The “Roots” of Love with Grassroots K9: The Love of Dogs and Training

At Grassroots K9, we believe that love is at the heart of every training journey. It’s not just about teaching commands or correcting behavior—it’s about building trust, fostering communication, and creating an unshakable bond between dogs and their owners. For us, this isn’t just a business—it’s a passion that runs deep in our family and fuels everything we do.

This Valentine’s Day, we’re reflecting on what it means to truly love dogs and how training can transform your relationship with your furry companion. But first, let’s take a step back and share how it all began.

How Grassroots K9 Took Root

Grassroots K9 was born out of a shared dream between Mike and Alison Nezbeth, a husband-and-wife team who have dedicated their lives to dogs and the people who love them. What started as a small training venture has grown into something much bigger—a thriving, family-run business with locations across Canada and the U.S.

Mike and Alison’s journey began with a deep love for working dogs and a desire to help dog owners unlock their pets' full potential. Their vision was simple: to create a training program that combines science-based methods, accountability, and compassion. With years of experience, countless hours of training, and an unwavering commitment to their craft, Grassroots K9 grew from a dream into a reality.

But this isn’t just about business for the Nezbeths—it’s personal. From training high-level working dogs to helping families with their pets, Mike and Alison have poured their hearts into every aspect of Grassroots K9. They’ve created a community where clients become family, and every dog is treated with the love and respect they deserve.

A Family-Run Business with Heart

Grassroots K9 isn’t just about the Nezbeths—it’s about their whole family. Alison and Mike have built this business while raising their daughters. Brielle, who has grown up surrounded by dogs and the core values of hard work, dedication, and compassion. Even Brielle’s pets, Pineapple and Zazu, are part of the Grassroots K9 story, reminding us that training is about love, trust, and creating a harmonious life with animals.

At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to helping families—human and canine alike—live their best lives together. Whether we’re working with a family pet who needs better manners or training a dog for high-performance working roles, our approach always comes back to one thing: love.

The Love That Training Brings

Training isn’t just about teaching your dog to obey commands—it’s about building a relationship that’s rooted in mutual respect and understanding. Here’s why training is the ultimate expression of love:

Trust: When you train your dog, you’re showing them they can trust you to lead them safely and confidently through the world. That trust is the foundation of every great relationship.
Communication: Training opens up a two-way conversation between you and your dog. They learn to understand what you want, and you learn to read their body language and needs more effectively.
Freedom: A well-trained dog gets to experience life to the fullest—off-leash adventures, social outings, and a life without unnecessary restrictions. Giving your dog the gift of freedom is one of the greatest acts of love.

Why We Do What We Do

At Grassroots K9, every dog we train and every family we help is a testament to our passion for this work. From the first consultation to seeing the transformation in both dog and owner, it’s a journey we’re honored to be a part of.

This Valentine’s Day, we encourage you to celebrate the roots of love in your own training journey. Whether it’s working on recall, mastering the basics, or strengthening your bond through advanced obedience, remember that training is love in action. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

A Thank You to Our Grassroots Family

To everyone who has been part of our story—clients, trainers, and the incredible dogs who inspire us—we thank you. Grassroots K9 wouldn’t be what it is today without the community that has grown around it. You’re part of our family, and we’re so grateful for your trust and support.

This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate the love we share for our dogs, the trust we build through training, and the connections that make Grassroots K9 more than a business—it’s a labor of love.