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About Matt
Matt Kinney is an accomplished Marine Corps veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) with extensive expertise in K9 operations. As a Specialized Search Dog (SSD) lead instructor, instructor trainer, and kennel master, he brings over 19 years of experience in dog training, handling, and instruction. He is a Certified Dog Trainer (CDT), evaluator, and service dog trainer, backed by a strong foundation in animal behavior, training, and kennel management.
Throughout his career, Kinney has demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership, earning numerous accolades, including the Top Dog Award for both Block I and Block II during the Military Working Dog (MWD) Handler's Course and the distinction of Distinguished Graduate from the SSD course at Lackland AFB. He has also completed a comprehensive range of specialized training, including the Basic Instructor Course, Mediation Skills for Supervisors Course, Intervention Techniques for Instructors, and the Military Working Dog Kennel Masters Course. Kinney’s military career is marked by his instrumental role in two combat deployments, during which he successfully located 25 caches, booby traps, and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Notably, he is recognized for identifying the largest single IED find in the Diyala Province of Iraq, which totaled over 400 pounds of explosives. This significant achievement, along with his exemplary service, has equipped him with unparalleled expertise in the field of K9 operations. On August 8, 2008, while conducting a search operation with an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, Kinney and his SSD partner, Hans (F732), were caught in the detonation of a 100-pound booby-trap IED. The explosion resulted in severe injuries, including bilateral fractures to his legs, three herniated discs in his lower back, and multiple shrapnel wounds. Despite these life-threatening injuries, Kinney’s courage and dedication earned him the Purple Heart Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon. Kinney also served as the Assistant Director of K9 Programs at Semper K9 Assistance Dogs, where he applied his extensive expertise to oversee the training and development of service dogs for veterans, ensuring that both the dogs and their handlers received the support they needed to thrive. Outside of his professional commitments, Kinney is dedicated to his family. He enjoys attending sporting and school events for his three daughters and spending quality time with his wife. He also takes pleasure in home improvement projects, where he applies the same attention to detail and discipline that he’s known for in his professional life. |
Digging Deeper
Remarkable K9 (RK9) was founded in June 2016 by United States Marine Corps veteran Matt Kinney, who discovered his passion for dog training while serving his country. Drawing from his extensive experience, RK9 offers personalized one-on-one and group training sessions, dedicating time, attention, and expert knowledge to ensure exceptional results for both dogs and their owners.
During his training sessions, Kinney realized that his role often went beyond traditional dog training, as he found himself coaching and educating dog owners just as much as working with the dogs themselves. This insight led to the creation of RK9's core philosophy: “Dog training is 49% dog training and 51% owner training.” This belief shapes RK9’s approach, emphasizing that the success of dog training is as much about empowering owners to communicate effectively with their dogs as it is about teaching the dogs themselves.
At the heart of RK9’s training methodology is the Show, Teach, Proof (STP) system. The process begins by showing clients that their dogs are capable of performing desired behaviors, followed by teaching owners how to reinforce these behaviors through proper techniques. Finally, the proofing phase focuses on ensuring that both the dog and owner consistently demonstrate the skills learned, with a focus on real-world applications.
Additionally, RK9 incorporates a unique framework known as “The Triple-D”—distance, duration, and disturbance. These three variables are integral to shaping behavior, as they allow trainers to control and adjust the environment in a way that reinforces the desired outcomes. By manipulating these factors, RK9 ensures that both dogs and owners are set up for success.
RK9’s mission is to build stronger relationships between dogs and their owners by empowering, supporting, and inspiring clients. Through goal-oriented services, RK9 teaches owners how to effectively communicate with their dogs, fostering a bond based on trust and understanding.
During his training sessions, Kinney realized that his role often went beyond traditional dog training, as he found himself coaching and educating dog owners just as much as working with the dogs themselves. This insight led to the creation of RK9's core philosophy: “Dog training is 49% dog training and 51% owner training.” This belief shapes RK9’s approach, emphasizing that the success of dog training is as much about empowering owners to communicate effectively with their dogs as it is about teaching the dogs themselves.
At the heart of RK9’s training methodology is the Show, Teach, Proof (STP) system. The process begins by showing clients that their dogs are capable of performing desired behaviors, followed by teaching owners how to reinforce these behaviors through proper techniques. Finally, the proofing phase focuses on ensuring that both the dog and owner consistently demonstrate the skills learned, with a focus on real-world applications.
Additionally, RK9 incorporates a unique framework known as “The Triple-D”—distance, duration, and disturbance. These three variables are integral to shaping behavior, as they allow trainers to control and adjust the environment in a way that reinforces the desired outcomes. By manipulating these factors, RK9 ensures that both dogs and owners are set up for success.
RK9’s mission is to build stronger relationships between dogs and their owners by empowering, supporting, and inspiring clients. Through goal-oriented services, RK9 teaches owners how to effectively communicate with their dogs, fostering a bond based on trust and understanding.