Meet the trainers
Emily A. Burke Founder, Dog Trainer.
Emily has been training and working with dogs for over three years. Her journey began with her own aggressive dog, giving her a deep, firsthand understanding of the challenges dog owners face. This personal experience drives her compassionate, client-centered approach to training. After completing a year-long apprenticeship with Command Performance K9, Emily continues to help dogs and their owners navigate behavioral issues using balanced training methods tailored to each unique case.
Bert serves as the primary Office Manager at The K9’s Virtue, ensuring the seamless coordination of all operations behind the scenes. With a strong background in small business management and sales, she is an invaluable asset to our team.
Having been a client herself, Bert brings firsthand experience in addressing challenging dog behaviors and deeply understands the transformative impact of effective training on both dogs and their owners. Her expertise and dedication play a vital role in the success of our organization.
Bert M. Smith Office Manager
Atlas Leopold Burke Helper K9.
Atlas is a two-year-old Anatolian Shepherd who plays a key role at The K9’s Virtue. Specializing in working with anxious or aggressive dogs, Atlas provides calm, steady companionship during socialization exercises. His composed presence helps demonstrate that other dogs are not a threat—offering fearful or reactive dogs the opportunity to build confidence, reduce stress, and learn to coexist peacefully. In time, they may even learn to enjoy the company of other dogs.
He is classified as a "back of the pack" type of dog, indicating his supportive demeanor in group interactions.