winner will be announced on March 28th
For a full breakdown of the competition, bracket details, and deadlines, review the flyers below.

Get ready to cast your votes, support your favorite trainers, and watch some incredible training unfold. Let’s see who takes home the March Madness trophy.

26/02/2025

10 Days, 10 Years: Celebrating a Decade of Grassroots K9 – Apprentice Spotlight: Keshia

When Keshia boarded a plane from the UK to Canada, she knew one thing: dogs are cute and everyone seems to have one. What she didn’t expect was that her journey with Grassroots K9 would not only give her invaluable knowledge but also a second family.

“The whole idea both excited and terrified me, but Grassroots gave me a second family before anything else.” – Keshia

During her time in the program, Keshia explored various aspects of dog work, from tracking and search and rescue to working with pet dogs. But it was understanding dog body language and behavior that became the most invaluable part of her learning experience.

“With such a variety of learning came such valuable skills. That knowledge gave me the foundation and confidence to pursue my dream.”

And pursue it she did. Keshia took what she learned at Grassroots K9 and moved to Australia, where she now owns Leashes with Lennon, a dog walking, sitting, and training business in Melbourne. Her clients have even dubbed her the “Dog Whisperer”—a title she proudly credits to her time with Grassroots K9.

“I know I couldn’t have done this without Grassroots. This experience helped me live out my dream of working with dogs every day.”

We’re incredibly proud to be part of Keshia’s journey and can’t wait to see what’s next for her and Leashes with Lennon.

24/02/2025

Meet Sarah Keveza and her German Shepherd, Riggs. Since bringing Riggs home as a puppy in 2021, Sarah and her family have been committed to helping him become the best example of the breed, starting with responsible breeding research and comprehensive training with Grassroots K9.

“We knew we wanted Riggs to be the best example of the breed. That had to begin early, and training was a priority from the start.” – Sarah

Their Training Journey:
Sarah first met with Holly from Grassroots K9 at home, receiving guidance on setting boundaries and developing foundational exercises. Over the years, Riggs has continued to thrive through day trains and board & train sessions, resulting in a dog who is not only well-mannered but also a joy to be around.

“The process has been nothing but amazing. Riggs fits seamlessly into our family, and we never have to worry about challenging behaviors. We just get to enjoy his love and company.”

Remarkable Transformations:

Calm and focused around other dogs
Exceptional behavior that draws praise from both friends and strangers
A stress-free, joyful bond with the entire family
One standout moment was during a group session where Riggs initially showed some reactivity but ended up walking calmly and focusing on his handler despite other dogs being present. It was a testament to the consistent work Sarah and her family put in.

Why Sarah Recommends Grassroots K9:

Clear, effective communication from the team
Genuine commitment to each dog’s well-being
Training that leads to a lifetime of joyful companionship
“A dog should bring joy to your life—and that’s exactly what Riggs does. Starting early with training made all the difference. We’re proud of him every day, and the compliments he receives never fail to put a smile on my face.”

Sarah’s advice for anyone considering training with Grassroots K9?

“Get started as soon as possible. You can choose to live with stress, or you can enjoy the rewarding bond that comes from proper training.”

We’re honored to have been part of Riggs’ journey and grateful to Sarah and her family for trusting us from the start.

21/02/2025

10 Days, 10 Years: Celebrating a Decade of Grassroots K9 – Apprentice Spotlight: Andrew Claeys

Meet Andrew Claeys, a proud graduate of the Grassroots K9 Train the Trainer program and co-owner of PeakK9 Dog Training in Calgary, Alberta. Andrew joined the program to expand his knowledge of working dogs and help pet owners improve communication with their dogs.

“I wanted to learn more about working dogs and how to better help pet owners resolve common issues,” Andrew shared.

How Grassroots K9 Shaped His Journey:
The hands-on experience Andrew gained working with a variety of breeds, behaviors, and ages was invaluable. He credits the program for giving him the tools to teach obedience and address behavioral issues effectively.

“The first go-home lesson I did on my own was unforgettable. Seeing the transformation in that dog and the owner’s relationship was incredibly rewarding.”

Key Takeaways from the Program:

Insight into the daily operations of a busy kennel
Practical experience in training and client communication
Exposure to both working dog and pet dog training
Since graduating, Andrew has applied the knowledge he gained to help over 1,000 dog owners and has successfully built a six-figure dog training business with his fiancée. Their company, PeakK9, has been serving the Calgary community for almost two years, and they’re now mentoring an apprentice to pay the knowledge forward.

“You get out what you put into it. Work hard, ask questions, and you’ll gain so much from the experience.” – Andrew

One memorable moment for Andrew was stepping into a bite suit and experiencing what it’s like to work with protection dogs firsthand—a moment that deepened his understanding of working dog behavior.

Why Andrew Recommends Grassroots K9:
“There isn’t another apprenticeship program as diverse as this one. Whether you’re passionate about working dogs or pet dogs, the opportunities and connections you make are incredible.”

We’re so proud of Andrew’s journey and honored to have been part of his path to success.

20/02/2025

10 Days, 10 Years: Celebrating a Decade of Grassroots K9!

Meet Navneet and her two dogs, Simba (12-year-old Goldendoodle) and Harley (7-year-old Aussiedoodle). Their journey with Grassroots K9 began in 2014 when Simba was an energetic two-year-old. They continued training when Harley joined the family, looking for guidance that would provide structure while nurturing a loving environment.

“Grassroots K9 was our savior. We wanted Simba and Harley to feel like part of the family, and that’s exactly what we experienced. We learned so much, and to this day, we still use the strategies we were taught.” – Navneet

How Simba and Harley Transformed:

Calmer at home and during walks
Reliable recall and better listening skills
No more pulling or barking on walks
Improved socialization and predictable behavior
Navneet shared a proud milestone: peaceful walks where both dogs sit calmly and wait for people and other dogs to pass—no pulling, no barking. She also recalled the compassionate care Simba and Harley received when they stayed at Grassroots K9 while feeling unwell, describing the team as “fairy godmothers for our dogs.”

Why Navneet Recommends Grassroots K9:

“Absolutely worth every penny.”
Ongoing support beyond the training sessions
A dedicated team that treats clients like family
We’re honored to have been part of Simba and Harley’s journey. Thank you, Navneet, for trusting us over the past decade and being a part of the Grassroots K9 family!

20/02/2025

Grassroots K9 offers customized training programs to meet each dog and clients needs.

19/02/2025

10 Days, 10 Years: Celebrating a Decade of Grassroots K9!

We’re celebrating 10 incredible years with an EPIC GIVEAWAY valued at over $650 to thank you for being part of our journey!

One lucky winner will receive:

Psychedelic Grassroots K9 Tee
Black GRK9 Logo Beanie
My Dog Had Roots Sweatshirt & Long Sleeve
Fierce Focused Female Sweatshirt
Run Your Dog Not Your Mouth Sweatshirt
Run Your Dog Bumper Sticker
Unleash the Darkness Crewneck
Dog Training Ingredients Mug
Mike Nezbeth’s Online Police Decoy Course

How to enter:

Follow all Grassroots K9 accounts
Tag a friend in the comments (each tag = 1 entry)
Share this post to your story and tag us
Don’t miss your chance to win over $650 in products and training! Enter now and celebrate a decade of dedication, dogs, and community with us.

19/02/2025

10 Days, 10 Years: Celebrating a Decade of Grassroots K9! 🎉

Today marks 10 incredible years of Grassroots K9! 🐾 We’re taking the next 10 days to recap, reflect, and celebrate a decade of training, growth, and the amazing community that’s made it all possible. 💙

Thank you to everyone who’s been part of our journey—we wouldn’t be here without you! Stay tuned as we share stories, memories, and milestones from the past 10 years. 🙌

05/02/2025

💘 Be Our Valentine! 💘
This Valentine’s season, we’re honoring the incredible bonds between our clients and their dogs. Meet Kali, a sweet girl loved by Khonry Gracie.

Kali is the most loving and affectionate dog Khonry has ever had. Her gentle, caring nature makes her truly one of a kind, and she brings so much warmth and joy to those around her.

For Valentine’s Day, Kali’s wish is simple: all the treats! Big or small, she’d go crazy for any kind of snack. We can’t wait to spoil her again at Grassroots K9 Sarasota!

Share your Valentine’s story and tell us what your dog would love this season!

04/02/2025

Grassroots K9’s Train the Trainer School is now accepting applications for our Apprenticeship Program!

Hands-on learning with all breeds. Learn obedience, behavior modification, and police dog training.

Potential job opportunities upon completion

Requirements:
16 hours per week commitment
Over 18 years old
Reliable transportation
Attend 4 lectures
Participate in events
Willingness to get your hands dirty!

Locations: Georgina, Greater Toronto Area, Maryland, and Ottawa

Former apprentices have gone on to become vital members of our Grassroots K9 family or run their own successful training businesses. Are you ready to start your career with dogs?

Application Deadline: March 4, 2025
Send CV: [email protected]

Grassroots K9 offers customized training programs to meet each dog and clients needs.

04/02/2025

💘 Be Our Valentine! 💘
This Valentine’s season, we’re celebrating the amazing bonds between our clients and their dogs. Say hello to Mango, the wiggliest, most perfect girl in the world, adored by Chirag and Steffy &

Why do they love Mango? Well, how could you not? From her constant wiggles to her larger-than-life personality, she brings endless joy to their lives.

For Valentine’s Day, Mango has her heart set on a juicy steak with a side of chew toys to tear up. We think that’s a Valentine’s treat fit for a queen!

Tell us why you love your dog and what they’d want as a special Valentine’s Day gift!

02/02/2025

💘 Be Our Valentine! 💘
This Valentine’s season, we’re highlighting the special bonds between our clients and their dogs. Meet Gus and Hank, two beloved boys from .

Gus is known for his serious yet goofy personality, with just the right touch of naughty opportunism. Hank, on the other hand, is the kind and loving one, though he still enjoys a bit of playful defiance. Together, they keep life interesting and full of joy.

For Valentine’s Day, Gus is dreaming of any kind of ball to chase, while Hank has his eyes set on a big bone to chew. We love having these two characters as part of the Grassroots K9 family in Georgina!

Share your Valentine’s story and let us know what your dog would love this season!

01/02/2025

💘 Be Our Valentine! 💘
This Valentine’s season, we’re showcasing the special connections between our clients and their dogs. Today’s spotlight is on Rupert, adored by his humans Laura Stratton and Jay

Why do they love Rupert? Just look at that face! He’s the perfect mix of spunky and cuddly, bringing both energy and affection to their lives.

For Valentine’s Day, Rupert’s dream gift is a squeaky stuffy to keep the fun going. We think he’d be thrilled to show it off at Grassroots K9 Ottawa!

Share your Valentine’s story and let us know what your dog would love this season!

31/01/2025

💘 Be Our Valentine! 💘
This Valentine’s season, we’re honoring the incredible bonds between our clients and their dogs. Today, we’re featuring Valkyrie, a beloved member of the Rinross family .

Valkyrie is the best part of coming home, always there to provide the unconditional love that lifts her family’s spirits. She is more than a dog – she’s a key part of the family.

For Valentine’s Day, Valkyrie’s greatest wish is simple: more days with Grassroots K9 Windsor! We can’t wait to see her again!

Tell us why you love your dog and what they’d want as a special Valentine’s Day gift!

30/01/2025

💘 Be Our Valentine! 💘
This Valentine’s season, we’re shining a spotlight on the love between our amazing clients and their dogs! Meet Ellie – the wild and wonderful “chaos tornado potato” who fills every moment with life and love.

Her ride-or-die, Sarah Wolf , wouldn’t have it any other way. Ellie lives with every fibre of her being, bringing both joy and mischief wherever she goes.

As for Ellie’s Valentine wish? She’s hoping to get her paws on a new big blue Chuck It squeaky ball after recently losing her favorite one.

Tag your Valentine and tell us why you love them! Let’s spread the love this season.

29/01/2025

💌 Be Our Valentine! 💌
This Valentine’s season, we’re celebrating the special love between dogs and their families. Today, we’re sharing the story of Nacho, a cuddly little guy with the best thick turkey legs around – according to his mom, .

“I love his cuddles and his thick little turkey legs.”

Nacho’s Valentine’s wish? A nice steak dinner – and his mama has promised to make it happen!

This year, they’ll also be sending Valentine’s kisses to their beloved Bella girl, who will forever be in their hearts.

Tag someone you love and share your own Valentine story with us. Let’s celebrate the unconditional love our dogs bring into our lives.