Stephen enjoys a diverse involvement in training with both, behavioral modification and the canine sport of agility being prime interests. The team aspects of agility compliment the relationship-based training that Stephen strives to apply to all pet training. His goals are to teach you how to use everyday interactions to not only improve your pet's behavior, but to interrupt the downward spiral that occurs when behavioral problems cause you to become frustrated with your pet. Stephen is a Certified OneMind Dogs Coach.

Jamie trains her Shetland Sheepdog "Tease" in agility. While she enjoys the titles and ribbons her dogs have achieved, she first and foremost treasures the relationship she has with her dogs.

Copyright ©  Stephen McKay

Education in the field of dog training is always a priority as is adherence to a training code of ethics. Like Jamie, Stephen is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and a contributor to Clean Run magazine.

Jamie's early shelter training experience has afforded her the opportunity to work with both a diverse group of people and a large assortment of breeds and temperaments. Jamie is an evaluator for the AKC's Canine Good Citizen program and a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). She is the editor of Ask the Trainer: Solutions for Classroom Challenges in the APDT's Chronicle of the Dog, and a contributor to Clean Run magazine.

McKay9 Dog Training LLC is owned and operated by Certified Professional Dog Trainers Stephen and Jamie McKay. At McKay9, we strive to apply the science of animal learning theory in a manner that is fun for both owner and dog. Our mission is to provide you with the understanding and skills necessary to nurture a lifelong relationship founded in mutual trust. We regularly attend learning seminars to remain skilled with the latest behavioral modification techniques. Utilizing positive reinforcement approaches that develop focus, work ethic and strengthen bonds, we can help you reach the goals you aspire to with your dog.

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Our experience includes years of teaching group classes at Port Chester Obedience Training Club in White Plains, New York where we each also have served as Training Directors for a variety of the club's programs. Additionally, Stephen teaches group agility classes at Paws 'N Effect in Hamden CT. See the "Group Classes" link for current group class schedule. We were also long-time volunteers at the Humane Society of Westchester at New Rochelle where we worked within the Train-To-Adopt program, enhancing the adoptability of homeless pets and training new volunteers to safely handle, train and decipher canine body language. Both Stephen and Jamie have become skilled with shy and fearful related behavior and have spent significant study in this area.