MEET OUR TEAM

Co-Founder K9netic Pack
Director of K9netic Assist Core | Director of Animal Care | Balanced Dog Trainer

Dannie is the Co-Founder & Director of K9netic Pack and a proud U.S. military veteran. She also oversees the K9netic Assist Core Program, which develops Emotional Support Animals, Therapy Dogs, and Service Dogs —a cornerstone initiative designed to strengthen the bond between dogs and the people who rely on them.

With more than a decade of hands-on experience in canine behavior, service dog training, and animal care, Dannie has dedicated her career to helping dogs and their families build stronger, healthier relationships. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences and Psychology from Frostburg State University, pairing her academic background with industry-recognized certifications as a Fear Free Certified Professional, AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and Will Atherton Approved Trainer.

Her professional background includes serving as a Service Dog Training Instructor at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) at Walter Reed, where she specialized in training service dogs for military members and veterans managing PTSD and physical injuries. Beyond her military medical work, she also gained extensive shelter and rescue experience as a Canine Behavior Evaluator, Veterinary Technician, Animal Control Officer, and Animal Caretaker—deepening her expertise in rehabilitation, behavior modification, and adoption placement.

At K9netic Pack, Dannie combines military discipline, scientific knowledge, and professional certifications with a compassionate, balanced training philosophy. For her, training goes beyond obedience—it’s about restoring trust, building confidence, and creating lifelong bonds between dogs and the people who love them.

Balanced Dog Trainer | Canine Behaviorist| Director of Operations & Engagement | Certified Canine Nutritionist

Will McKinnon is the Co-Founder & Director of Operations & Engagement at K9netic Pack and a proud U.S. Army veteran. He also serves as the Director of Behavioral Modification and the Lead Trainer for the Guardians in Training Protection Dog Program, specializing in behavior modification, real-world obedience, and advanced protection training.

With years of hands-on experience, Will’s foundation in canine behavior was shaped through his work as a military working dog handler, where he trained and managed high-drive, task-focused K9s under real-world pressure. This experience gave him critical skills in rehabilitating serious behavioral issues such as fear, reactivity, and aggression—skills that extend far beyond teaching commands to already well-adjusted pets.

He is a Will Atherton Approved Trainer, an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist, further solidifying his well-rounded expertise in both behavior and canine health.

At K9netic Pack, Will blends military discipline, balanced training methods, and professional certifications to create real results for both dogs and their handlers. Guided by the principles of connection, communication, and education, his mission is not just to train dogs, but to empower owners with the tools and confidence to succeed long after training ends.

Operations Manager | Balanced Dog Trainer | Balanced Puppy Development Specialist | Breeder & Matchmaking Consultant | Assistant Trainer – K9netic Assist Core

Elyse Wiederhorn is the Lead Trainer and Operations Manager at K9netic Pack, bringing a unique combination of hands-on training expertise and organizational leadership. As a Balanced Dog Trainer, she specializes in puppy development and training, helping young dogs build the confidence, structure, and skills they need to grow into stable companions and working partners.

Raised on a 20-acre horse farm in New York, where her family bred German Shepherds and Jack Russell Terriers, Elyse developed early expertise in pack behavior, puppy development, and sound breeding practices. She later earned her Bachelor’s in Animal and Veterinary Science from Clemson University, blending academic study with her real-world background in animal care.

At K9netic Pack, Elyse has successfully raised and rehabilitated multiple dogs, including Skeety, the Pack’s primary demo dog for dog-to-dog evaluations, and Nico, a German Shepherd–Rottweiler mix who overcame significant confidence issues and now serves as a secondary demo dog.

Elyse also leads K9netic Pack’s Matchmaking Service, where she evaluates breeders, temperament-tests puppies, and assists clients in finding their ideal companion through reputable, vetted breeders, rescues, and shelters. She serves as the Pack’s Breeder Consultant, ensuring ethical practices and proper pairings for service work, sport, and companionship.

In addition, Elyse is the Assistant Trainer for the K9netic Assist Core Program, supporting the development of Emotional Support Animals, Therapy Dogs, and Service Dogs.

Her mission is simple: to guide dogs and their owners from the very start—whether through puppy development, ethical matchmaking, or specialized training programs—to ensure lasting success and stronger bonds.

Balanced Dog Trainer | Assistant Trainer -Behavior Modification | Director of Guardians in Training Protection Program

Mark is K9netic Pack’s Assistant Trainer for Behavior Modification and our Protection Training Specialist, with his main niche focused on protection work. He is a Balanced Dog Trainer who has served as a decoy, handler, and instructor, giving him a full-spectrum perspective on how to develop reliable K9s from both the working and family side.

Mark began his professional career as a K9 Handler at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), where he worked with active patrol dogs in demanding, real-world environments. He was mentored by Rolland Williams, Geoffrey Ellis, and Lance Nogosek, whose expertise shaped his advanced skills in obedience under pressure, environmental neutrality, and controlled protection work.

At K9netic Pack, Mark leads the way on complex training cases—ranging from reactivity and aggression rehabilitation to advanced obedience and protection training. His philosophy as a Balanced Dog Trainer is rooted in structure, fairness, and clarity—ensuring dogs become not only obedient but also confident, reliable, and well-balanced companions.

With experience as a decoy, handler, and instructor, Mark offers a unique, well-rounded approach that empowers both dogs and their owners, turning instability into reliability and potential into success.