About our team.
Pull Together K9 believes that each dog and handler team is unique, and that no single training philosophy is the answer. We tailor our diverse knowledge and multiple approaches to match the individual goals and motivators of each of our clients. We believe that balance is key to promote growth and progress in your dog, while advocating for their best health and happiness. We do not believe you can control a dog into submission and obedience, nor can you pay a dog to victory. Adversity makes us stronger and we strive to assist you and your dog to overcome training obstacles rather than avoid them.
Matt Vieira has been a professional dog trainer since 2014, but has been working with dogs for nearly a decade. He started out by volunteering with Husky Rescue New Mexico, and from there, developed a passion for working with canines. He started Pull Together K9 after adopting Kronk, a two year old Alaskan Malamute, who inspired him to find creative solutions to behavior problems and pushed him to be a better trainer.
Over the years Matt has worked as a dog handler, a rescue volunteer, a kennel technician, a recreational musher, and of course, a pet trainer. Through these experiences, he has expanded his knowledge of dog behavior and training techniques and uses this to help inform and educate his clients. He has apprenticed at Sage Canines, has certifications in Canine CPR & First Aid, Behavior Training, and Obedience Training through Trikos Team Dog, and is always seeking new techniques and training methods so he always has a variety of tools to offer his clients. Matt is also an approved evaluator for the AKC’s Family Dog Program, and an approved judge for Temperament Testing. Matt joined the International Association of Canine Professionals in 2021. In September 2023 Matt completed the Cynopraxis & LIMA certification from the IACP
When he is not teaching, Matt is a member of Cascade Alaskan Malamute Enthusiast Organization and Cascade Sled Dog Club to embrace his passion for working dogs in performance events and harness.
