OUR TEAM
Ashton Metheny
At Ashton & Co. K9 Academy, we believe every dog has the potential to be confident, well-mannered, and a true companion — and every owner deserves support they can trust. Founded by Ashton Metheny, a passionate trainer with a heart for helping both dogs and their humans, our academy specializes in balanced, relationship-based training that builds trust and lasting results.
Ashton’s journey into dog training began in 2012 when she started working as a receptionist at a local veterinary clinic — a role she held and loved for over 12 years. In 2018, she and her husband raised a puppy for Canine Companions for Independence, and that experience shifted everything. She began attending classes taught by one of the vet’s wives, and when that trainer went on maternity leave, Ashton stepped in to teach. That’s when she discovered her true calling — helping dogs and their people grow together.
In 2022, after having her son, Ashton chose to step back from full-time work to spend more time at home. It was then that friends, clients, and community members began encouraging her to pursue dog training full time — especially with such limited options in Coshocton County. With their support, she took the leap… and hasn’t looked back.
What started as a simple obedience class has grown into a full-service academy offering group classes, private sessions, behavior modification, scent work, agility, e-collar education, and more. Ashton is especially known for her work with reactive and anxious dogs, helping them find calm and confidence in a supportive environment.
We’re not just about training dogs — we’re here to empower owners, strengthen the bond between pups and people, and create a welcoming community for every dog lover. Whether you’re raising a new puppy, working through behavior challenges, or just want to have fun with your dog, Ashton & Co. K9 Academy is here to support you every step of the way.
Ashton's crew
Tucker
Ellie
Waylon
Bentley
Becky Frame
Hey I’m Becky, a native of Fresno, Ohio, who moved back home in 2019 to start a small homestead on the land where I grew up. My husband Brian and I have been dog lovers our whole lives and actually named our little homestead - Toby Way Farm - after we lost our heart dog just as we were transitioning here. Toby’s loss was huge for us, and I would love to see everyone have the kind of balanced, rewarding relationship with their dogs that we had with him!
I joined Ashton’s team in 2024, when the corporate world I had been part of for 24 years kicked me to the curb. I knew I needed to find work, but I also didn’t want to jump back into the normal 8-5 that had been my world for so long! We had taken a couple of our pups through Obedience training with Ashton and her style of communication really resonated with me. After a quick conversation we decided there just might be a place for me on her team!
Not long after joining Ashton & Co, I saw a real need for an opportunity for people to continue building a bond with their dogs. I felt like there had to be something beyond Obedience that gave our students and their pups some real-world experiences in a safe environment. I asked Ashton if she was ok with me creating a new class. For some reason she had faith in me, and our Confidence Builder series was born.
During the first session I asked my students to do something they wouldn’t ordinarily do in a classroom setting. I wanted them to take their dog off leash, ask them to sit and stay, and then walk away. Even though the exercise was one on one with a gate safely separating them from the rest of the class I could see the panic in those expressions! I gave them the best one-line pep talk I could come up with — I asked everyone to TRUST YOUR DOG.
TRUST YOUR DOG became the foundation for the Confidence Builder and Agility classes I have come to love teaching. To see the reactive dogs Ashton has worked hard to reform go from anxious to confident is my greatest passion, and watching their humans transition from panic to ease when handling their dog in public is the icing on my canine cake.
Because of our homestead and the roles our dogs play here, I recognize that every dog needs a job. I am passionate about helping our students build a bond with their dogs that will become the foundation for a healthy and happy relationship. Our small group class size allows me to work with each client to capitalize on the nuances of their dog’s personality and individual needs to ensure a rich and fulfilling future for all.
Thank you for trusting us with your training, and I can’t wait to get started helping you learn to trust your dog!
Becky's crew
Tucker
Charlie
Sunny
Tango
Whiskey