About Us

Founder & President:
Matt Akenhead began his passion for dogs early in life. He won his first AKC obedience title in 1980. He has since attended Ohio State University, and has been certified as a professional dog trainer with expertise in: Search and Rescue, Police Dog Training, Tracking, Behavior & Problem Solving, Detection, and Training Assistance for the Handicapped. To round out his on-the-line experience, he competed as a mid distance sled dog racer for 4 years. He has been a professional trainer since 1996. He has owned and operated Boarding Kennels and full service Training Centers.

An ardent and committed trainer, Matt has taken his professional passion to the field. Competing in seven national championships, with four different dogs, from 2001 through 2005, Matt has placed in the top five dogs on four different occasions. He has won 40 titles with 8 different dogs in three different venues, including Service Dogs of America to Schutzhund.

Matt was one of the first four working dog judges to be certified by the United Kennel Club (UKC). He is also the youngest judge to be certified in that division. His professional memberships include: WDA, DVG, USA, and ADA training organizations. As Training Director for the Keystone-Buckeye Training Club, Matt worked with both Schutzhund competitors and Police dog handlers. Four members of this club were successful as national competitors in working dog sports.

Continuous education and mentor relationships with some of the best trainers and decoys in North America and Europe have sharpened Matt's knowledge and experience. He is a frequent contributor at canine behavior seminars, and has given Decoy seminars for police training groups. He is also a certified Decoy for working dog sports. In his capacity as trainer, Matt has participated in acquisition, training and certification of police dogs.

Primary Partner:
With a passion for dog sports, Mike Suttle joined Signature K-9 as a primary partner in 2003. Mike's experience has added a new dimension to the knowledge and commitment of the organization. His association with the company immediately facilitated a company goal to enter the government military contract market. Mike's knowledge of military structure and his tireless work ethic has helped the company grow to its present status.

Mike entered the U.S. Marine Corps in 1991. He was meritoriously promoted upon graduation from boot camp and completed Marine Combat Training. Mike graduated from survival equipment -aviation life support equipment school. He has also completed Arctic Survival Training the NCO Academy, and A.L.S. School.

In 1999, Mike completed the U.S. Air Force Machinist and Welding School. And, he is also a Certified Mechanic. This experience in metallurgy and mechanics has been invaluable in the area of product research and development.

While in the Marine Corps, Mike received numerous awards and decorations including two meritorious promotions. His ground experience included support of two U.S. led operations in Southwest Asia.

Mike holds an NRA High Master pistol rating. He has cross trained to Security Forces School, and attended Master Marksman Trainer School. Mike is a Small Arms Firing Instructor and a Primary Marksman Instructor. He has earned a distinguished pistol badge and has won many national level pistol shooting events. In 2003, he was chosen to represent the U.S. in international pistol competition. He is a six time winner of the West Virginia Combat rifle and pistol championship and a three time Small Bore Rifle State Champion. In 2001, was honored with an invitation to try out for the US Olympic shooting team.

Office Manager:
Elizabeth (Mead) Akenhead joined Signature K-9 in 2001, and subsequently married the founder of the company. Elizabeth has been responsible for office organization, research, web marketing, customer relations, and consultation on husbandry, nutrition, breeding, and grooming.

Elizabeth began her work in the dog world as an apprentice to Joseph Vergnetti, an internationally known breeder and handler. Joseph has bred more champion Miniature Poodles than anyone in the history of the breed. He is considered a top AKC conformation handler. In Joseph's organization, Elizabeth apprenticed in grooming, breeding, and kennel management.

After her 4 year apprenticeship, Elizabeth became a partner in Signature K-9's boarding, grooming, and training operation. She handled all management operations of the kennel, was the grooming coordinator, and provided specialized grooming operations.

As a trainer, Elizabeth has titled dogs as: CD, BH, Schutzhund A, Schutzhund 1, and Schutzhund 2. She is currently training to certify a Doberman for use by FEMA for Search and Rescue in Urban Settings. In addition to her interest in dog husbandry, care, and training, Elizabeth worked with Parma Community General Hospital to complete an EMT course. In 2000, she passed the national registry test and the Ohio state certification for EMT.