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The Why

Meet the Trainer

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I'm Peyton Martorelli — service dog handler, professional dog trainer, and founder of Waypoint K9. I specialize in both service dog training and behavior modification, working with everything from reactivity and aggression to task work and public access. My clients range from overwhelmed pet owners to disabled handlers to high-drive working dog homes  and I meet every team where they are.

I've pursued advanced education in canine behavior and learning through programs like the Grisha Stewart Academy, Duke University's Dog Emotion & Cognition course, and the Centre of Excellence in Canine Communication. I also hold certifications in canine first aid, bite prevention, and service dog-specific protocols all rooted in modern, science-backed training principles.

Beyond the classroom, I've trained, titled, and lived with the kinds of dogs most people avoid. I've worked with aggressive dogs, complex behavior cases, and service dogs at every stage of training. I've titled dogs across multiple sport disciplines and real-world outlets  because I don't just teach theory. I do the work.

"Some dogs need more than obedience. They need to be understood."

Waypoint K9 was created for the wild ones. The intense ones. The misunderstood dogs with too much drive, too much reactivity, too much need and the people who are trying their best to meet them where they are.

I'm not in this just because I love dogs. I'm in this because I believe dogs deserve more than obedience for obedience's sake. They deserve purpose, clarity, partnership  and training that respects who they actually are.

I don't believe in extremes. I'm not "yank and crank." I'm not "distract and reward and hope it goes away." I'm balanced. Intentional. And maybe a little obsessed with peeling back the layers until your dog's needs  and yours  finally make sense.

Because at the end of the day, training isn't about fixing a dog. It's about learning how to live with them — fully, honestly, and with purpose.

If you're ready to stop managing and start rebuilding welcome to Waypoint.

Waypoint K9

Service dog training and behavior modification rooted in relationship, not control.

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St. Petersburg, FL

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