ABOUT SPEAKING K9

Speaking K9 is versed in all forms of training and rehabbing not only the dog but the owner as well.

Your dog is an important part of your life. They rely on you to fulfill their needs and, in turn, will enrich your life in more ways than one. Like humans, every dog is unique. Speaking K9 takes the guesswork out of dog training. We pride ourselves on superior breed knowledge, versatile training techniques, and one-on-one instruction.

Speaking K9 will tailor an individualized form of in-house training, where your dog will receive one-on-one attention with one of our professionals. Here are a few of our many components that we can provide within the program:

Basic Manners
Obedience
Behavioral Issues
Potty Training
Crate Training
And much more…

We utilize various techniques to discover what motivates your dog and you as an owner in order to achieve the desired results of training in the safest manner.

If you have a request outside of our core-training program such as grooming services, in-home pet care, or dog walking, we have the ability to provide these services as well. We also are proud to have working relationships with trusted veterinarians, an animal food nutritionist, and dog training supply resources.

With years of experience, Speaking K9 will help you foster a relationship with your dog better than you ever thought possible.

OUR TRAINERS

The Speaking K9 team is ready to help you tackle your dog's behavioral challenges, whatever they may be.

LINDSEY ELLIS

Head Trainer

I am the owner and head trainer of Speaking K9. I was raised by my parents who have owned and operated Don’s Pet Care in Ogden, UT since 1989. I learned various training techniques by traveling with my family gaining skills that I continue to use to this day.
I assisted my family in raising and training 17 Guide Dogs for the Blind. I have also assisted my mother Dona Sellers as a trainer for the Canine Companions for Independence program which provides trained service canines to people in need. These opportunities have allowed me the ability to broaden my knowledge and support of service dogs and service dogs in training.

I have learned a great deal about working canines in my travels, I was the head obedience instructor for Havoc K9 from 2014-2015. This knowledge allowed for me to produce three successful working canines in the United States, and one in British Columbia, Canada.
I am the assistant training director of the 4 Paws 4 Patriots – Utah program and have been since 2015. I maintain a working relationship with the American Kennel Club as a CGC evaluator and I continue to further my dog training education by attending seminars from a broad spectrum of professional dog trainers. I am the President of Salt Valley Working Dogs, and I have titled in AKC Rally, Dock Diving, French Ring, and IPO. I am currently competing in French Ring and Dock Diving with my Dutch Shepherd mix Red.

AMEE SHARPE

Assistant Trainer

I am an assistant trainer with Speaking K9. My love for animals began at a young age and I have always had a passion for dogs. Growing up with dogs, I have always taught them to sit, lay down, stay and small tricks. I loved spending all my time with my dogs when I was able to. After I found my love for animals, I started working at North Ogden Animal Hospital in 1996 where my love for animals grew even stronger.

Fast forward to the future, I started taking my dogs to Dons Pet care for multiple puppy classes and obedience trainings. In 2019 I got my first German Shepherd, and continued trainings when I had met Lindsey. With the help and the knowledge I gained from Lindsey, I got my first sport dog which is a Dutch Shepherd. This is where my love for training began. In 2020 I started an internship with Speaking K9. I volunteered with 4 Paws 4 Patriots as well as attending any trainings to shadow. This helped me gain knowledge and learn everything I know now. In 2021, I began assisting in puppy classes, advanced obedience classes, and CGC classes where I became a CGC test evaluator. Over the past couple years, my passion for dog training and my love for dogs has grown more than I ever thought it would. I am always continuing my training in order to provide you with effective, professional and humane training for your dog.

TROY CALL

Assistant Trainer

I am an assistant trainer with Speaking K9. I grew up in the world of dogs, with my grandparents owning Don’s Pet Care since before I was born and my mom, Lindsey Ellis, establishing Speaking K9. We had both family pets and client dogs of all sizes and different temperament. I have been told that training dogs and reading them comes very naturally to me, which I attribute to being around so many of them for my whole life.

I have always been passionate about dog training, and that career path was accelerated with the start of the pandemic in 2020 and many people adding dogs to their families. Since then I have been working for Speaking K9, assisting with group classes as well as board and train dogs. I conduct private lessons with clients and firmly believe in the motto “You haven’t tried everything yet!” I am committed to help each individual and dog accomplish whatever their personal goals may be.

In addition to attending workshops and seminars to grow as a trainer, I also volunteer for 4 Paws 4 Patriots – Utah and am working towards my decoy certification in the sport of French ring. I have lived in Utah my entire life and am now raising my daughter here. I look forward to continued success and contributing to the Utah dog community!

Why did you start training dogs?

My family inspired me to become more active in training dogs. My husband and I started training our own personal dogs in a world I did not grow up in (protection sports). He encouraged me to pursue training as I showed a natural flair and passion for it. I had extensive training in my early years of life because both of my parents trained dogs for a living so working with dogs came naturally to me. I took his advice, followed in my mentor’s footsteps, and continued to educate myself while offering others knowledge on building relationships with their dogs in the privacy of their own home.
What type of customers have you worked with?

I have worked with a wide variety of clients. I have trained and raised service dogs for Guide Dogs for the Blind as well as Havoc K9. I assist in training working police K9's, as well as service dogs for Four Paws for Patriots. I have made my focus on basic in home behavior modifications with in-home boarding and private appointments. My clientele has ranged from 9 – 73 years of age. I have focused purely on the importance of having an obedient dog while maintaining good health and safety. I have had the opportunity to pet sit multiple animals and single family pet homes while clients are on vacation. Previous clients dog sitting in my own home while clients are out of town. These are just to name a few. I have had the opportunity to work with some of the sweetest puppies placed here on this earth, as well as some extremely aggressive dogs.
What is your typical process for working with a new client?

I like to get a feel for my client's schedule. I attempt to work with my client's schedules in order to include all those who will be involved with the dog. Sometimes it only takes one appointment, sometimes it takes a series of appointments to accomplish the goals of the client. I attempt to give my clients the information they need to have in order to obtain success with their goals.

ABOUT SPEAKING K9

Speaking K9 is versed in all forms of training and rehabbing not only the dog but the owner as well.