Co-Founder | Dog Trainer | Working Dog Breeder | Entrepreneur | Franchise Director | Mentor

Alison Nezbeth is a distinguished dog trainer, entrepreneur, and breeder recognized as a 2024 Marquis Who’s Who Honored Listee for her exceptional contributions to the canine industry. With over a decade of experience, she has built a reputation as a leading figure in both pet obedience and working dog development across North America and internationally.

She is the co-founder of Grassroots K9, a multifaceted dog training company known for its results-driven, balanced approach and industry-leading programs. Alongside her husband and business partner Michael Nezbeth, Alison has scaled Grassroots K9 into a multi-location franchise serving clients in Canada, the United States, and as far as Australia.

Leadership & Franchise Oversight

Alison plays a central role as the Director of the Grassroots K9 Franchise, overseeing all operational aspects of the business. She leads weekly coaching calls with franchise partners and manages core areas such as marketing, financial strategy, and long-term business development. Her leadership has been instrumental in creating sustainable, scalable dog training businesses under the Grassroots K9 umbrella.

Train the Trainer Program

Alison is the creator and lead instructor of the Train the Trainer Program, one of the most respected educational pathways for aspiring dog trainers. This immersive program combines real-world training skills with foundational business development tools—helping graduates launch and grow successful dog training companies across Canada, the U.S., and internationally, including in Australia. Her mentorship has directly shaped the next generation of professional trainers.

Working Dog Breeding & Development

A passionate and knowledgeable working dog breeder, Alison has successfully produced Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd litters that have gone on to serve in law enforcement and military K9 units. Known for her focus on genetics, environmental stability, and early imprinting, her breeding program produces dogs that thrive in detection, patrol, and tactical operations. Her work has had a direct impact on public safety and national security.

Seminar Creator & Podcast Host

Alison shares her knowledge regularly through seminars, lectures, and online platforms. She is the creator of the Working Dog Women Seminar, a first-of-its-kind event designed to educate, uplift, and empower women in the working dog industry. The seminar fosters skill development, confidence, and community among female trainers, handlers, and decoys in what is often a male-dominated space.

She is also the co-host of The Rooted Podcast, where she and Michael explore real-life topics in dog training, entrepreneurship, leadership, and navigating business ownership alongside family life.

Personal Values & Vision

As a wife, mother, and business leader, Alison is deeply committed to accountability, clear communication, and consistency—both in dog training and in business. She believes the best trainers are also effective leaders and sees her role as one that empowers others to rise through clarity, honesty, and structure. Her work is rooted in a vision of long-term excellence—for both dogs and the people who train them.