Meet The Founder
CRAIG HANNA
Owner
My whole life I have had a passion for dogs. I have always had some kind of pet in my life but dogs have always provided me with a source of happiness, which lead me to volunteer at local shelters early on. In September 2006 I had to make a choice in my life that would take me away from my passion to help our country. I wanted to join the military as a K9 Handler but there were no slots available. Instead, I joined as a Combat Engineer. A year and a half into my first duty station, a Sergeant Major came to our company looking for soldiers to go to Mine Dog School, I jumped into action. In March 2009 my whole life changed. I was living my dream working with K9's and helping our country. One of the greatest things to come out of that training school was a dog that will forever hold a special place in my heart. Her name is MWD Raja.
After getting out of the military I knew undoubtedly what I wanted to do for a living. I started a training program in Saint Robert, MO called K9 Manners.I worked with the Waynesville and Saint Robert's, MO Animal Shelters. I left Missouri, I moved to Harker Heights, Texas in 2012 and started my company, United K9 Academy in 2015. I dedicated volunteer time every week hours to the local dogs shelters to help place dogs in their forever homes. I also volunteered time to help these dogs achieve success at remaining in their new home after adoption. Today, I currently work with TADSAW (Train A Dog Save A Warrior), working hand in hand with Vets that have PTSD and TBI. A Great benefit of working with the TADSAW Program is getting to help veterans find compatible canine companions from the shelter system. Win-win for both the Vet and the newly adopted dog. One of my favorite passions would be working with aggressive dogs. I also enjoy helping owners to understand why and how dogs act the way they do and to help dog owners achieve the desired behaviors they are seeking from their dog. Training is a passion of mine and I look forward to sharing my years of hands on experience with you.
Testimonials
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We took our 5 month old puppy, Oakley, to Craig with United K9 for a 2 week board and train in July and was very pleased with what he was able to accomplish with her. After picking her up, she had still maintained all the amazing puppy characteristics we all love, but was well behaved for her age, able to follow basic commands, walk with ease on the leash, stopped the jumping on our toddlers, and overall happier with understanding what we wanted from her. Craig then came out to our house 2 weeks later for a follow up lesson and gave us all the tools to feel confident in continuing Oakley's training and guidance with additional tasks such as releasing a ball after fetch and staying in the back "yard" when the gate is open. Thank you Craig and United K9 for all your help and for loving our dog. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Alisha Walker
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We had our Rocco for a three week board and train with Jonathan and his wife - and it’s the best thing we could have done. After extensive research and meeting with trainers we felt most comfortable with Jonathan and his wife, they were professional and knowledgeable and gave us peace of mind that our Rocco would be in great hands while we were overseas! We received videos, pics and updates on a regular basis and from that wild boy Rocco that we turned over to Jonathan we got a much more behaved and controlled dog back! He was seriously over excited about everything but became more disciplined, knows boundaries and we are very happy with the results. Jonathan is committed to continuously help out if need be and he is always reachable. We definitely made the right choice and would recommend them very highly. And with all of that came a very reasonable price package compared to others. Way to go - a trainer with heart! Thank you again!
Simone Maynard
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After years of being told there was no hope for my other dog aggressive Coco and I should put her down, I found an ad for United K9. It seemed like a sign so I sent a message and was greeted by trainer Tanja. Let me say she is my hero, our HERO!! The difference is night and day in just 4 private lessons!! We will start group classes soon. I have been able to walk Coco with and without Tanja and feel strong, confident and empowered. I owe everything to Tanja, her team and training. Thank you for believing in me and my girl, thank you for letting me have my dreams of walking her!!
Tamara Wilson