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About METAK9
Meet the Team
At META K9, our team of skilled and compassionate trainers are committed to delivering exceptional care and training for your dog. Guided by a shared philosophy of positive reinforcement and humane methods, we ensure your pup receives expert attention in a safe, nurturing environment. With METAK9, your dog is always in the best hands.
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Owner / Founder
Family Dog Specialist
Nick Leitner
Nick Leitner has always had a natural bond with dogs. Growing up alongside two Standard Poodles and a German Shepherd, his early love for canines laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong passion. Nick’s deep understanding of canine behavior has allowed him to develop a unique and effective training approach. He’s especially driven by the joy of helping families find relief from the stress and hopelessness that often comes with reactive dogs. To Nick, training is more than a skill—it’s a meditative experience that enriches both the minds of dogs and their humans. When he’s not working, you might find Nick reading about canine behavior and evolution at the beach, lifting weights at the gym, or exploring mountain bike trails around Orange County.
Family Dog Specialist
Jayda Hawkins
Jayda Hawkins has always felt a deep connection to animals and their well-being. Some of her fondest childhood memories are of spending time around her family’s horses in Texas, where her love for animals first took root. Her journey began at a doggie daycare, where she gained an understanding of pack dynamics, and it wasn’t long before her passion led her to an animal hospital, where she spent nearly a decade as a Vet Tech. After a rewarding day of training dogs, you can often find Jayda spending time with her family. Whenever she has the chance to indulge her inner foodie, she loves exploring local farmer’s markets and restaurants in search of the best sweet and savory treats.
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Family Dog Specialist
Curtis White
Curtis White is a self-proclaimed dog behavior nerd, fascinated by the intricate quirks of domestic dogs. An avid researcher of canine psychology, Curtis has had a natural talent for communicating with dogs for as long as he can remember. His pride and joy is his Jindo mix, Rey—a once people-aggressive rescue who, through months of dedicated training and patience, has transformed into a model companion and training partner. Curtis is committed to serving his community by helping owners raise balanced, happy dogs. When he’s not working with rescue dogs, you’ll likely find him diving into the latest in tech and cybersecurity news, always staying sharp on his other passion.