About Marti 

Certified Professional Dog Trainer, CPDT-KA

Keys to Success

The K9 Mentor

Experience training over 2,500 dogs. A variety of breeds, sizes, and temperaments

Private lesson in your home environment with customized training for your specific dog and specific needs

1 lesson is all you should need if you follow the leadership, structure, and boundaries program

Understanding of fearful dogs and behavior modification for under socialized or reactive dogs. NOT a one size fits all approach.

Simple, easy method with handouts and follow up homework 

Mike Cruz is the original owner of The K9 Mentor. Mike and Marti were fellow dog trainers that had 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 fostering in 2001.

She followed renowned Veterinarian and Animal Behaviorist Sophia Yin. Marti learned science based training methods. She continued to study animal behavior and attends 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 training, 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. 

American Kennel Club​

Canine Good Citizen Evaluator

Trick Dog Evaluator

ATT Evaluator

Conformation Experience

Certified Dog Trainers 

Certified Professional Dog Trainer, CPDT-KA

Training Cesars Way

Fundamentals I

Fundamentals II 

International Boarding and Pet Services Assoc

Member and Speaker

Owners of Dog Day Care Member and Speaker

Memberships & Certifications