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Meet The Pack
Phil Lassiter, Owner & Head Trainer
I cannot imagine life without dogs. I have had dogs my whole life and have experienced great friendships with those dogs. Watching my childhood shows like Lassie, Run Joe Run, the Bionic Woman with her bionic dog Max, and the movie The Doberman Gang only reinforced my interest and desire to work with these wonderful animals. The companionship, loyalty, security, and unconditional love these animals give is unforgettable.
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I began my career as a school teacher and learned to convey information to individuals and large groups. It is truly satisfying to see that “ah-ha” moment when things all come together for individuals. Therefore, a person with teaching skills and a passion for dogs, this was the perfect combination to catapult me to training dogs and their owners.
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I received a training certification from The ABC dog training school and immediately began training large group classes for basic obedience and private lessons for dogs with behavioral issues. I began training and competing in a police dog type of sport called Schutzhund with my dogs. This was not only fun, it allowed me to learn different training styles; thereby deepening my knowledge, understanding, and appreciation for the NEED for clear communication between dog and handler/owner.
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Bad dogs rarely exist, however, without proper communication, badly mannered dogs often do exist. The quality of a dog’s life (and owner) exponentially improves when the dog is well-behaved. Walks, hikes, car rides, or just hanging out are possible and more pleasurable. My goal is to help owners learn good communication skills so they fairly and effectively teach their dogs to co-exist with them in harmony.​
Kelly Knowles, Trainer
I’ve been passionate about training dogs for as long as I can remember. I got my first dog from my uncle when I was just 7, and before long, I was setting up agility courses in the backyard using my dad’s firewood! My love for dogs and learning how to bring out the best in them has only grown since then.
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Since starting my professional training career in 2012, I’ve earned several certifications in different areas of dog training. As I gain expertise in a new field, I make it a point to become an evaluator or judge to ensure I stay at the top of my game. Right now, I’m certified as an AKC CGC Evaluator, Farm Dog Judge, Temperament Test Evaluator, Fit Dog Instructor, and FETCH Judge, along with qualifications like UKC SPOT Evaluator and certifications from Do More with Your Dog. I also completed the Custom Canine Unlimited Narcotics Detection and Tracking Handler Course and have been certified twice in these areas with my dog, Athena.
I believe that we’re never done learning, and that applies to our dogs too. Training doesn’t just create well-behaved pets—it keeps dogs mentally engaged and fulfilled. Over the years, my dogs have earned titles in AKC, UKC, WCRL, CWAGS, and Do More with Your Dog events, and I know firsthand how much happier and more confident they become when they learn and achieve new goals.
If you’re looking for help with your dog, whether it’s an introduction to the sporting skills category or something else, I’d love to share my experience and expertise to help you and your dog thrive.
Lina Bogdan, Apprentice
Animals have always been a huge part of my life. As a kid, I volunteered at our local animal shelter for five years, so dogs have always held a special place in my heart. Before I got my first dog Ruby, I took a liking to my neighbor's dog and always tried to teach her new tricks. When I got Ruby, my interest in training skyrocketed! I would take her to K9 Good Citizen classes along with Agility. She helped my interest in dog training grow into a passion.
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Since, I have gotten my own dog Diesel who has attended the Basic Obedience and Intermediate classes through Respect on Both Ends. Diesel is helping me learn and practice the training techniques I have learned through classes and being an apprentice.
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I currently work at VIP Boarding Kennel where I am a kennel assistant. It’s taught me to navigate certain situations when it comes to dog communication and reading body language, I may not have known how to understand before.
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My goal is to grow my career to work with military and law enforcement K9s and host my own obedience classes. I want to help people learn how to communicate with their dogs. Training isn’t about control, it’s about partnership. I believe in building trust instead of fear, each session is a step in building a connection with your dog to have a better life together.