Molly McKinney​
ASCT Master Instructor for the following disciplines:
-Law Enforcement K9
-Conservation K9
-Public/ Pet Dogs
-Therapy Dogs

Carroll College
Bachelor's degree in Anthrozoology
Bachelor's degree in Psychology
​
​London Hanover University-Online ASCT Program
Master's of Canine Developmental Science
Doctorate in Canine Developmental Science in progress. ​ 

Noteworthy Courses:
Fundamentals of Canine Neuroanatomy
Canine Problem Solving II & III 
Behavioral Neurobiology
Behavioral Endocrinology 
Advanced Canine Problem Solving
Olfactory System Neurobiology
Human Scent & Biology of Stress
Advanced Rural Tracking
Advanced Urban Tracking
Technical Narcotics
Human Scent Chemistry
Explosive Detection​
Continued Education
Each year, we attend a recertification conference where an outside organization evaluates our training and our progress as a whole. These conferences incorporate classroom and field work. Class topics include behavioral endocrinology, neurobiology, olfaction, group management/instruction, and more. As an instructor, we are also tasked with organizing certifications for other members of our organization. 

These are the upcoming conferences we be hosting, attending, or instructing this year:

June 2026-Basic School 1 for law enforcement K9s.

June 2026- Advanced School Re-Certification for law enforcement K9s.

Fall 2026-Basic School 2 for law enforcement K9s.
Hi, My name is Molly McKinney and I am the owner and trainer of McKinney K9. I rely solely on word of mouth referrals, so thank you for being here!

I consider myself a small scale working dog trainer, training 2-4 dogs a year for working positions, the majority of which end up being police K9 placements. Long term support is the most important thing to me. 
My training experience began while pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Anthrozoology at Carroll College. Through the Anthrozoology program I trained a shelter dog, "Ruger", for detection. He was eventually placed as an anti-poaching dog in Africa. From there, I worked for a canine conservation detection group, a couple of boarding facilities, and a couple pet training positions before starting my own business that combined all of my passions into one. 
​My main job is raising and training police dogs and maintaining training for police k9 handlers across the state. Despite my love for training working dogs, there has always been an overwhelming need in the Helena area for pet training. If you think your dog's behavioral needs are embarrassing or unique, I can assure you, you are likely not as alone as you think you are. Please don't hesitate to reach out for fear of being judged.
I would describe my pet training style as pretty laid back. I am not a "my way or the highway" type of trainer. I believe there are many ways to achieve the same goal. You could put 5 trainers in a room and they could accomplish the same task in 5 entirely different ways. 

I pursued a Master's degree in canine developmental science so that I could have a deeper understanding of "why" certain training techniques work. And I pursued a Bachelor's degree in psychology because I am just as passionate about human behavior as I am about animal behavior. I am currently working on a doctorate degree in canine developmental science and cannot wait to share the knowledge with you all. 
When I'm not training dogs, I enjoy being in the outdoors-camping, fishing, and hiking with my border collie, Minnow. I believe that dogs deserve proper outlets to fulfill their genetic predispositions and we all could use a few more run arounds in the woods!​