Meet Our Dog Trainers
Joey & Paige Morris
Owners and Dog Trainers
Joey Morris is a world-renowned dog trainer, who has been in the animal training industry for three decades. He started his career by obtaining degrees in Biology and Animal Behavior. Coming out of college Joey became an exotic animal trainer, working with Orcas, Dolphins, Sea Lions, Wolves, and Birds of Prey, among other animals. Joey went on to become a vendor, importing and supplying K9s for Lakeland, Border Patrol, FEMA, and Police Departments. He trained Malinois, German Shepherds, Labs, Pointers, Beagles and Bloodhounds for various jobs including bomb detection, narcotic detection, apprehension, search and rescue, and executive level protection dogs. He has trained, trialed and titled dogs in the show ring, WDA, and APA. Joey and his Malinois Youkel won the APA Championship in 2016. Joey puts on seminars throughout the nation, teaching the theory of dog behavior, obedience training, tracking, detection, and protection.
Paige Morris grew up with German Shepherd and began training them at the age of eight. At the age of twelve she was charging money to train the dogs and humans in her city. Growing up in a small town in Louisiana and unsure how to enter the dog training world she joined Petco at the age of eighteen as their dog trainer. Within six months she had achieved #2 in sales for dog training out of their 1500 stores. She was moved to their New Orleans location and became the Lead Trainer in Louisiana and Mississippi, training the new dog trainer hires. Paige was then recruited by a nationally known dog training company, which she ran the New Orleans location for.
Joey and Paige met by chance, Paige wanted to continue her education as a dog trainer and had a passion for protection dogs. She drove to Tennessee to attend a Seminar on decoying, where Joey was the instructor, and the rest is history. Paige moved to Georgia to be with Joey, when they came together they wanted to bring the powerful obedience that is achieved with working dogs to the pet dog industry and OverWatch K9 Academy
was born.
Joey and Paige founded OverWatch K9 Academy in Atlanta, and have opened their second location in Columbus, Ohio with their good friend Kirstin. Along with their trainers they are honored to be impacting the daily lives of people through their dogs. As they love to say – we can’t help you love your dog anymore than you already do, but we can absolutely help you enjoy them more. And that’s what we look forward to doing.
Joey & Paige Morris
Owners and Dog Trainers
Joey Morris is a world-renowned dog trainer, who has been in the animal training industry for three decades. He started his career by obtaining degrees in Biology and Animal Behavior. Coming out of college Joey became an exotic animal trainer, working with Orcas, Dolphins, Sea Lions, Wolves, and Birds of Prey, among other animals. Joey went on to become a vendor, importing and supplying K9s for Lakeland, Border Patrol, FEMA, and Police Departments. He trained Malinois, German Shepherds, Labs, Pointers, Beagles and Bloodhounds for various jobs including bomb detection, narcotic detection, apprehension, search and rescue, and executive level protection dogs. He has trained, trialed and titled dogs in the show ring, WDA, and APA. Joey and his Malinois Youkel won the APA Championship in 2016. Joey puts on seminars throughout the nation, teaching the theory of dog behavior, obedience training, tracking, detection, and protection.
Paige Morris grew up with German Shepherd and began training them at the age of eight. At the age of twelve she was charging money to train the dogs and humans in her city. Growing up in a small town in Louisiana and unsure how to enter the dog training world she joined Petco at the age of eighteen as their dog trainer. Within six months she had achieved #2 in sales for dog training out of their 1500 stores. She was moved to their New Orleans location and became the Lead Trainer in Louisiana and Mississippi, training the new dog trainer hires. Paige was then recruited by a nationally known dog training company, which she ran the New Orleans location for.
Joey and Paige met by chance, Paige wanted to continue her education as a dog trainer and had a passion for protection dogs. She drove to Tennessee to attend a Seminar on decoying, where Joey was the instructor, and the rest is history. Paige moved to Georgia to be with Joey, when they came together they wanted to bring the powerful obedience that is achieved with working dogs to the pet dog industry and OverWatch K9 Academy
was born.
Joey and Paige founded OverWatch K9 Academy in Atlanta, and have started branching into different states. Along with their trainers they are honored to be impacting the daily lives of people through their dogs. As they love to say – we can’t help you love your dog anymore than you already do, but we can absolutely help you enjoy them more. And that’s what we look forward to doing.
Joey & Paige Morris
Owners and Dog Trainers
Joey Morris is a world-renowned dog trainer, who has been in the animal training industry for three decades. He started his career by obtaining degrees in Biology and Animal Behavior. Coming out of college Joey became an exotic animal trainer, working with Orcas, Dolphins, Sea Lions, Wolves, and Birds of Prey, among other animals. Joey went on to become a vendor, importing and supplying K9s for Lakeland, Border Patrol, FEMA, and Police Departments. He trained Malinois, German Shepherds, Labs, Pointers, Beagles and Bloodhounds for various jobs including bomb detection, narcotic detection, apprehension, search and rescue, and executive level protection dogs. He has trained, trialed and titled dogs in the show ring, WDA, and APA. Joey and his Malinois Youkel won the APA Championship in 2016. Joey puts on seminars throughout the nation, teaching the theory of dog behavior, obedience training, tracking, detection, and protection.
Paige Morris grew up with German Shepherd and began training them at the age of eight. At the age of twelve she was charging money to train the dogs and humans in her city. Growing up in a small town in Louisiana and unsure how to enter the dog training world she joined Petco at the age of eighteen as their dog trainer. Within six months she had achieved #2 in sales for dog training out of their 1500 stores. She was moved to their New Orleans location and became the Lead Trainer in Louisiana and Mississippi, training the new dog trainer hires. Paige was then recruited by a nationally known dog training company, which she ran the New Orleans location for.
Joey and Paige met by chance, Paige wanted to continue her education as a dog trainer and had a passion for protection dogs. She drove to Tennessee to attend a Seminar on decoying, where Joey was the instructor, and the rest is history. Paige moved to Georgia to be with Joey, when they came together they wanted to bring the powerful obedience that is achieved with working dogs to the pet dog industry and OverWatch K9 Academy
was born.
Joey and Paige founded OverWatch K9 Academy in Atlanta, and have started branching into different states. Along with their trainers they are honored to be impacting the daily lives of people through their dogs. As they love to say – we can’t help you love your dog anymore than you already do, but we can absolutely help you enjoy them more. And that’s what we look forward to doing.
Kirstin Rager
OverWatch K9 Lead Trainer
With over 15 years of professional dog training experience, Kirstin specializes in helping dogs and their owners build strong, clear communication rooted in trust and understanding.
Kirstin grew up in Columbus surrounded by a diverse group of rescue dogs, including a spirited Chihuahua, a Great Dane, a Collie, and a Rottweiler. This upbringing fueled her deep appreciation for dogs of all sizes and temperaments.
In her downtime, Kirstin channels her competitive spirit into Dock Diving and PSA (Protection Sports Association) with her personal dogs. Her Malinois, Peter, even holds the title of National Champion in Dock Diving, a testament to her dedication and skill. Kirstin currently shares her life with a fun-loving Labrador Retriever, a driven Dutch Shepherd, and her Dock Diving star, Peter the Belgian Malinois.
Kirstin’s greatest joy is empowering dog owners to unlock their pet’s full potential, creating lasting bonds that enrich both their lives.
Lucy Elliott
OverWatch K9 Dog Trainer – CGC Evaluator
Lucy’s lifelong love for animals began with a unique upbringing, rehabilitating wildlife and caring for unusual rescue pets like raccoons and potbellied pigs. She also grew up alongside a diverse pack of beloved family dogs, including a Boxer, Saint Bernard, Labrador Retriever, and Spaniel, which fostered her deep connection to animals from an early age.
After high school, Lucy earned a bachelor’s degree in Business and began her career as a Job Skills Trainer, empowering adults with disabilities to succeed in the workplace. She also coached Hockey and Basketball teams for the Special Olympics, bringing her passion for teaching and teamwork to life.
Lucy’s journey into professional dog training began when she stepped onto an agility course with her rescue Rottweiler—an experience that sparked an undeniable passion and revealed her true calling. Since then, she has dedicated herself to helping dogs and their owners thrive.
Lucy is now the proud owner of two spirited Staffordshire Terriers, Mila and Big Man. She volunteers her time at animal shelters, focusing on rehabilitating fear-based dogs to prepare them for loving homes. Committed to ongoing learning, Lucy plans to further her expertise by pursuing a degree in Animal Behavior, ensuring her skills remain at the forefront of the field.
Kerry Morgan
OverWatch K9 Dog Trainer
Kerry’s lifelong passion for animals inspired her academic journey, studying Zoology at Miami University and Ohio State University. Her dedication to understanding animal behavior began as a regular volunteer at her local animal shelter, where she developed a deep appreciation for dog training and behavior.
Eager to turn her passion into a profession, Kerry graduated from a prestigious K-9 School for Dog Trainers in Ohio. There, she gained hands-on experience in advanced obedience, scent detection, tracking/trailing, and assistance work, building a solid foundation of expertise in various training disciplines.
Over the years, Kerry has shared her life with a charming Pug and a loyal German Shepherd. She is currently the proud owner of Farrah, a highly intelligent and energetic Border Collie, who inspires her every day.
Kerry’s unique blend of academic knowledge, professional training, and genuine love for dogs allows her to help owners and their pets achieve harmony and success together.
Sara Sullivan
OverWatch K9 Dog Trainer
Sara has had a passion for animals and behavior all her life, starting a pet sitting and puppy training business at 12 years old. Her passion and desire to never stop learning led her to pursue a degree in psychology at Wittenberg University. Throughout her years at school, she worked alongside professional trainers and trained her current dog, Elliot, to be a multipurpose service dog. She recently expanded her animal care experience by working as a zookeeper at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, working with birds, reptiles, primates, and more.
Sara loves using her knowledge to foster communication between humans and animals.
In addition to her love for dogs, Sara has a special place for the “oddball” animals in her heart. She is a proud owner of several reptiles, including a tortoise, turtle, and axolotl.
Sara Sullivan
OverWatch K9 Dog Trainer
Sara has had a passion for animals and behavior all her life, starting a pet sitting and puppy training business at 12 years old. Her passion and desire to never stop learning led her to pursue a degree in psychology at Wittenberg University. Throughout her years at school, she worked alongside professional trainers and trained her current dog, Elliot, to be a multipurpose service dog. She recently expanded her animal care experience by working as a zookeeper at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, working with birds, reptiles, primates, and more.
Sara loves using her knowledge to foster communication between humans and animals.
In addition to her love for dogs, Sara has a special place for the “oddball” animals in her heart. She is a proud owner of several reptiles, including a tortoise, turtle, and axolotl.
Sara Sullivan
OverWatch K9 Dog Trainer
Sara has had a passion for animals and behavior all her life, starting a pet sitting and puppy training business at 12 years old. Her passion and desire to never stop learning led her to pursue a degree in psychology at Wittenberg University. Throughout her years at school, she worked alongside professional trainers and trained her current dog, Elliot, to be a multipurpose service dog. She recently expanded her animal care experience by working as a zookeeper at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, working with birds, reptiles, primates, and more.
Sara loves using her knowledge to foster communication between humans and animals.
In addition to her love for dogs, Sara has a special place for the “oddball” animals in her heart. She is a proud owner of several reptiles, including a tortoise, turtle, and axolotl.
Training The OverWatch Way
At OverWatch K9 Academy, we pride ourselves on being leaders in the dog training industry, utilizing dog training techniques used by military and police K9 units, movie dog training, and even exotic animal handling. Our dogs are trained to move with power and enthusiasm, showcasing excitement and precision in their obedience. With a foundation in balanced training methods rooted in Pavlovian principles, OverWatch dogs are eager to perform for their owners, making obedience not just a skill but a fun experience for both dog and owner.
When you join the OverWatch K9 family, you’re gaining a team of dedicated professionals with unmatched expertise. Our trainers go beyond standard obedience, diving into the instincts and genetics of your dog to create a deeper level of communication. Dog training is not just about commands; it’s about truly being able to enjoy your dog through a high level of communication. Using methods tailored to your dog’s genetics and drive, we channel their natural instincts into reliable, exciting obedience. Whether it’s an off-leash hike or playtime at the lake house, we guarantee results that enhance your life with your dog.
At OverWatch K9, we believe in educating our clients as much as we train their dogs. What’s going on in your dog’s mind? Let’s talk about it! We provide ongoing support to ensure your dog’s obedience remains sharp for life. Your dog is a reflection of our training, and we’re committed to keeping them a walking testament to the OverWatch K9 standard. Join us and experience the joy of having a dog trained to the highest standards of obedience and communication.
“We Are So Grateful”
Kirstin at Overwatch K9 training was amazing working with our golden doodle as a puppy. She kept him two different times and both times he came back with more polite behaviors. We are so grateful for her help raising a kind, happy puppy!
Stacie Bowers
6M Goldendoodle Bear
Puppy Academy
“Process Is Extremely Personalized”
Our experience was amazing from start to finish! I feel like the process is extremely personalized, and our trainer Lucy was AMAZING! The updates, photos and videos on a daily basis are such an important component. I loved Oscar was in a trainers home, receiving attention and care. Not only did Oscar get training, so did we. Not to mention the training doesn’t end at the completion of the program, we can reach our trainer for additional questions and habits that may develop. 10 out of 10 recommend!
Debbie Johnson
6M Mini Schnauzer Oscar
Puppy Academy
How Can We Help You?
DOG TRAINING IS ALL WE DO
We focus on delivering results that make both you and your dog happy.
Unlike other dog trainers we offer lifetime results guaranteed. We want to be sure that our results stand the test of a lifetime.
