*Update as I feel I should probably respond to some pretty baseless allegations: While the review went up after my son was no longer employed, it actually has to do with not trusting that you would not retaliate due to a bad review. You are right, and I said in my review, I did learn a lot in the course. I came in as a beginner, having never even held a handgun and by the end I had the confidence to carry. I may not have had such confidence had I known that you were recording everyone to use it against them later on. Regardless of whether it was an environmental safety course or a conceal carry course, safety was an issue. The label didn't matter, the lack of safety did. I will also ask that, if I was the most unsafe individual in our six person class, which is a bald-faced lie and you know it as conveniently that video or reference of it never surfaced until I placed a review on your lax safety practices, why did I receive a certificate? Why was I asked to come back to the ADVANCED class? No remedial course/approach was mentioned during or after the initial class, nor was one broached during the first day of the advanced class where it was perfectly fine that I used a rifle and handgun. If nothing else, that statement shows your incompetence as a business owner, that you would happily cash my check and invite me back to your advanced class when I was such a danger. Original Review: I attended the basic gun safety class provided by Mals K9 in November of 2024. I learned a multitude of things regarding safety and had a chance to shoot my pistol through a series of drills and at a series of targets. At the end, I was given a certification for completing the course, which was a good thing to have to show that I learned what was taught. The concern that I had stemmed from the fact that everyone received the same certification, despite some individuals in the class being incredibly unsafe. Listen, I get if you can't hit the requisite amount of targets in the time limit. Sometimes that stuff can be hard, especially on the move. If you want to push someone through because they only hit the target eight instead of nineteen times, then so be it. It cheapens everyone that was able to do it, but whatever. Hand out your participation trophies. But to award someone with a "you passed the class" when they were unsafe...in a gun class...a point which you pointed out multiple times and then talked behind their back about, it just feels like it hurts the integrity of the certification, and the training in general. What's most important about firearms? Safety! Except when you can show that a bunch of people are handgun certified, I guess. Despite this, I took the advanced class offered a couple months later. I actually like to shoot and was told that because this was the advanced class, only the best would be there so safety would not be an issue. It's true, the most egregious offender was not there, so that helped. The two day course was cut short by a day due to a medical emergency. It was unfortunate, but what can you do. You can hold a make-up class, which Mals did months later. Unfortunately I was not available that day as I had family in town and family is everything. Instead of offering me to come back in a different group, or providing even a pro-rated refund of my registration fee, I was offered nothing. Let's be fair, I was not offered anything because I was not contacted at all. It was radio silence since they cashed the check. They can come back and say that they would get me into their next class all they want, but given their track record for lying and manipulation, and general unethical behavior and business practices, I find it hard to put my trust in Mals K9, and looking back on it, regret putting my life in their hands when it came to being on their property around firearms and untrained dogs, some of which had a habit of escaping their enclosures. Because of the lack of a true concern for safety during a gun course and the idea that all anyone has to do is show up to be handgun certified, plus the fact that Mals just assumed I would eat the cost of the class that they scheduled during a time I could not attend, I cannot recommend this program. Personally, and I may be alone here, but I feel like sketchy ethics have no place around firearms, a fact that is obviously not shared by Mike or Mals K9 as their practices in all facets of their business and personal dealings would not hold up to even the tiniest bit of scrutiny. I actually was going to give this two stars because I did learn about firearms and how to use them, but the safety concern won't allow me to recommend it even a little. read more

There is no other dog trainer I would ever recommend other than Mals-K9. I had my 2.5 yr old pure working line 100lb german shepherd enrolled into the master obedience course. As my dog got older he was highly reactive, resource guarding was bad and bit 6 people. I had my dog with two other trainers before Mike and both told me my dog is a bitter and should be muzzled anytime someone comes in your home and for him to not be around kids. I originally called Mike about what to do about rehoming him but Mike insisted on working with my dog before I make a decision on rehoming him. I trusted Mike to help with my GSD and its the best decision I made. The transformation of my german shepherd is night and day. My family and I were blown away in how he changed. He does very well with his commands. On and off leash walking is no trouble at all. I can take him anywhere I can in public and I have had no issues at all. My friends and family come over and have no issue with my dog anymore. He is no longer reactive or gaurding. Loves playing with kids and he has become a big ole goof ball now that he is a happier dog. Mike absolutely knows what he is doing. He really worked with my dogs socialization around people. I could not thank Mike enough for helping out with my dog. read more

I couldn't be more impressed Mike and Lori. From the very first consultation, they were professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about what they do. My dog, Bennie, not only learned new skills but also built confidence and improved behavior dramatically. Mike and Lori tailored the program to fit Bennie's specific needs and took the time to explain each step to me. They use positive reinforcement techniques, which created a stress-free and fun learning environment for my pup. The progress we've seen is amazing, and Bennie is now much more obedient and happy! I highly recommend MAL's K9 Training and Sales to anyone looking for effective and compassionate K9 training. Their expertise and care for the dogs are evident in every session. We're thrilled with the results and will continue to trust them with Bennie's training needs. read more

We found MALS-K9 through our local pharmacist who going thru training at the time. We have 2 mini GoldenDoodles who at the time were 1-1/2 yrs and 10 months. Although Mike and Lori have and train German Shepherds as well as Belgian Malinois with totally different personalities, we are so incredibly happy with the positive training the basic program provided. We are now in the masters program and are looking forward to the benefits this program is providing!The boys are so much happier and well behaved now because of their training. Mike and Lori love each of the dogs during training teaching the dogs better behavior and confidence. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! We are definitely beyond pleased with the program! read more

My dog and I started o edie ce training in October 2023. Gunner is a very large german Rottweiler who was extremely dominant. So much so that pulled, jumped at us, growled and tried to bite. we almost were not accepted for training. fortunately Mike Smiley took a liking to Gunner, saw me as a challenge and wanted to help us. if it weren't for MALS K9 dedication and patience, i would not be living my dream of showing Gunner winning 1st and 2nd place in his first show. now training Gunner as a service dog and competing in OneWorld Canicross this October 2025. Gunner and I have grown so much as a result. read more

MALS K-9 Training & Sales has truly exceeded our expectations. Bennie, our pup, has learned so much, and the experience has been transformative for our family. Kayla and I feel like we've gained an extended family through the wonderful community here. Our Saturdays are now filled with joy, hanging out with other members and their pups, combining fun with continuous learning. Whether you're looking for basic obedience training or advanced home protection skills, I highly recommend stopping by and seeing what they have to offer. You won't be disappointed! read more

Mals K-9 has helped my family immensely with our new family dog. Foremost, Mike and Lori trained our family dog Sunny (a chocolate lab) in basic and master obedience. Before receiving training, Sunny was a wild and unruly puppy as many labs are. However, this training turned her into a well-oiled machine capable of listening when commanded but, still being as loving and affectionate as she was before training. Great people who know and love what they do! Thanks for all the help with Sunny @Mals K-9. read more

Mike and Lori from MALS K-9 are amazing dog handlers and trainers. My dog Gunner was 16 months old when we first started training and extremely dominant. He was big and strong (over 100 pounds) making him a lot for me to handle. Mike was patient with me as I had to learn how to handle my Rottie. I was more of the problem than Gunner. Gunner has completely transformed into a well-behaved amazing dog. I highly recommend MALS K-9 for your training needs. read more

Mals K9 help me get my Crazy Cattle dog under control and has gone above and beyond for my family as whole. You'll never meet nicer and more respectful people in savannah then Mike and Lori Smiley, such amazing people and what amazing work they do, Can't Compare.. Please bring your dog here and become apart of the amazing Mals K9 Family read more

Mals K9 has done all of the training for my service dog, from start to finish. my dog is now certified, behaves and preforms his services, and is always complemented every where we go. I have personally recommend Mals K9 to friends and family, my dog and I still train with them for refreshers and advance training. read more

My dog and I have had a very positive experience at MALS K-9. Mike and Lori care deeply about the dogs they train. They work diligently to make sure every dog receives personal attention and reaches their full potential! read more

Mike and Lori are great people who care about the people as much as the dogs. I brought Mike a timid Shepherd and left with a confident very attentive dog. They did wonders, would definitely recomend. read more

Mike & Lori are both extremely skilled & experienced trainers. They excel in everything including basic obedience to specialized training. My Bernese Mountain Dog Elvis loves his training sessions!! read more

Great experienced dog trainer. They did wonders with our 2 dogs. We completed their basic obedience course and are now working on their master training. I highly recommend MALS K9. read more

Nothing but good things to say about this business. I am a customer and will def be doing business there again! My wife and I appreciate Mike and Lori and their hard work! read more