About Us
Jeff Shields
K9 Handler, Trainer, and Kennel Master
Jeff Shields
K9 Handler, Trainer, and Kennel Master
Jeff Shields is a retired police officer with a 35-year career in law enforcement. His extensive experience includes policing, K9 training, instructing and administration. His police service included working as a K9 handler and dual-purpose Explosives Detection Dog Officer. He has spent the last five years as MK9 Solution's Program Coordinator, and continues to grow, and enhance the department's K9 capabilities.
As a lifelong canine enthusiast, Jeff has bred and trained Labs, Bloodhounds, and Beagles for working and sporting purposes. Jeff's passion and strong interest in canine behavior have been instrumental in leading our puppy program development that is foundational to our dogs' success.
Carmen Pontello
K9 Handler, Trainer, and Kennel Master
Carmen Pontello
K9 Handler, Trainer, and Kennel Master
Carmen Pontello served 12 years in the United States Air Force as a K9 Handler, Trainer, and Kennel Master. He completed multiple deployments to Afghanistan, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. During his tenure, Carmen supported numerous United States Secret Service missions, including the Presidential inauguration in January 2021.
Robert Johnson
Chief Instructor
Robert Johnson
Chief Instructor
Robert Johnson is a graduate of Harding University and is a retired police officer with over 24 years of concentrated experience working as a K9 handler, trainer and instructor at both the Vermont Policy Academy and Connecticut Police Work Dog Association. Robert was also a quest instructor teaching decoy classes and techniques. Currently, he has served as the Chief Instructor at MK9 Solutions since 2022 both supervising trainers as well as working directly with customers to understand requirements and recommend canine candidates for the selection process. In his free time, he continues to instruct K9 seminars around the country, compete in various K9 events, and train dual purpose dogs for specialized assignments.
Bob Wright
Principal Consultant for Research and Development
Bob Wright
Principal Consultant for Research and Development
Bob Wright is a retired police officer and has been involved in Police K9, as handler, trainer, and Unit Supervisor since 1987. Bob has instructed at conferences internationally for more than 25 years. His primary interests have been the integration of canine teams into tactical operations, officer safety and explosive detection.
Bob has been involved in this project since its inception and presently serves as Principal Consultant for Research and Development.
Bob has a master’s degree from the University of Guelph, a bachelor’s degree from Brock University and a post graduate diploma from the University of Western Ontario.