About Our Trainers
Meet The Off Leash K9 Team
Steven and Lindsey WARD - Owners
Steven and Lindsey Ward are the owners and head trainers for Off Leash K9 Training Charlotte. They were both raised in a small town in Northern Virginia.
Lindsey grew up for a love of animals, begging to bring home whatever kind of animal her parents would allow. As a young adult, she worked with a variety of animals in different settings, including a pet superstore, horse stable, and county animal shelters. She started as an animal caretaker in the shelter and worked up to become a sworn Animal Control Officer. Lindsey is who will you are likely to speak to if you call or email us! She enjoys working with the owners, teaching them how to work with and implement the continuing training.
Steven always showed a passion for his family dogs. After school, Steve pursued a career in the family business as a Contractor in the State Department in Washington, DC. Steven is known as the behind the scene man, he enjoys working with the dogs in the board and train programs. He finds much reward in the aggressive/ reactive cases and seeing the dog’s transformation. Steve has the compassion and patience to see the dog’s potential and help it be obtained.
During Lindsey’s time as an Animal Control Officer, they adopted an Akita/ Malinois mix, named Torque. They were introduced to Off Leash K9 Training when Torque completed the famous two-week board and train program at the headquarters location in Northern Virginia with founder Nick White. In 2014 they moved to the Charlotte area and have been doing obedience training since!
In Steve and Lindseys time off, they enjoy staying active. The couple loves wake surfing behind their Heyday wake boat, going to local asphalt and dirt races, snowboarding in the winter, and working out in the gym.
Azrael Black- Trainer
Azrael began his journey in dog training at just 11 years old with agility work alongside his family’s Labrador. By 13, he was training his first working dog (a German Shepherd) in advanced behaviors like vehicle recalls, rebounds, and named-object retrieval.
At 15, Azrael became a kennel attendant under a police K9 trainer and KNPV Malinois breeder, beginning a three-year apprenticeship focused on working and sport dogs. This hands-on experience deepened his skills with aggression rehabilitation, high-drive breeds, and advanced obedience—especially in molosser and herding breeds like Cane Corsos, Dogo Argentinos, German Shepherds, and Belgian Malinois.
Azrael’s well-rounded background includes training in narcotics detection, agility, tracking, and rescue dog rehabilitation. He emphasizes ethical, modern methods such as clicker training, luring, and individualized behavioral plans.He is an MVP Trainer certified through STS K9, an applied animal behaviorist, Certified Off Leash K9 Trainer, & has completed 220+ hours of continuing education alongside 19 seminars across the U.S. with top professionals including Justin Rigney, Oscar Mora, Shield K9, FeyWild Dog Training, and others.
Currently training with Off Leash K9, Azrael also dedicates time to rescuing dogs from euthanasia lists training/rehabilitate & place in loving homes. He specializes in high drive dogs, psychiatric service dog training, and complex behavioral cases. Azrael is passionate about soul-based dog training, recognizing and honoring the unique nature of each dog.
Kaitlyn HoneyCutt - Trainer
Kaitlyn Honeycutt has always had a passion for working with dogs, but her journey into professional dog training began with her own dog, Sparrow. After experiencing the life-changing results of Off Leash K9 Training’s Behavioral Modification Program, Kaitlyn discovered not only what was possible through proper training, but also a new passion for helping other owners experience the same transformation.
After proudly serving in the United States Air Force, Kaitlyn was looking for a career that allowed her to continue serving others in a meaningful way. The discipline, patience, and dedication she developed during her military service naturally translated into the world of dog training, where she now enjoys helping families build stronger relationships with their dogs through clear communication, consistency, and trust.
Kaitlyn is excited to be part of the Off Leash K9 Training Charlotte team and looks forward to helping the Charlotte community build confident, reliable, and well-mannered companions. When she’s not training dogs, you’ll likely find her spending time with all her dogs, tending to her growing homestead, or enjoying time with family and friends.
August Watson - Trainer
August grew up in Birmingham, AL. He made his entrance into the dog world in 2016 as a kennel technician, working up to trainer very quickly. He also spent some time as a veterinarian technician. In 2020, August joined the Off Leash K9 Training Birmingham team. He then moved to work with the Off Leash K9 Training in Asheville. Settling in Rock Hill in 2023, he came to join our Charlotte team!
He has three personal dogs, a Pomeranian named Pinkie, a two mix breeds Annie and Mayweather. Mayweather and August are a certified therapy dog team, they enjoy visiting retirement communities together!
Cameron Lemaire - Trainer
Cameron was born and raised right here in Charlotte. Growing up, his family dogs were Alaskan Malamutes, forming a love for dogs early in childhood.
During his time in the Army, he was enamored with the idea of training with Military Working Dogs. After his service, he attended a school specializing in Explosives/Narcotic Detection and Patrol dog handling, finally making a passion into a career. Paired with his dog Les, he learned the principles of conditioning canine behaviors. Certifying in both detection work and tracking, Les became not just a furry friend but a K9 Partner.
Using the same conditioning techniques, Cameron now trains for the OLK9 Charlotte team, finding fulfillment in each dog he works with.
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About Off Leash K9 Training
Dog Trainers that Are Recognized Around The World!
Photo: A&E
Nick White is the Owner and Founder of Off Leash K9 Training. Nick is a former US Marine and former US Secret Service. He currently has over 130+ dog training locations throughout the United States.
Nick is globally recognized as being one of the top dog trainers in the world. He has 2 official world records in off leash obedience, named on Wikipedia as one of the top 20 dog trainers in the world, recently named top 10 trainer in the world by bestdogtrainers.org, has been featured in many magazines and shows, and he is regularly requested by the top celebrities and athletes! He has been called upon by people such as actor Ryan Reynolds, WWE’s John Cena, MLB All Star Max Scherzer, UFC World Champion Jon “Bones” Jones, and many more!
You can visit our YouTube Channel and watch over 1500+ before/after videos of Nick and his team’s work! Off Leash K9 Training has more documented videos than any dog training business in the entire world!