Who We Are

Experienced Trainers, Real Results

At Akela K9, we believe that great dog training is about more than just obedience—it’s about building trust, confidence, and clear communication between dogs and their owners. Whether you’re training a pet, a sport competitor, or a working dog, we bring years of hands-on experience to every dog we train.

Our Mission

Our mission is simple: No dog owner should feel lost or alone in their training journey.

We know how frustrating it can be to struggle with a dog’s behavior, feel like you’ve hit a wall with training, or get conflicting advice from different sources. That’s why we take a real-world approach to training, ensuring that every owner and dog gets the support they need to succeed.

“Excited to continue training with them and looking forward to watching Tater develop with all of their help.”

— Bri, Client

At Akela K9, we provide:

✔ Proven Training Methods – We focus on balanced training that gets real results.

✔ A Community, Not Just a Program – When you train with us, you become part of a network of dedicated handlers, trainers, and dog lovers.

✔ Tailored Training Plans – We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Every dog and handler team gets a customized plan based on their specific goals.

✔ Expert Coaching – With experience in everything from family pet training to high-level competition obedience, we know what it takes to bring out the best in every dog.

Founded by Scott Sharfman, a working dog handler, sport competitor, and certified trial decoy, Akela K9 was built on a commitment to fair, transparent, and results-driven training. Our team has worked with pet dogs, police and military K9s, competitive sport dogs, and personal protection dogs—so no matter what your goals are, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you achieve them.

  • Scott Sharfman

    OWNER

    Scott began working with Animals in 2016 during his time in South Africa  where he worked as a guide at Marine Dynamics teaching tourists about the importance of Mossel Bay and Seal Island's Great White Shark populations. He then moved to a volunteer position at South Africa's Shamwari Game Reserve working with eco tourism companies, anti-poaching units, and local authorities protecting some of Africa's most endangered species. His passion for working with and preserving animals lead him into the dog rescue scene when he settled in London, UK towards the end of 2017.  

    After time spent studying under some of Europe and America's leading dog trainers, Scott started Akela K9 Services in 2020 in Surrey, UK. Since then he's traveled the world both studying and instructing dog owners, trainers, and handlers in both the pet and working dog worlds. Scott moved back home, to the Chicagoland Area in 2023, taking his knowledge and expertise back to the community that sparked his love for working with animals as a child in hopes of returning the favor.

  • Michael Graham

    HEAD TRAINER

    Michael is an out of the box problem solver with a knack for difficult cases. He started working with dogs over a decade ago while working in a pet store and his interest became an obsession and he became an apprentice to one of the countries premier dog trainers. 

    Michael is now a renowned sport competitor and protection trainer as well as a coach to many young dog trainers. Michael has been many dogs last chance after being failed or turned away by other trainers. His creativity, understanding, and application of the knowledge he's gained over the years has given those dogs a new lease on life and their owners a new path

  • Tarra Wheeler

    OFFICE MANAGER

    Tarra first developed her passion for dog training working in day care and boarding facilities where she was able to handle and care for hundreds of dogs. It was there that she learned that each dog needs and deserves a more individual and specific approach than big box facilities are able to provide. Tarra then began a multi year journey apprenticing and mentoring under some of the countries top trainers, delving into the details of behavior modification, advanced obedience, and competing in dog sports.

     Tarra continues honing her skills while providing expert training to her clients and her personal dogs who not only help her with her clients and serve as demo dogs, but also compete and title in protection sports.

Join the Akela K9 Family

When you train with Akela K9, you’re not just hiring a trainer—you’re gaining a dedicated partner in your dog’s success. We’re here to guide, support, and coach you every step of the way.