Meet the Founder | United K9 Academy

CRAIG HANNA

Owner

My whole life I have had a passion for dogs. I have always had some kind of pet in my life but dogs have always provided me with a source of happiness, which lead me to volunteer at local shelters early on. In September 2006 I had to make a choice in my life that would take me away from my passion to help our country. I wanted to join the military as a K9 Handler but there were no slots available. Instead, I joined as a Combat Engineer. A year and a half into my first duty station, a Sergeant Major came to our company looking for soldiers to go to Mine Dog School, I jumped into action. In March 2009 my whole life changed. I was living my dream working with K9's and helping our country. One of the greatest things to come out of that training school was a dog that will forever hold a special place in my heart. Her name is MWD Raja.

After getting out of the military I knew undoubtedly what I wanted to do for a living. I started a training program in Saint Robert, MO called K9 Manners.I worked with the Waynesville and Saint Robert's, MO Animal Shelters. I left Missouri, I moved to Harker Heights, Texas in 2012 and started my company, United K9 Academy in 2015. I dedicated volunteer time every week hours to the local dogs shelters to help place dogs in their forever homes. I also volunteered time to help these dogs achieve success at remaining in their new home after adoption. Today, I currently work with TADSAW (Train A Dog Save A Warrior), working hand in hand with Vets that have PTSD and TBI. A Great benefit of working with the TADSAW Program is getting to help veterans find compatible canine companions from the shelter system. Win-win for both the Vet and the newly adopted dog. One of my favorite passions would be working with aggressive dogs. I also enjoy helping owners to understand why and how dogs act the way they do and to help dog owners achieve the desired behaviors they are seeking from their dog. Training is a passion of mine and I look forward to sharing my years of hands on experience with you.

United K9 Academy Testimonials

Didn't expect much of our 10 year old knucklehead lab, but he's come so far in just two lessons, I am totally impressed with Craig and his approach to dog training. If our Duke can do it, any dog can!

Chris Joslin

Craig is an amazing trainer. Professional all the way. You need a trainer for your dog, you found him !!!

Kerstin Joslin-Niebergall

Craig is an awesome trainer. He's very knowledgeable about what it is you and your dog may need to succeed.

Melissa Reyna

My Alaskan Malamute Yakone has been training with United K9 Academy to be a service dog for me and is doing phenomenal, I would recommend.