My name is Connor McKeever, Dog Trainer
I am a dog trainer, a Mondioring decoy, a photographer, an outdoorsman, and an all-around lover of dogs and dog activities. At The Grateful Dog NW, we're committed to providing balanced and comprehensive training solutions for all dogs, regardless of their age or background.
Early Years
It all started here...
I have had dogs my entire life. When I was 8 years old, my family’s Jack Russell Terrier was my best buddy. I took him to the beach, I took him to the woods in the mountains, I took him everywhere. This was my foundation for learning about working dogs and dogs with high drive. When I was 8, I began building my love for developing a partner in the form of a dog. That Jack Russell taught me training from basic obedience to advanced tricks.
As A Young Adult
Learning the ropes
My journey in professional dog training began with my first personal dog – a spirited Pitbull German Shepherd mix. Now at 13 years old, she's been a cornerstone in my life, accompanying me on countless hiking adventures and exemplifying the true potential of well-trained dogs.
My professional path in dog training was cemented at the renowned Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers in Sebastopol, CA. Graduating in 2013, I rapidly immersed myself in the competitive realm of professional dog training, learning from top-tier trainers and decoys globally.
My apprenticeship under a leading figure in Mondioring – a high-level dog sport – equipped me with the rules and techniques vital for training dogs for competitive sports. This expertise led to my certification as the youngest competitor in the U.S. in Mondioring.
Today
Expanding programs to the public
This picture shows me and my companion, Sosa.
Over the past 4 years at The Grateful Dog NW, I have focused on training my personal dogs and furthering my education in advanced dog training techniques. My experience includes training police dogs in San Francisco, CA, and working with Secret Service dogs and Executive Protection K9s in Malibu, CA. These opportunities have deepened my understanding of high-drive and active dogs.
Utilizing the skills acquired from these specialized training environments, I've developed a unique program that bridges the gap between family pets and their handlers. This program emphasizes clear communication and effective training strategies tailored for household dogs.
