• Experience You Can Trust

MLK9 Dog Training in Knoxville

With over 15 years of experience, MLK9 helps puppies and adult dogs develop reliable obedience, better behavior, and confidence while building stronger relationships with their owners.
  • Serving Knoxville and Nearby Communities

Professional Training for Real-Life Results

For more than 15 years, MLK9 has helped owners develop confident, responsive, and manageable dogs. Our experience includes farm and working dogs, Police K9s, and thousands of family pets with different breeds, temperaments, and training needs.

Our Knoxville team provides practical programs focused on skills owners can use at home, on walks, and in public. We begin by understanding your dog and goals, then recommend the program that provides the right level of training and support.

Dog lying on green grass outdoors with ears forward and tongue out, looking at the camera
Dog wearing “K9 GATOR” gear listens as a trainer kneels outdoors during dog training
  • Our Team

Meet Our Knoxville Training Team

Trainer and adult dog share a reward during dog training in Knoxville, TN outdoors.
Andy
Head Trainer

Growing up in a small town in South Florida, I knew that someday I wanted to have a career that would have an impact on the community. I was able to take my love of the outdoors and my interest in law enforcement and join The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as a Wildlife Officer, right out of high school.

During my career with FWC, I worked alongside MLK9 owner, Mike Lilley. While watching Mike and his K-9 Roscoe, I found a new appreciation for the effectiveness of a good K-9 team.

After 7 years with FWC, I went to work with my local Sheriff’s Office, where once again Mike and I were working together. Being good friends with Mike, Hunter Kearns, and the rest of the Sheriff’s Office K-9 team, I spent a lot of time laying tracks and watching them train.

It was always interesting watching them hone their skills as a team and apply those skills during live K-9 deployments. Eventually, my path at the Sheriff’s Office led me to investigations, where Narcotics Investigations became my passion. I would go on to supervise the Narcotics Unit where I would finish out my career before retiring. In total, I have 14 years of experience in law enforcement, holding multiple positions as a supervisor, field training officer, instructor, and a SWAT team member.

My good friend Mike had become established in the K-9 industry and found himself needing some more help and trainers to add to his team. After a long career in law enforcement, I decided I was ready to try something new. I began an apprenticeship with Hunter Kearns during my spare time where I learned the basics of dog training. I have always found it fascinating to watch a dog work through a problem and understand what it is that I am asking them to do.

I practice my training skills daily with my Beagles, Bama and Lucy. If I can get two stubborn, mischievous dogs to obey and learn something new, I am convinced that any dog can learn! I look forward to helping everyone learn how to communicate with their pets in an effective and efficient manner. When I am not training dogs, my time is spent with my wife, Carrie, and our two sons, Tyson and Luke. We enjoy spending time outdoors, trying new recipes on the smoker, and watching college football.

Dog and MLK9 trainer standing outdoors for dog training, with the handler holding the leash near the dog
Samantha Hinsley
TRAINER

Animals have always fascinated me, and I knew that I would like to work with animals as
my future job. I volunteered for Young Williams animal shelter when I was ten with my family
and loved being with the dogs.

Then around thirteen, I was able to volunteer with Smokey
Mountain Service Dogs and raise a puppy for a disabled veteran. We raised many puppies over the years for them, but Gunner was the first puppy that I was assigned to raise and train.

Gunner was a red lab and an incredibly smart dog to train, and he made me realize I wanted to train dogs for a living. I believe that every dog should have a chance and listening and working with your dog is important.

Mike and the MLK9 trainers have helped so many dogs at risk of euthanasia or rehoming and I’d like to make an impact for dogs here in Tennessee and help out the dogs that are at risk. I think that Mike and the people here at MLK9 are some of the best help you can get and I am really glad they gave me a chance to work here.

MLK9 trainer kneels beside a calm adult dog during supervised training in an indoor retail aisle
David
TRAINER

My journey began on a small farm in Pennsylvania, where I, David, first opened my eyes to a world filled with animals and nature. Growing up surrounded by the wonders of the outdoors, I developed an innate connection with animals from an early age. Little did I know that this connection would shape the course of my life.

As the years passed, my fascination with dogs grew into a deep-seated desire to make a difference in their lives. I embarked on a path to become a professional dog trainer, driven by the aspiration to help dogs not only coexist with humans but thrive in their presence. This mission became the guiding star of my career, and I was determined to turn my passion into a purpose.

One particular experience stands out as a testament to the power of dog training. Faced with a dog that was human and dog aggressive, the owners were on the brink of a heart-wrenching decision. Through unwavering dedication and the application of effective training techniques, I was able to transform this troubled dog’s life. Witnessing his transformation from a misunderstood and isolated animal to a thriving, social being was a profound moment that reinforced my commitment to my calling.

The reward of witnessing dogs overcome their challenges and thrive alongside their human counterparts is what fuels my passion. I firmly believe that dogs are capable of far more than we often give them credit for. My goal is to continue contributing to this remarkable community for years to come, extending my helping hand to all types of dogs and their owners. Through dedicated training, I aim to bridge the gap between humans and dogs, creating harmonious and fulfilling relationships.

My journey has led me to training at Ridgeside K9 Knoxville and MLK9, a place where dogs and humans come together to learn, grow, and forge unbreakable bonds. I invite you to visit, take a tour, and bring along your beloved canine companions. Let us embark on a shared journey of discovery and empowerment, where we unlock the incredible potential that lies within each and every dog.

In this autobiography, I hope to inspire others to believe in the transformative power of dog training and to recognize the profound impact that dogs can have on our lives.

  • How Training Works

Start Your Dog’s Training in Simple Steps

Our clear process helps match your dog with the right program based on their behavior, needs, and your training goals.
Dog boarding bed icon for MLK9, showing a kennel-style training lodging setup
01

Schedule a Consultation

Tell us about your dog’s behavior, daily routine, current challenges, and the results you want to achieve.

White dog silhouette jumping over an obstacle in a dog training icon on a green background
02

Select the Right Program

Our trainers recommend the program that best fits your dog’s needs, temperament, and learning goals.
MLK9 training icon showing a handler guiding a dog through a structured training area
03

Start Professional Training

Your dog begins structured training focused on obedience, confidence, communication, and reliable everyday behavior.
MLK9 dog training support icon showing a trainer with a headset at a workstation
04

Continue Progress at Home

We provide practical guidance to help you maintain results, stay consistent, and strengthen your bond with your dog.

  • Real Clients, Real Results

What Our Clients Say About Us

Start Your Dog’s Training Journey Today

Call Us Now

Talk to us and see how we work together
(865) 213-7775

Our Location

Knoxville, TN

Contact MLK9 Knoxville

Speak with our Knoxville team about your dog’s behavior, previous training, and the results you want to achieve. We will help you choose an appropriate program and explain the next steps.