About Last Journey K9

Where the name comes from

A 16-year-old shelter dog. "Last Journey K9 was named after Journey: a 16-year-old mutt I adopted from the county shelter in July of 2017. Journey looked like she was knocking on death's door when I saw her on a Facebook post. I went to the shelter as soon as they opened on Monday, introduced Journey to my 2 German Shepherds, and a 'freedom ride' followed." She had nine months: "Journey grew all her hair back and her nails were trimmed down over time to where they no longer curled around under her feet. She saw the beach for the first time, and she ate 3 times a day (that was her favorite)… While on an 8-day vacation to visit family in Florida in February, Journey passed away."

The business came a year later, from a second shelter dog: "Calhoun County shelter called me with an urgent case: a male German Shepherd turned in for 'aggression'. They asked if I could do an evaluation of him to determine if he was adoptable or not… For a little over three weeks, I went to the shelter almost every day and walked the dog, trained with him, and pushed him to his limits to bring him back to a better mindset. Within a month of being dropped off and slated for death, Jeter found his permanent, forever home." She writes: "Hundreds of people congratulated me for changing Jeter's life, but the truth is: he changed mine." The name is meant literally: "symbolic of being the last journey these dogs and owners have to take on the road to 'happily ever after'."

Who runs it

Katie Breslin, "Owner & Trainer." "With an extensive background in rehabilitating dogs and a passion for creating a more balanced life with dogs and people, I have spent the majority of my life training dogs through freelance rescue and volunteering. I am an avid German Shepherd lover and I have worked with many of the local K9 units and other trainers to expand my horizons and experiences. I am also currently training my youngest German Shepherd in Schutzhund/IGP and Personal Protection." Elsewhere the site puts her experience at "12+ years of experience in training and rehabilitating dogs" and "over 10 years of experience."

What she specializes in

"I specialize in behavioral cases such as fear, reactivity, and aggression, and will always cater my programs to the dog in front of me." She also names the human half as a skill: "I also pride myself on my human relations skills and my ability to connect with people in a proper yet meaningful way to make dog owners feel comfortable, happy, and adequately guided in their journey in dog ownership and training."

Services

Three. Private lessons are run at her base: "Conducted at Last Journey K9 headquarters in Nashville MI, I will train you to be your dog's own trainer." Board & Train is described as "Michigan's premier Board & Train program specializing in building stronger, healthier dogs in mind and body." Consultations are remote: "Consultations via Zoom or FaceTime are a great way to get an honest & professional opinion from the comfort of your own home. It's the perfect option for simpler questions and fixes, as well as virtual coaching."

On breeds

She addresses an assumption about her directly: "Many may think I specifically work with German Shepherds and while that's the breed I know in-and-out and choose to own, it is not my only area of expertise." Her position: "Every breed of dog can be trained through finding motivation and tapping into instincts and drive. No breed is 'untrainable' or requires a handler specifically trained or experienced with said breed."

On method

"As an avid opponent of 'one size fits all', I offer options and training styles to fit you AND your dog! Dogs are not 'cookie cutter' and neither am I!"

Before you book

Ask about prices, program lengths and certifications.