Get Your Dog Trained by Freedom K9!
Free ConsultationLindsey Tkaczyk
Trainer/Owner
Lindsey started her dog training career as a young adult by seeking out and gaining canine experience through various jobs, such as doggie daycare, boarding, working as a veterinary technician and training. Her most rewarding training experience was while she was living in Nashville, TN, and had the opportunity to work with a local men’s prison and a greyhound rescue where they would teach the inmates how to train basic obedience to the retired greyhounds so they would be better suited for adoption to loving families. It was so exciting to see the bond between these dogs and the inmates through positive communication!
Most recently, Lindsey has become obsessed with elevating her skills by immersing herself in the sport of PSA (Protection Dog Association). She has achieved her Level 2 Title with her Belgian Malinois, Aero, and is now training in the Level 3, which is the highest level that PSA offers. In 2023, Lindsey and Aero competed on a National level, achieving Vice Champion and earning their 3rd leg of their Level 2. She has also been ranked as a coveted Certified PSA Decoy, which allows her to travel around the country and internationally to test these dogs at trials. She has decoyed in South Africa, as well as the U.K. There’s just something exciting about being a strong female who can catch dogs, but mainly she is excited to continue learning how to develop a dog in, what she believes to be, one of the toughest dog sports there is!
Lindsey is an IACP Member (International Association of Canine Professionals) and continues to further her education through weekly training amongst other peer professionals, online courses and in-person seminars.
Mary Connolly
Trainer
Mary has been passionate about animals since childhood. Growing up in Maine, she spent all of her time outdoors learning about wildlife or training with horses at a competitive level. In 2014 she moved to Mooresville, North Carolina where her love for animals drove her to volunteer at local animal shelters while also managing a restaurant full time. After purchasing her Cane Corso, Atlas, she quickly developed a true passion for dog training. She gained knowledge as a client and chose to further pursue her career in dog training by seeking out mentorship and employment with a local training company! She has also completed the Obedience Intensive program through Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers and is a Certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator! In addition, she is committed to continuing her education by attending more workshops and seminars each year!
In her free time, Mary enjoys being outdoors, spending time with her personal dogs, training for PSA and traveling to Ohio so she can volunteer her time partnering with her breeders to help other owners be successful in their training!
Sarah Ruhs
Trainer
Sarah has always had a passion for animals, especially dogs. Her childhood dog, Kaya, sparked this interest which led Sarah down a path to discovering her true passion for dog training. Kaya was a very fearful and anxious dog, but Sarah was determined to build her confidence and even taught Kaya some tricks!
Sarah’s career began with her very first job as a kennel tech at a dog boarding facility. While there, Sarah gained experience with a variety of dogs, and her passion grew. Sarah also volunteered with a psychiatric service dog program. There, she helped raise and train service dogs by working on obedience in public settings and starting task training. Sarah enjoyed the experience so much that she went on to make her high school senior Capstone project about dog behavior and training.
After graduating from high school, Sarah attended the prestigious Kennelwood Academy for Professional Dog Trainers where she learned everything from basic obedience to specific odor detection. Sarah graduated from this program in December of 2023, and she is now helping dog owners develop a better understanding of, and bonding with, their canine companions.
Sarah spends her free time with her young German Shepherd. Together they enjoy hiking and training competitive obedience as well as specific odor detection. Sarah hopes to compete in one of the many protection dog sports, American Schutzhund.
Please ask us about our Military Discount TODAY!
In addition to being passionate about equipping owners and their dogs with the skills necessary to achieve more FREEDOM, we are also very passionate about the freedoms we have been given in this country. Without the men and women who serve our country, that freedom would not be possible, therefore we want to be sure that we take part in honoring our Veteran & Active Duty Military and First Responders.
Contact us TODAY to discuss your specific needs with a professional trainer so we can create a CUSTOM program for you and your dog!
