K9 Connection Staff
Tyler Muto – Owner, Training Director
Tyler started K9 Connection in 2007 to fulfill his dream of helping dogs and owners live harmonious lives together. Tyler oversees and develops the training programs at K9 Connection, and works diligently to advance our training techniques and coach the staff.
Additionally, Tyler travels the world teaching seminars to other professional trainers who want to improve their skills and learn the secrets of our success. Tyler also serves as the President of the International Association of Canine Professionals. In 2015 Tyler was selected to be an instructor for Leerburg Online University, one of the most well respected and prestigious web-based
dog training companies. His personal Pack includes Lobo (Belgian Malinois), and Charlie (terrier mix).
In addition to training dogs, Tyler also enjoys hiking, kung ku, meditation, and spending time with his family.
Tyler personally coaches all the staff at K9 Connection, and directs all the training programs. He is not currently accepting new clients.
Joanne Galley – Operations Manager
Joanne joined K9 Connection in January of 2015. As a former client, she was excited to join an organization whose dedication to helping dogs was clearly evident. Joanne brought her dog to training to help him find focus and become accustom to people coming into her house. Joanne worked in the veterinary industry for over 16 years and learned about K9 Connection through a local veterinary hospital. Joanne is currently the proud owner of 3 Boston Terriers: Teagan aka “Taco” is a registered Therapy Dog who is truly happiest around people. Loomis is a proud K9 Connection success story. He enjoys skateboarding and buttermilk pancakes. Rowan is the youngster, a red and white Boston with one blue eye. He enjoys stealing all of his big brothers toys and playing in the pool all summer.
Joanne enjoys riding her vintage motorcycle, kayaking, camping and traveling. She shares her interests with her husband of over 20 years, Chris.
Joanne works in our office and helps with general oversight.
Barb Lenahan – Dog Trainer, Board & Train, Group Classes
Barb Lenahan has had a lifetime of loving and working with her own dogs, and has been training dogs professionally for the past fifteen years. In addition to working privately with owners and their dogs to solve problems, Barb has been teaching Puppy, Basic and Advanced Obedience, Scent Work, Rally, Canine Good Citizen and Therapy International preparation classes. Barb is certified as an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and also as a Therapy Dog International Evaluator. She owns three Dobermans, and has been successful in the obedience ring, achieving many AKC and other working titles.
Together with Dobermans she volunteers at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, bringing support, comfort and companionship to patients, families and staff.
Barb works in our Day Care, helps with Board and Train dogs, as well as runs several of our specialty classes (Scent work, CGC, puppy class, rally).
Katherine “Potato” Galbo – Dog Trainer – Daycare attendant – Board and Train, Private Lessons
Katherine has been interested in the rehabilitation and training of dogs after she became an active member of Buffalo C.A.R.E.S. Animal Rescue and the Tails & Trails dog walking group. Born and raised in Buffalo, she holds a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice from Buffalo State. She has enjoyed the company of dogs and all animals since she was a child. She enjoys walking her dachshund Otto, rescue boxer Rocco and her newest companion Dexter, a Scuffasuarus Dex, adopted from Buffalo C.A.R.E.S. after fostering him for “like a hot minute”. She also has been playing hockey since the age of 6.
Katherine likes to explore around Buffalo and experience historical sights in addition to traveling, cooking and baking.
Amy Cappelli – Dog Trainer – Daycare Enrichment Coordinator – Board & Train Dog Trainer
Though Amy’s background is in illustration and Design, she has always had a fascination with dogs. She began fostering dogs for the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter which peeked her interest in dog behavior and behavior modification. While dealing with a particularly difficult foster dog, she sought the guidance of K9 Connection and was inspired by the leadership that turned an “un-adoptable” dog into a family companion. Since that time, Amy has strived to help others build stronger relationships with their canine companions.
Amy lives in Buffalo with her husband Jeff, their four children and a menagerie of animals, which includes a tiny pack of rescue dogs. Amy and her rescue pittie mix, Olive (a K9 Connection CGC and TDI graduate), volunteer weekly at Tapestry Charter school.
Amanda Smith – Daycare attendant – Video Production
Amanda joined the K9 Connection team in August of 2017. Born and raised in Buffalo, she moved to Rochester to complete her degree in Photographic Illustration from RIT. Now back in her hometown, she is excited to work with dogs and expand her knowledge of their care and training. Amanda handles K9’s photo and video production, and works with Tyler on his new website, Consider The Dog.
Amanda lives in Buffalo with her boyfriend Mitch and her senior Keeshond/Shepherd mix, Lady. Apart from canines, Amanda has a passion for house plants, puns, sewing and breakfast foods.
Cait Adams – Enrichment & Daycare Attendent
Cait has been working with dogs for the last two years and has always known she has wanted to work with them. The opportunity to work with us came up and she jumped at the chance to further her education in training. She lives with her husband and a small zoo! 3 dogs, Lucky, Aurora, and Atticus. 4 cats, Boose, Tiger, Lily and Kitties Prime. 3 Beta fish, Frankie, Wade Wilson, and Meep. In her free time, she enjoys reading, doing a variety of crafts, and being outside with her dogs!
Charles Boogie Shorts Muto, ESQ. – Quality Control Manager
Charles has been with K9 Connection since its inception. He has worked his way through training to hold the prestiges title of Quality Control Manager. He takes pride in his stern evaluations of clients and the treats used in our training sessions. He can be found working at the front desk most days, but enjoys down time with his owners, as well as his human and canine siblings.