This episode is a little different and one of the most meaningful conversations we’ve recorded so far.

Today, we sit down with our daughters, Brielle and Ezra, for an open, unscripted conversation about what it’s really like growing up in a household where dogs aren’t just pets  they’re part of the work, the lifestyle, and the family.

We talk about life behind the scenes of dog training, what they’ve learned from being around working dogs, how dogs have shaped their confidence and perspective, and the funny, honest moments that come with growing up Grassroots.

There’s no script, no agenda, just real dialogue, curiosity, laughter, and a glimpse into the family side of the dog world that rarely gets talked about.

Sponsor Shout-Out

A huge thank you to our sponsor, Worthless Handler, for supporting this episode.

Worthless Handler represents real handlers, real work, and the ability to take the job seriously without taking yourself too seriously. They’re a brand rooted in the dog community and proud supporters of trainers, handlers, and conversations that go beyond training and into real life.

We’re grateful to have them behind the podcast.

Everyone sees the bite.
Everyone sees the videos.
But behind every deployment — there’s a handler who carries the weight of getting it right.

On this episode, Alison and Michael sit down with Jay Nix and Mike Lilley to talk about the realities of the K9 world: the wins, the failures, the responsibility of developing dog teams that protect communities, and the need for clearer standards in a rapidly changing industry.

You’ll hear perspectives forged through actual street work, unit leadership, and years spent developing dogs that perform when it counts.

This conversation brings the truth to the front — for dog people, handlers, and anyone who cares about the future of working dogs.

Sponsored by Worthless Handler — real gear for real dog people. No fluff. No hype. Just a company that shows up for the community behind the scenes and in the field.
👉 WorthlessHandler.com

“What the Decoys Do”**

Decoys are one of the most important — and most overlooked — pieces of the working-dog puzzle.

In this episode of The Rooted Podcast, Alison and Mike talk about what decoys actually do, why the role matters, and how it influences the dogs we train, test, and put on the field.

They discuss the general differences between training decoys, trial decoys, and the gray area in between — and how each role plays a part in developing a dog that can understand the work.

Whether you’re involved in PSA, police K9, sport, or you’re just curious about how working dogs are developed behind the scenes, this episode pulls back the curtain on a job that doesn’t always get explained.

Because once you understand what the decoy does… you see training differently.

Sponsored by Worthless Handler
 This episode is powered by Worthless Handler — the lifestyle brand for real handlers and working-dog people who do the work, not the trend.
 Check them out at worthlesshandler.com and tag #worthlesshandler to show your support.

🎧 Listen on:
 Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Amazon Music

🔗 Join the Conversation:
 Drop your thoughts in the comments, tag us in your training clips, and use #TheRootedPodcast and #GrassrootsK9 to be part of the conversation.

When a dog stops believing its behavior makes a difference, everything unravels — drive, confidence, focus, all of it.

In this episode of The Rooted Podcast, Alison and Mike dig into the core of every successful training program: cause and effect.
They break down how dogs learn that what they do actually changes what happens next — and how that belief builds confident, independent, reliable partners.

They get into:

• The science of cause and effect (and why your timing makes or breaks it)
• How reinforcement builds belief — not just obedience
• The difference between fair pressure and confusion
• What “truth in action” really looks like in training
• How handlers accidentally destroy confidence without realizing it

Plus, they dive into real listener questions about tools, aggression, genetics, and the psychology behind modern training — straight from your comments on last week’s episode.

Whether you train pets, police dogs, or sport dogs, this conversation will make you rethink how your dog learns, works, and believes.

Because when dogs understand cause and effect… they stop guessing and start performing.

🐾 Sponsored by Worthless Handler

This episode is powered by Worthless Handler — the lifestyle brand built for real handlers and working-dog people who do the work, not the trend.
 Check them out at worthlesshandler.com
 and tag #worthlesshandler to show you’re part of the crew.

🎧 Listen on:

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Amazon Music

🔗 Join the Conversation:

Drop your thoughts in the comments, tag us in your training clips, and use #TheRootedPodcast and #GrassrootsK9 to get featured in future episodes.

Welcome to The Rooted, where we strip away the fluff and talk about what’s really happening in the dog world.

In this episode — The Woke Dog Trainer Era — we dive into how the industry has become a battlefield of ideology, ego, and moral grandstanding. From the San Francisco Standard article claiming that “wokeness has infected dog training,” we break down how philosophy has replaced practicality and how that affects dogs in the real world.

We also take on the growing debate around bite work as an outlet for reactive or aggressive dogs — when it works, when it backfires, and why so many trainers misuse it as therapy instead of structure.

Then, we confront The Myth of the “Dangerous Breed”, unpacking the truth behind the Tyrese Gibson dog attack case and what really happens when power, drive, and lack of accountability collide. It’s not about the breed — it’s about the human behind the leash.

Finally, we turn the mirror inward, exploring the psychology of trainers — why ego, identity, and social validation are shaping modern dog training more than results.

Featuring Mallory Holmes, Liam MacLeod, and Braxton Haight, this episode challenges the status quo and cuts through the noise with real talk from the field.

Sponsored by Worthless Handler — manufacturing morale and pissing off admin since 2018. Visit worthlesshandler.com
.

We’re back with The Rooted Podcast, and in this episode we’re diving straight into the conversations that most of the dog world avoids. Are working dogs losing their edge, and what does that mean for the future of police, military, and sport K9s? Why does the dog training industry have no real standards, and how is that lack of regulation affecting both trainers and the families who trust them? And finally, we’re unpacking the truth about guarantees in training—are they an honest promise of results or just a marketing tool that sets everyone up for disappointment?

Joining us in this discussion are Grassroots K9 trainers Mallory Holmes and Liam MacLeod, who bring first-hand experience and perspective from working with both pet owners and advanced working dog teams. Together, we take on the hard questions, challenge the easy answers, and shine a light on the realities behind the industry.

This episode is sponsored by WorthlessHandler, a brand that has been manufacturing morale and shaking up the culture of the handler community since 2018. From bold patches to unapologetic apparel, their gear isn’t just clothing—it’s a statement. Learn more at worthlesshandler.com.

If this conversation makes you think differently about training and the future of working dogs, subscribe to the channel and join us as we continue to dig into the issues shaping the industry.

In this episode, tensions rise as Michael and Alison go head-to-head in their quest to define the "Perfect Dog." With years of experience and strong opinions on training, temperament, and working ability, they each bring their own unique perspective to the table. What qualities make a truly ideal canine companion? Is it all about obedience and control, or does personality and drive play a bigger role?

Join us as they break down their must-have traits, debate what really matters in a well-rounded dog, and challenge each other’s ideas—sometimes with a bit of heat! Whether you're a seasoned trainer, a dedicated dog owner, or just love a good debate, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

In this episode of The Rooted, Mike and Ali dive deep into the often-overlooked topic of animal husbandry, with a particular focus on nutrition and weight management for working dogs. They discuss a growing concern among K9 handlers and dog owners: dogs being underweight and how it directly affects performance, stamina, and overall well-being.

Mike and Ali share their experiences and observations, explaining how improper feeding routines, poor-quality diets, and over-conditioning can hinder a dog's ability to perform at its peak. They also provide actionable insights into building proper feeding schedules, monitoring body condition, and ensuring dogs receive balanced nutrition tailored to their specific workloads and needs.

Whether you're a handler or a pet owner, this episode offers valuable advice on keeping your dog healthy, strong, and ready for success.

In our very first episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on us. Who are Alison and Michael Nezbeth? How did two people with a love for dogs, a knack for chaos, and a drive for something bigger turn a dream into Grassroots K9?

We’re talking origins, the hustle, the fails, and the moments that shaped our journey—not just as trainers but as business owners, partners, and (somehow) semi-functional humans.

If you’ve ever wondered how Grassroots K9 started or what it takes to build a life around dogs, business, and passion, this episode’s for you.

Tune in now and get rooted with us.

Sneak Peak.