SHANNON MILLER

I became a police officer in 2009 solely to become a Police K9 Handler. It was a lofty dream I had after obtaining my Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science in 2007 from SCSU and working with many different clients achieve their athletic goals. I had been training a few police officers, when I realized the fast pace, high risk, dangerous law enforcement job was more my speed... It was a career that spoke to me, but with one caveat...........

I had to do it with a dog!

In 2012, I was picked to become my departments K9 handler. I spent 4 months in rigorous training with the 156th Patrol Dog Class from the  Connecticut State Police Emergency Serices and Public Protection Unit. Here I was certified by New England State Police Administrative Conference in obedience, man trailing, building searches, suspect apprehension, evidence recovery and obstacles with my partner, K9 Kendo (pictured above). We also spent another 2 months in narcotic detection and were also Certified by NESPAC. We were successful in finding criminals, apprehending suspects and locating hidden drugs during our time together. K9 Kendo was retired in 2018 and is currently relaxing at home with my family collecting his pension in dog treats.

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Fun Fact: During that time, I learned that I had become the 9th female patrol canine handler in the state. 

In January 2019, I started "Costal K9 Training and Behavior" as I saw owners with young dogs and massive behavioral issues. This is where I found my true passion. Rehabilitating dogs from a constant state of fight or flight to happy, emotionally regulated companions. The most gratifying piece is training the owners along the way.

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Beyond my 6 years of Working Dog Training and experience, I strive to attend conferences, working seminars, and continuing education, as much as possible to enhance my technical skills and methodologies for my clients.

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March 2021 - 3-day workshop with Kait from Kane9 - Madison ,Wisconsin​

June 2022- 5 Day workshop with Monks of New Skeete. Learning the art of Gentle Ecollar Training. Cambridge, NY ​

Oct 2022 - 2 Day Audit Spot with Training with Bria Boston, MA​

April 2024 - Hosted the owner of Two Tails Training, Fernando Gonzalez, as he held a 2 day seminar on Behavior Modification in pet dogs.​

October 2024-  A 5 day long intensive behavior modification training at Method K9 in Post Falls Idaho.​

Certified from International Association of Canine Professionals in PRONG COLLAR KNOWLEDGE ASSESMENT.

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I am also a AKC evaluator for CGC, CGCU, CGCA, S.T.A.R. Puppy and AKC trick titles.

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I believe there is no “cookie cutter” answer to dog training and each and every dog is deservedly different. Each client has specific need, wants, and sticky spots to resolve. Each program is individualized, tailored and designed to suit their specific needs and goals.

 My goal is to help those in the community have better relationships with their dogs through educating the owner, creating structure in the home, building a listening foundation and holding the dog accountability for its actions.