about emberline k9
about emberline k9
CONNOR
HEAD TRAINER & PROFESSIONAL DECOY
Emberline K9 was founded by Connor Harris, a professional dog trainer with a background in both the military and the security industry.
Connor joined the British Army at 16 and served as a Sapper in the Royal Engineers within an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) regiment until the age of 23. While he was not a Military Working Dog handler himself, he spent years working alongside MWD teams and their handlers in operational environments where precision, trust, and absolute reliability were essential. Witnessing these teams perform under real pressure shaped his understanding of what it takes to develop true working dogs and instilled a lasting respect for their capabilities.
After leaving the military, Connor became a qualified dog handler within the security industry and achieved Level 2 certification with NASDU, training to nationally recognised standards that demand consistency, clarity, and accountability at every stage.
Connor is also actively involved in the sport of Protection Sports Association (PSA), having successfully titled three of his own dogs while also contributing to the development and titling of client dogs. Over the years he has worked extensively as a PSA decoy, gaining thousands of hours of hands-on experience both in training environments and competition fields.
This work has given him an in-depth understanding of drive development, grip mechanics, targeting, nerve strength, environmental stability, and the obedience required to balance power with control. His experience as both a decoy and trainer allows him to develop dogs with a deep understanding of how pressure, drive, and clarity interact during training.
Through Emberline K9, Connor works with dogs across multiple disciplines — from competitive sport dogs to security roles and family protection work. He also runs the Emberline PSA Club, providing handlers with a structured environment to train, develop their dogs, and progress within protection sports.
Connor’s training philosophy is deliberate and uncompromising. His focus is on building structured, capable dogs with clear heads and defined purpose, alongside handlers who understand the responsibility that comes with them.
He does not rely on shortcuts, and he does not compromise on standards. Every dog he trains or decoys is developed to perform under pressure with confidence, reliability, and control.
Whether preparing high-drive working prospects, developing sport dogs, or building serious protection dogs, the goal remains the same: produce dogs that perform with clarity and handlers who are confident and capable.
HOLLIE
HOLLIE
DOG TRAINER & RESCUE SPECIALIST
From as early as I can remember, animals have been at the centre of my life. Growing up surrounded by a variety of pets fuelled a passion that has stayed with me and shaped my career. That passion became a professional pathway when I earned both an FdSc and BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, giving me a strong academic foundation in animal care, psychology, and training.
My career journey has been diverse, spanning roles as a Doggy Daycare Assistant, Dog Walker, and Veterinary Care Assistant. While working in the veterinary field, I furthered my skills by completing certification in sedation support, deepening my understanding of handling and caring for dogs in clinical and often stressful situations.
I currently share my life with three dogs who have each shaped my training expertise in very different ways. My first, a Romanian Street Dog rescue, arrived with a host of behavioural challenges. Through patient rehabilitation, she has become a balanced, confident dog and now plays an important role as a stooge dog in training sessions, helping other dogs on their journey. My second, a Belgian Malinois rescue, also came with significant challenges, but today she is my sport dog. Together, we compete in Protection Sports Association (PSA) events — she has already achieved her PDC title, and we are now working towards PSA Level 1. My third, also a Belgian Malinois rescue unfortunately has retired from PSA however, we are now exploring the avenue of detection and i’m super excited to see how we get on.
I am particularly passionate about working with nervous and anxious dogs, as well as street dog rescues. There is nothing more rewarding than helping these dogs and their owners navigate the training journey together, session by session, and watching confidence blossom. I have successfully rehabilitated multiple street dogs who now live incredible, fulfilled lives with their families. Beyond my own clients, I also enjoy supporting other trainers in problem-solving complex rescue cases, sharing knowledge and strategies that make a difference for both dogs and handlers.
For me, every dog has potential, and it’s my mission to give them the understanding, guidance, and structure they need to thrive — no matter their background or start in life.