Who we are
K9 Intel was founded in response to the challenges owners face due to the ever-growing involvement of dogs in society and our daily lives. From purchasing a good healthy companion and introducing basic life skills, to implementing proper training and keeping our best friend healthy and safe – ensuring our furry family members can thrive safely in our communities is of utmost importance.
Our knowledge is based on over 20 years of experience from working with all kinds of dogs, both big and small, and travelling to train with some of the greatest trainers the world has to offer. This includes working high level sport competition dogs, strong protection dogs, service dogs, and family companions. Our experience has already been used to help others achieve high levels of success and to help owners achieve a happy, loving and fulfilling relationship with their dog.
Through all of our experience, we have built a large network of experts in many areas of the canine industry. We have contacts to vets, breeders, trainers, equipment and food suppliers, and shippers capable of shipping dogs from the USA and Europe.
Our aim is to provide a safe place where people can learn with their dogs while free of judgment or ridicule. Opening up to new ideas requires vulnerability which can’t exist without a safe environment for everyone involved. At the end of the day it’s all about building the relationship between you and your dog; our goal is to ensure the process is as fun and enjoyable as possible. We have no doubts that K9 Intel can guide you to the best solution to meet your needs.
Meet Our Team
Stephen Kemick
Owner/Trainer
Stephen is the owner and founder of K9 Intel. He has trained and competed successfully in the sport of IGP (formerly Schutzhund) for over 25 years competing at both National and International Levels. This includes Canadian Nationals on 5 separate occasions with different dogs and representing Team Canada in 2016 at WUSV with Cutulus Laban.
Through his entire journey as a competitive handler Stephen has strongly maintained an additional role of coaching handlers and dogs from beginners all the way up to the national competition level.
Stephen’s training style focuses on finding ways to ensure progress and improvement with each dog and handler team. Through conscious communication, students are seeing success with faster learning, increased reliability, speed and accuracy, and the creation of an engaged and energetic dog that loves its work.
In the past few years, we have seen an increasing trend of handlers looking for the precision of IGP obedience/heeling but with the practicality for day-to-day life. As a result, Stephen has become very popular beyond the IGP fields, including search and rescue teams, rally obedience and helping canine companions become superstars in their homes. Stephen offers clear coaching, allows handlers to reach their goals, and creates an environment where students have fun and enjoy the work they have chosen with their dog.
Sarah Odyjewski
Trainer
From a young age, Sarah has had a love for animals. The moment she was able to, Sarah got her own dog, which deepened her passion for creating strong bonds through training.
Over the past 2 years, Sarah has been mentored by Stephen, learning about IGP, basic obedience, and puppy foundations. Additionally, she has actively participated in reactivity seminars held by trainers across Alberta.
Currently, Sarah is enthusiastically training her own dog, to compete in IGP. In Sarah’s mind, each dog presents a new and unique puzzle to solve, requiring different training methods, yet always maintaining clear communication as a constant factor.
Emily Mehok
Trainer
Emily has been working with Stephen and learning the ins and outs of both sport dogs and pet dogs alike. She has been through an extensive 2 year mentorship under him where she expanded her knowledge on training puppies, basic obedience, reactivity, and a variety of dog sports. She has also pursued many courses under other trainers to expand her knowledge and understanding of dogs. By immersing herself in these learning experiences, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to staying at the forefront of the field and expanding her skill set.
Emily has hands on experience in training her own dogs in sports including IGP and Search and Rescue, as well as training the basics of how to be the perfect family companion. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge and constant thirst for improvement have elevated her skills to unprecedented heights.
Emily’s training philosophy revolves around training the dog that is front of her, creating training plans that are customized to each individual dog. Emily promotes trust-building, clear communication, teamwork, and a deep sense of mutual respect between handler and dog. The people who work with Emily have benefited not only from her technical expertise but also from her ability to inspire confidence and unleash their dog’s full potential.