Meet our professionals
Welcome to Independence K9! Our team of professionals brings a wealth of experience from law enforcement, the military, and private contracting. We're dedicated to helping you build a strong foundation and the tools required to build a lasting bond with your dog through effective and compassionate training. We're committed to preparing the next generation of dog handlers, trainers and pet owners.
We specialize in training all dogs, regardless of their age or behavioral needs. Our services include puppy classes, behavior modification, and all levels of obedience training (basic, intermediate, and advanced). We are well rooted in training highly specialized canines, including LEO and Military detection dogs, patrol dogs and personal protection dogs.
Shane Bradley
As a retired Federal Law Enforcement Officer and former government contractor I started my K9 journey in the private sector. Growing up with family who trained working dogs and later having the opportunity to work with many knowledgeable professionals during my career I was blessed to gain a wealth of practical experience in the world of canine training. I enjoy sharing my knowledge to help law enforcement agencies and private sector security firms develop and refine their K9 teams.
As a certified Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator and DCJS Certified Instructor (#88-10578), I am dedicated to providing advanced, hands-on training that goes beyond the basics. Whether you need to establish a new K9 unit, sharpen a team's detection or patrol capabilities, or prepare for rigorous certifications, I offer personalized guidance to ensure peak performance and an unbreakable working bond between handler and dog. My goal is to equip your teams with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in any operational environment.
Ryan Long
I developed a passion for dogs early in life, but it wasn't until after I sustained life-altering injuries while serving in Afghanistan in 2011-2012 that I truly began to appreciate their impact and my perspective fundamentally transformed. In 2018, I was gifted a service dog to assist with my PTSD and mobility challenges, and he profoundly changed my life. Before receiving my service dog, I found myself in one of the darkest periods I had ever experienced, feeling defeated and hopeless. However, his presence revitalized my spirit, instilling in me a renewed sense of purpose and optimism for the future. This experience inspired me to expand my focus to include pets, detection dogs, and personal protection dogs, and now I am excited and honored to have the opportunity to share my passion with you.
Lilah Bernard
I am a U.S. Army veteran who served an intelligence officer in the 525th Military Intelligence Brigade, 3rd Special Forces Group and Joint Special Operations Command. I was attached to Naval Special Warfare Development Group and provided field intelligence support for National Level Counterterrorism operations for over a decade. After leaving the military I worked as a contractor, primarily serving in the intelligence communities. Then, I became a serial entrepreneur, starting businesses that serviced large contracts for various U.S. military units and government agencies.
However, my true passion has always been everything “dog.” I started my official K9 career by obtaining a certification as a handler and instructor. For years I volunteered with numerous rescues, fostered dogs, and have dipped my toes in various K9 sports. When I am not working, you will find me with running around with my own little pack of: two Doberman Pinschers, two Belgian Malinois, a Dutch Shepherd, a Bichon Frise, or just riding horses!
I also have a 7 year old son that loves doggo’s as much as I do. Because of him, we decided to start the Pro Pup’s Program to help educate children in the roles and responsibilities of a good dog ownership.
I truly enjoy helping families find a balanced approach with their furry friends and educating others of different ways of achieving their desired outcome. I look forward to working with our clients and building a fur-ever relationship!
