About the Owner & Head Trainer
Natasha is the owner and lead trainer of Leash & Lead K9s, offering real-world, relationship-driven dog training rooted in clarity, movement, and trust.
She is a graduate of Tarheel Canine School, where her education included obedience, detection, tracking, police K9 foundations, and personal protection work. While her background is technical and structured, her approach to pet dogs is intentionally practical focused on helping dogs and their humans live easier, fuller lives together.
Natasha is deeply committed to continuing education and is constantly refining her craft through seminars, webinars, and staying current with evolving training theory and field research. Learning never stops and neither does her curiosity.
Beyond training, Natasha is actively involved with multiple North Carolina rescues and shelters, with a strong focus on supporting foster dogs and helping them transition successfully into permanent homes. Rescue work is not a side project it’s a core part of her mission.
Leash & Lead K9s is proudly client-centered and widely referred by past and current clients, local veterinarians, and animal rescue organizations. The reputation has been built on results, honesty, and genuine care not volume.
When she’s not working with in home clients, you’ll find Natasha leading her monthly outdoor group classes, hiking local trails, or chasing new adventures with her husband Ryan and their three dogs Ranger, Rowdy, and Boeing.
She also co-owns a trainer-led pet sitting company with her business partner Cora Minkis, allowing clients to access pet care that supports training, structure, and real-world fulfillment even when they’re away.
Meet McKenzie
McKenzie is a trainer with Leash & Lead K9s who is passionate about helping dogs and their owners build clear communication, confidence, and a strong working relationship.
Her approach focuses on practical, real-world training that helps dogs succeed in everyday life—whether that means improving obedience, addressing behavior challenges, or creating better structure and engagement between dogs and their people. McKenzie believes that training should be clear, consistent, and tailored to both the dog and the household they live in.
She is committed to continuing education and regularly expands her knowledge through workshops, seminars, and hands-on training experience. McKenzie values learning from experienced trainers and staying current with evolving methods so she can continue improving the results she delivers for clients.
McKenzie is especially passionate about helping dogs that need extra guidance—whether they are young dogs learning boundaries, rescue dogs adjusting to new homes, or dogs struggling with behavior challenges. Seeing both dogs and owners gain confidence through the training process is one of the most rewarding parts of her work.
When she’s not working with clients, McKenzie enjoys spending time outdoors with her dogs, continuing to develop her training skills, and staying involved in the dog community.
Meet Emma
Emma is a trainer with Leash & Lead K9s who brings a deep passion for dogs, hands-on experience, and a love for building engagement and drive through play.
Her journey into training started in the rescue world, where she has been involved for over a decade. Through working with dogs from a wide range of backgrounds, Emma developed a strong understanding of behavior, adaptability, and the importance of meeting each dog where they are. This experience continues to shape her practical, relationship-focused approach to training.
In addition to her training work, Emma has an extensive background as an emergency veterinary technician, giving her a well-rounded perspective on canine care, behavior, and overall well-being.
Emma is especially passionate about dog sports and the role they play in building confidence, structure, and fulfillment. She actively trains and competes in dock diving, flyball, barn hunt, and Fast CAT. Her German Shepherd is one of the top-ranked in dock diving, and she continues to expand her work in sport with her rescue dog, Newt.
Her approach emphasizes play, engagement, and creating outlets that allow dogs to thrive both mentally and physically. Emma loves helping owners discover how building play and shared activities can transform their dog’s behavior and overall quality of life.
When she’s not working with clients, you’ll likely find Emma outside—training, exploring, and chasing new adventures with her dogs.
