CERTIFIED TRAINERS
RELIABLE RESULTS
K9 Crosstrain was founded on a single belief: every dog is trainable, and every owner deserves a dog they can trust.
WE DON'T JUST
TRAIN DOGS.
WE CHANGE LIVES.
Most dog training fails because it focuses on the dog and ignores the owner. We train the team — building communication, trust, and a lasting bond that makes obedience natural, not forced.
Whether you're dealing with a reactive dog that makes walks a nightmare, a puppy that needs a strong foundation, or a working dog that needs to perform at the highest level — we have a program built for you. And we don't stop until the job is done.
Start Your JourneyResults-Driven
We measure success by real-world behavior — not performance in a controlled training environment. Every program is designed to produce obedience that holds under pressure.
Science-Based
Our methods are grounded in behavioral science. We use what works, discard what doesn't, and never rely on fear or pain to get results.
Dog-First
We genuinely love dogs. Every training decision is made with the dog's wellbeing in mind — building confidence, not breaking spirit.
Uncompromising Standards
We hold ourselves to the highest professional standards in the industry. If we can't help your dog, we'll tell you — and point you in the right direction.
MEET YOUR TRAINERS
MELISSA SAMES
Head Trainer & Founder
My love for dogs began as a childhood obsession, but my path to professional training wasn't a straight line. After earning a basketball scholarship and playing for Creighton University, I dedicated nearly a decade to community service in Minneapolis, ultimately serving as the Program Director for the Southside Village Boys and Girls Club. That experience taught me the profound value of service, patience, and connection.
In 2008, my life came full circle back to my first passion. I stepped away from youth programming to fully immerse myself in the art and science of canine behavior at the prestigious Tom Rose School for Professional Dog Trainers. Over the next five years, I honed my craft from every angle: serving as an Assistant to the Director of Training, leading bootcamps at a top-rated Twin Cities facility, and dedicating a year to training service dogs for people with disabilities at Can Do Canines.
Those invaluable experiences shaped my own unique philosophy and led me to launch K9 CROSSTRAIN. My mission is simple: to help you and your dog connect in meaningful ways through a balanced approach of physical exercise, mental activities, and thoughtful training scenarios. I still carry that same childhood appreciation for dogs, and it fuels my desire every single day to help them—and their people—thrive together.
Alex Diaz
Lead Trainer — Behavior & Rehabilitation
Alex brings a deep background in animal behavior and fear-free training methodology. She leads our behavior rehabilitation and psychiatric service dog programs, working with dogs that other trainers have given up on. Her patience, precision, and genuine love for dogs produce results that speak for themselves.
15 YEARS OFRESULTS
K9 Crosstrain founded by Melissa Sames after graduation from Tom Rose School for Professional Dog Trainers
Launched Board & Train program — first in the region to offer full-immersion residential training
Certified Service Dog program established; first placement with a PTSD veteran
Alex Diaz joins as Lead Behavior Consultant; rehabilitation program expands
4500th dog trained — milestone celebrated with the K9 Crosstrain alumni community
K9 Crosstrain expands to Des Moines, Iowa while maintaining operations in Austin, TX