Meet Our Team
Mike
Owner & Master Trainer
With over 25 years of dedicated experience in the field of dog training and a legacy of recognition from trainers and dog training institutions worldwide, Mike stands out as one of the most versatile and accomplished dog trainers in the Midwestern United States. His expertise spans a broad spectrum, ranging from nurturing common household pets through obedience and behavioral training to the rigorous training of high-level working K9s utilized by law enforcement agencies and the United States Military.
Mike’s journey into dog training began with a solid educational foundation, including graduation from prestigious institutions such as the Tom Rose School, STSK9 University, Michael Ellis Professional School, Logan Haus School, and the world-renowned NePoPo School of Professional Dog Training in Brussels, Belgium.
Beyond his prowess as a dog trainer, Mike has demonstrated his commitment to both his community and his country. He served with honor and distinction as a Police Officer and Army Captain Combat Veteran for over 12 years, accumulating a wealth of experience in the realm of dog training and working with service dogs.
In 2017, Mike ventured into the pet training industry by founding KC Dawgz, a company dedicated to enhancing the lives of pets and their owners. After successfully running and selling KC Dawgz in 2020, Mike launched Precision Dog Training, a specialized venture meticulously crafted to cater to the unique needs of dog lovers in the Kansas City area.
Adding to his list of accomplishments, Mike is also an American Kennel Club (AKC) Evaluator. His true passion lies in empowering families with the knowledge and skills essential for nurturing the family-pet relationship and reinforcing the bond between dog and owner.
Mike’s commitment to continuous learning and personal development extends to his academic pursuits. He earned a Master of Business Administration with honors from the University of Mary, showcasing his dedication to excellence both inside and outside the world of dog training.
With a profound dedication to canine welfare and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Mike brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and passion to Precision Dog Training, setting the standard for dog training services in the Kansas City area.
ROb
Owner and CEO
As the Co-Owner and CEO of Precision Dog Training Academy, Rob brings a profound passion for dogs and a wealth of experience to the forefront. His remarkable journey spans over 25 years, during which he dedicated himself to impacting the lives of American students across the globe, serving as an American School HS Principal in four different countries.
Rob’s return to the United States from Abu Dhabi seven years ago marked a significant shift in his focus. With an unyielding love for dogs and a background in Biology, he embarked on a new mission: to provide exceptional pet services and training to families in the Kansas City area.
Rob’s academic journey includes a degree in Biology, a foundation that beautifully complements his extensive experience in training both horses and canines. With Master’s Degrees in Education and Leadership, Rob brings a unique blend of expertise to Precision Dog Training Academy.
At the core of his role, Rob is dedicated to quality control, ensuring that every aspect of Precision Dog Training Academy’s programs meets the highest standards. He excels in the art of crystallizing and formalizing the curriculum, contributing to the academy’s well-deserved reputation for excellence.
Beyond his commitment to program development, Rob takes great pleasure in delivering outstanding customer service and pet care that consistently exceeds expectations. He takes pride in enriching the lives of families within the local community by providing them with top-notch services and support.
Rob’s remarkable journey, combined with his unwavering commitment to canine welfare and exceptional customer experiences, makes him the driving force behind the success and excellence of Precision Dog Training Academy.
Keaton
Assistant Training Director
Hailing from Overland Park, Kansas, Keaton’s journey into the world of dog training was ignited by a lifelong passion for animals. From his early years, Keaton found himself drawn to the care and training of dogs, not only within his own family but among friends as well. As the years passed, what started as a fervent interest soon blossomed into a full-fledged career, as Keaton embarked on a mission to establish himself as one of the premier dog trainers in Kansas.
Keaton’s dog training odyssey commenced over five years ago under the tutelage of Michael Sligh, a Master Trainer and the former owner of KC Dawgz Training Academy. He underwent a rigorous apprenticeship program under Sligh’s mentorship, laying the foundation for his exceptional skills. Upon graduating from the program, Keaton’s dedication to the craft led him to become a Level III dog trainer, specializing in both Obedience Training and Behavior Modification. His expertise further extended to becoming the Lead Group Instructor for Puppy Obedience, Trick, and Agility classes, where he honed his instructional abilities.
Keaton’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the confines of a single program. He actively pursued additional education and certifications, earning accolades from Nino Drowaert through the completion of the STSK9 Training program. This relentless pursuit of knowledge and skill enhancement continues to drive Keaton’s progress in his dog training career.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Keaton is a devoted father to Brinley, his three-year-old American Black Lab. Keaton’s own training prowess extends to Brinley, whom he trained in Bed Bug detection and Advanced Obedience. His approachable personality and unwavering work ethic have propelled Keaton to emerge as one of the preeminent professional dog trainers in the greater Kansas City area.
Complementing his passion for dog training, Keaton also pursued higher education at the University of Kansas, where he focused on Strategic Communications. This diversified background enables him to effectively communicate his love for dogs and share his expertise with pet owners, fostering stronger bonds between dogs and their families.
With a steadfast commitment to the well-being of dogs and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Keaton stands as a testament to what it means to be a top-tier dog trainer in the heart of Kansas.
Ethan
Program Manager
Ethan Beharry is the Program Manager at Precision Dog Training Academy, where he plays a pivotal role in ensuring top-tier care and training services for both dogs and their owners. Born and raised in Gardner, KS, Ethan later moved to Olathe after earning his education from Johnson County Community College and Kansas State University, specializing in customer relationships, management, and marketing.
With over two years of dedicated experience in the canine industry, Ethan has developed a deep understanding of dog behavior and care through his work in daycare and boarding facilities, as well as his volunteer efforts supporting pet adoption initiatives. This professional background, combined with seven years of experience in customer relations, allows Ethan to expertly guide clients in fostering stronger, more positive relationships with their pets.
Ethan’s passion for canine care is also reflected in his personal life, where he shares his home with Beckett, a lively Rottweiler-Husky mix. He enjoys preparing nutritious raw meals and homemade treats for Beckett and actively contributes to community efforts focused on providing safe, nurturing homes for shelter and foster pets.
Ethan takes pride in the meaningful impact his work has on both dogs and their families, helping pet parents navigate their journey to a healthier and happier bond with their companions. His expertise, dedication, and enthusiasm make him an invaluable part of the Precision Dog Training Academy team.
Riley
Professional Dog Trainer
Riley is a professional dog trainer with a deep passion for animal behavior. Originally from Joplin, Missouri, she relocated to Colorado Springs, where her family’s aggressive rescue dog ignited her desire to understand dog behavior on a deeper level.
For the past four years, Riley has been dedicated to working with dogs, taking a more serious approach when she adopted her pit mix, Milkshake. Since 2022, she has also been a committed pet care provider, offering care and dog walking services for all breeds and sizes in the greater Johnson County area.
Riley loves fostering high-energy and high-drive dogs, finding immense joy and fulfillment in helping these spirited canines. She is particularly passionate about working with misunderstood breeds to combat negative stereotypes, striving to bring out the best in every dog she trains. Her love and passion for training dogs and learning more about them daily provide her with ultimate satisfaction and fulfillment. Riley’s dedication and empathy make her a valuable addition to the Precision Dog Training Academy team.
Emily
Professional Dog Trainer
Emily’s journey into the world of professional dog training is rooted in her love for animals and a lifelong connection to the canine companions who have shaped her life.
Born in Lewiston, Idaho, and raised in Overland Park, Kansas, Emily’s family included two cherished rescues: Titan, a Rottweiler mix, and the spirited Jack Russell, Scruffy. It was Scruffy’s playful antics that ignited Emily’s deep affection for animals from an early age.
Emily’s academic path led her to Emporia State, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Ceramics. Her artistic focus often revolved around animal imagery, with a particular fondness for portraying canines. This artistic journey gave her a unique perspective on the beauty and complexity of animals, especially dogs.
Emily’s role as the proud mother of Burnt Toast, a Czech Working Line German Shepherd, played a pivotal role in her career transition. Owning a high-drive breed like Burnt Toast provided her with a firsthand understanding of the incredible potential that working dogs possess when guided by the right training methods.
Prior to embarking on her dog training career, Emily spent three years as an Elementary Art Teacher, nurturing young minds and creativity. However, it was her beloved canine companion, Burnt Toast, who served as the catalyst for her passion to evolve into a profession. Inspired by her dog’s potential and eager to share her expertise, Emily made the decision to follow her heart and embark on a fulfilling career as a professional dog trainer.
Today, Emily brings her artistic sensibilities, love for animals, and a profound commitment to nurturing the bond between dogs and their owners to her role as a Professional Dog Trainer. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of following one’s passion and embracing the profound connection between humans and their four-legged companions.
Michael
Professional Dog Trainer
Michael’s journey into professional dog training began with a deep-rooted love for his childhood companions and the lasting memories they created. Born and raised in Lenexa, Kansas, he was fortunate to grow up alongside his family’s Golden Retrievers Jasper, Blaze, and Murphy, who inspired his enduring dedication to canine behavior and care.
He began his career in the pet industry as a kennel attendant at KC Dawgz, where he trained under the mentorship of Mike Sligh, Former Owner an Master Trainer . During this time, Michael developed a foundational understanding of canine behavior, learning the intricacies of dog communication, handling, and care. This experience confirmed his commitment to becoming a professional dog trainer.
To further his education and skillset, Michael enrolled in the prestigious Tom Rose School for professional dog trainers. He graduated from the Professional Trainer Program in 2020, where he trained and raised two German Shepherds, Nela and Kaya. Nela specialized in scent detection and agility, while Kaya excelled in high-level competition obedience. These experiences refined Michael’s technical training abilities and helped him discover his personal passion for agility and disc dog sports.
Michael later relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he founded and operated his own dog training business, offering basic obedience and foundational disc dog training. His business quickly gained recognition for its focus on structured obedience and high-energy engagement, especially through frisbee-based enrichment.
Now back in Lenexa to be closer to family, Michael proudly rejoins Precision Dog Training Academy, where he continues his professional development under the leadership of Mike Sligh. His training style is marked by precision, consistency, and enthusiasm, particularly when working with high-energy breeds and sport-driven dogs.
Michael is passionate about equipping owners with practical tools and clear guidance to build strong, fulfilling relationships with their dogs. His focus remains on empowering both dog and handler to succeed through structure, play, and a healthy dose of frisbee fun.
Kate
Professional Dog Trainer
Kate brings a lifelong passion for animal care and a strong foundation in veterinary support to her role as a Dog Training Apprentice at Precision Dog Training Academy. Raised in Atchison, KS as the daughter of two veterinarians, Kate was immersed in the world of animal health from a young age. She began working at her parents’ veterinary clinic at just 13 years old, starting as a kennel attendant and quickly developing hands-on experience in animal handling, wellness, and client support.
Kate attended Kansas State University, where she pursued coursework in the College of Agriculture. While the education was valuable, she ultimately realized her true passion was working directly with animals in a more personal and impactful way. After five years in Manhattan, KS, Kate returned to Atchison to continue assisting at the family clinic—further deepening her commitment to animal welfare.
In addition to her veterinary experience, Kate has provided at-home care for pets, offering trusted support to friends and clients. Her calm demeanor, compassionate nature, and eagerness to grow make her an invaluable asset to our training team. Kate is committed to helping families strengthen their bond with their dogs through patience, empathy, and positive, structured training.
Empowerment
We Empower owners with the skills and knowledge required maintain a well behaved dog.
Qualified
Collectively, our trainers have over ¼ million dollars of dog training certifications from professional dog training schools throughout the world.
Personalized
Addressing your dog’s specific issues on a personal level is our specialty. Whether you need puppy training, specific obedience training or anything else, we're here to help.
Lifetime Investment
Invest in your relationship and enjoyment! Training your dog will make a lifelong improvement.
Continuous Training
Our training Academy offers continuous options to work with your dog for clients who seek to further develop their dog’s skillset or participate in more specialized training.
Simplified
Our training system has been broken down into a phased approach that works perfectly with different doggy learning styles.
Modern Training System
Our dog training process is proprietary and unlike anything you will find online, in a book or in a standard class. We have developed our proprietary system through years of training dogs, hands-on experience, and coaching dog owners.
State-of-the-Art Training Facility
On campus, we have 6,000 square feet of indoor climate-controlled training and play space; architected specifically for the comfort and safety of your dog.
Why Choose Us?
With years of dedicated experience, our team of master trainers is committed to helping you and your pets succeed. This isn’t a hobby for us; it’s our profession.
What we offer:
- Boarding your dog at a relaxing and pleasant facility.
- Boarding includes group playtime and comfortable and spacious kennels. Your dog will also get a nail trim and bath at the end of its stay.
- Our 6,000 sq foot training facility is perfect for your custom indoor needs.
- We are professional, experienced, and certified Master Dog trainer.
- One-on-one attention and support for owners.
- Custom-Designed Precision Dog Training System.
