In July of 2018, Mike Mitchell met the dog who would change everything. Harlie, a spirited one-year-old Belgian Malinois, was a handful from day one — full of energy, drive, and determination. Training her was like trying to guide a whirlwind, but through patience and persistence, Mike discovered not only Harlie’s potential, but a renewed sense of his own purpose.

That experience sparked the creation of K9 Shaper, where Mike now helps other dogs and their families find balance, understanding, and connection. Since launching the business in August 2019, he has worked with more than 700 dogs and their owners, building relationships based on trust, structure, and mutual respect.

Although Mike had been training dogs for six years before meeting Harlie, she presented challenges unlike any he had faced before. Through her, he realized that dog training isn’t just about correcting behavior—it’s about shaping a partnership.

A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in Desert Storm, Mike has carried the lasting effects of PTSD. His bond with Harlie rekindled his connection to the world around him and reminded him of the healing power that comes from working with animals. Today, he brings that same compassion, discipline, and dedication to every dog—and every human—he trains.