★ USMC Veteran • Military K9 Handler

Meet Mo

USMC veteran, military working dog handler, police K9 trainer, and founder of K9 Obedience Academy in Rochester, NY. Mo brings military-grade discipline and genuine compassion to every dog and family he works with.

Mo, founder of K9 Obedience Academy, USMC veteran dog trainer Rochester NY
EXCELLENT
★★★★★
Based on 20 reviews on Google
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Karen Drysdale2 weeks ago
★★★★★

"I was very pleased with the results of Bella's 3 weeks board and training. My main wish was for her to not be so reactive to other dogs. I brought her home a week ago and we went for a long walk. We saw three dogs and she was calm."

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Yvette Elliotta month ago
★★★★★

"I really appreciate the training that Karma received. Because I had just gotten her as a rescue and didn't know much about her past, I was hesitant to leave her all day. My worries were put to rest immediately. Esa was warm and welcoming."

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Carrie Anne Mullena month ago
★★★★★

"I absolutely love K9 Obedience Academy!! Great caring people and very good at what they do!! Mason came home after the 5 weeks board and train a completely different dog!"

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lisa jones4 months ago
★★★★★

"I am so grateful to K9 Obedience Academy. I was at my wits end trying to tame my 2 year old German Shepherd Bruno. He is very protective. I couldn't take him anywhere. K9 Obedience Academy has worked with Bruno to show him what behavior is acceptable."

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Jennifer4 months ago
★★★★★

"My training with Mo was incredibly valuable. Our time was immediately tailored to specific goals and objectives. Every part of the session was understanding how to get to where we wanted to be."

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Vicky Brown4 months ago
★★★★★

"I thought we would have to get rid of our dog because he is so big and strong. We couldn't get him to listen, walk on the leash or anything. Now I can walk him and he listens to commands. Thank you so very much."

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Sandy Burns5 months ago
★★★★★

"I put my pup, Arty, in the care of Moe and Esa at K9 to give him some much needed basic training. He did receive that training and Arty is a really sweet boy with new skills thanks to them!"

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Kuo Reese8 months ago
★★★★★

"Mo is fantastic!!! He took my rescue from uncontrollable and defiant to completely off-leash trained and obedient in 8 weeks. My dog is now doing his public access training for service dog."

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James Fumia8 months ago
★★★★★

"Mo is the best dog trainer I've met. My dog had aggressive behavior and was not responding to commands. A four week program with Mo and I got a different dog back. Not only is his on leash behavior great but he's just as good off leash."

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Patricia A. Barber9 months ago
★★★★★

"Mo did a wonderful job with my pup. He would just sit down when I put a leash on him. Now he wants to go everywhere for a walk on his leash. Mo does a great job teaching these pooches."

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kelly reed10 months ago
★★★★★

"We cannot say enough about Mo and his team! Our dog was a rescue found emaciated and infected. She was afraid and anxious and used barking and biting to fend off anyone. Mo transformed her completely."

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Laura10 months ago
★★★★★

"I moved up here and needed dog training ASAP. I found Mo and his team on Instagram and went in for a consultation. After boarding my dog, I can confidently say the results speak for themselves."

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Darrell Wright11 months ago
★★★★★

"Mo and Jose are both knowledgeable and professional. I had a great experience working with the two of them and my Rottweiler puppy. If you put the work in you'll see the results."

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ciel roama year ago
★★★★★

"Mo was truly life-changing for our family and our dog. We were at a breaking point with our dog's reactivity. Barking nonstop, lunging, and snapping at anyone new. We felt defeated until we found Mo."

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Stephen Fennellya year ago
★★★★★

"Best training ever! I have used many others for my other dogs but none of them spent the time with us after board and train was over like K9 Obedience Academy did and still does."

500+
Rochester Families Served
5.0
Google Star Rating
7+
Years Experience
20
5-Star Reviews
Mo sitting with German Shepherd, K9 Obedience Academy Rochester NY

From Military K9 Handler to Rochester's Dog Trainer

Mo's journey with dogs began in the United States Marine Corps. As a military working dog handler and SRT team member, he trained alongside some of the most disciplined and capable dogs in the world. High-stakes environments where reliability wasn't optional, it was life or death.

After his service, Mo transitioned to police K9 training before founding K9 Obedience Academy in Rochester, NY. His mission: bring that same level of discipline, structure, and genuine care to family dogs and their owners.

Every Dog Deserves Great Training

Mo believes every dog, regardless of breed, age, or behavior history, can learn to be a well-mannered, confident companion. His balanced training approach combines positive reinforcement with clear, fair boundaries. The same methodology that built reliable military working dogs, adapted for family life.

Owner coaching is built into every program because Mo knows the training doesn't end when the session does. You learn alongside your dog, and lifetime support means he's always a call away.

K9 Obedience Academy graduation photo with van Rochester NY
Mo training Australian Shepherd at store, real-world training Rochester NY

Balanced Training That Actually Works

Mo's training is proofed in real-world environments across Rochester, from the parks of Pittsford and Brighton to the sidewalks of Victor and Fairport. Dogs learn to behave where it actually matters, not just in a classroom.

Programs include private lessons, puppy training, day training, board and train, and specialist programs for aggression and reactivity. Serving all of Monroe County including Penfield, Webster, Henrietta, Greece, and Irondequoit.

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Or call/text: (585) 648-5854