Christopher Froess
Owner & Head Trainer
Christopher Froess is the Owner and Head Trainer at Kairo's K9s Training. With a background rooted in working at a large-scale training and boarding facility, Christopher brings extensive experience and deep insight into canine behavior and development. After experiencing a high-volume environment, he chose to transition toward a more individualized and ethical training model—one that prioritizes the well-being of the animal and embraces evidence-based methods.
Christopher specializes in a science-driven, reward-based (R+) training philosophy, guided by the principles of the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) approach. He is passionate about cultivating strong, trusting relationships between dogs and their handlers, firmly believing that the bond shared is foundational to effective, lasting training outcomes.
Among his notable accomplishments, Christopher personally trained his own service dog, Kairo CGN, who has since gone on to be recognized as one of Canada's top service dogs. His commitment to professional development is ongoing; he regularly engages in continuing education, hands-on experience, and collaboration with fellow trainers to remain current with the most progressive practices in the field.
Motivated by his family and a deep desire to help others, Christopher is dedicated to supporting families in building joyful, harmonious lives with their canine companions.
Atticus Froess
Junior Trainer
Not a bookable employee – but definitely a VIP
Atticus is our youngest (and possibly most enthusiastic) team member at Kairo’s K9s Training. As a Junior Trainer, Atticus has been learning the ropes of dog training and care from his dad, Head Trainer Christopher Froess, since he was just four years old.
His passion for dogs runs deep — whether he's helping socialize puppies, providing calm support for nervous client dogs, or assisting with distraction training alongside Service Dog Kairo, Atticus brings patience, confidence, and curiosity to everything he does.
In addition to being a fantastic helper with feeding routines, gear maintenance, and even poop scooping (an essential part of any dog trainer’s life!), Atticus stays busy with his other passions too. He’s an active kid who enjoys Jiu-Jitsu, swimming, and soccer — which helps keep his energy high and focus sharp both on and off the training field.
Atticus is a shining example of how compassion and responsibility can start young. He shows that with the right education, kids can play a meaningful role in a dog’s training and well-being.
We’re proud to have Atticus as part of our pack — even if he’s not available for private bookings (yet!).
Ashley Ball
Director of Operations
Ashley Ball is the Director of Operations at Kairo’s K9s Training, helping keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes while building meaningful relationships with the dogs and families we serve. With a professional background in accounting and office administration, Ashley brings organization, attention to detail, and a personal touch to the daily operations of the business. From coordinating appointments and supporting clients to managing finances and administrative responsibilities, she plays an essential role in making sure both our team and our clients feel supported.
But Ashley’s involvement with Kairo’s K9s goes well beyond the office. With a growing passion for canine behaviour and welfare, she is currently apprenticing under Owner and Head Trainer Christopher Froess, developing her skills in positive reinforcement, canine communication, and science-based training. Through hands-on experience and continued learning, Ashley is working toward becoming a professional dog trainer while embracing the relationship-first philosophy that guides everything we do.
Ashley also provides personalized one-on-one dog walking services, giving dogs an opportunity to enjoy individual attention, enrichment, and positive experiences outside the home. She understands that a walk is about more than physical exercise. It's an opportunity to explore, build confidence, and strengthen the connection between dogs and the people caring for them.
What Ashley enjoys most is getting to know the personalities behind every leash and the families who love them. Whether she's helping a client navigate their first booking, spending time with a dog on a walk, or learning something new during a training session, she approaches her work with patience, compassion, and a genuine desire to make a difference.
Outside of Kairo’s K9s, Ashley enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. As both a key member of the leadership team and an aspiring trainer, she is proud to help build a business where people feel welcome, dogs are treated as individuals, and progress is measured by more than the skills learned along the way.
Cyrus Froess
Junior Team Member & Future Bond Builder
Cyrus Froess is the youngest member of the Kairo’s K9s Training family and the son of Owner and Head Trainer Christopher Froess. While he may not be taking appointments or leading training sessions anytime soon, Cyrus already holds a special place within the team and represents an exciting new chapter in the story of Kairo’s K9s.
Growing up surrounded by dogs, trainers, and a family dedicated to animal welfare, Cyrus has a front-row seat to the values that guide the business. From the importance of patience and kindness to the role trust plays in building meaningful relationships, he is growing up in an environment where compassion for animals is part of everyday life.
Cyrus also shares a special connection with Kairo, Christopher’s Medical Alert Service Dog and the company's longtime ambassador. As the family navigates life with both a working service dog and a young child, they remain committed to teaching and modelling safe, respectful interactions between children and dogs. These everyday experiences reflect an important part of the Kairo’s K9s philosophy: strong relationships are built through understanding, appropriate boundaries, and mutual trust.
Although Cyrus's current responsibilities mostly involve keeping his parents busy, accompanying the family on everyday adventures, and occasionally stealing the spotlight, his presence is a reminder of why Kairo’s K9s continues to grow. The business has always been about more than teaching dogs new skills. It's about supporting families, strengthening relationships, and helping people build lives alongside the animals they love.
As the youngest member of the Froess family, Cyrus represents both the heart of the business and the next generation growing up with its values.
Service Dog Kairo CGN
Medical Alert Service Dog & Training Ambassador
Kairo CGN, is a Medical Alert Service Dog specializing in seizure and migraine detection for Owner and Head Trainer Christopher Froess. A highly skilled and reliable working dog, Kairo serves not only as Christopher’s service animal but also as a central figure in the mission and identity of Kairo’s K9s Training.
Kairo plays an active and multifaceted role within the company. In addition to his medical alert responsibilities, he serves extensively in demonstration work during training sessions, workshops, and client evaluations. As both a controlled distraction and a role model for behavior, Kairo helps clients visualize ideal canine conduct in real time. His calm demeanor, advanced training, and responsiveness to cues provide a tangible example of the goals Kairo’s K9s Training helps clients achieve.
He holds a Canine Good Neighbour (CGN) certification and has successfully passed rigorous Public Access Certification exams, affirming his exemplary behavior and reliability in public environments. Kairo’s excellence has also earned international recognition—he has proudly represented Canada overseas, including during formal service dog demonstrations in Hawaii.
Kairo continues to be a powerful ambassador for ethical, science-based training and a testament to the life-changing impact of a well-trained service animal. His presence at Kairo’s K9s Training is not only functional but deeply inspirational to clients, families, and fellow trainers alike.
Ashley Thompson & SD Akamaru
Pet Care Specialist & Service Dog Team
Ashley Thompson joins Kairo’s K9s Training as our Pet Care Specialist, bringing years of hands-on animal care experience, a strong understanding of canine behaviour, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of every animal entrusted to her care. Having been part of the Kairo’s K9s community long before joining the team professionally, Ashley has built a relationship with the business founded on trust, shared values, and a dedication to compassionate, individualized animal care.
Ashley’s journey with Kairo’s K9s began when we worked with her family's dogs. Over the years, she went on to successfully owner-train her service dog, Akamaru, through our service dog training program. Throughout that process, she demonstrated patience, consistency, attention to detail, and a willingness to continually learn and adapt. Her ability to recognize subtle changes in animal behaviour, respect individual boundaries, and respond thoughtfully to each animal's needs reflects the relationship-first philosophy at the heart of Kairo’s K9s.
Currently in her second year of Mental Health and Addictions Counselling at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Ashley brings valuable knowledge of communication, empathy, and responsible care to her role. She has also earned additional certifications through her education, including first aid, and has experience in pet sitting, volunteer dog walking, veterinary support, animal care, and training. As our Pet Care Specialist, Ashley provides dedicated in-home pet care, helping families feel confident that their animals are receiving attentive, respectful, and dependable care while they're away.
Working alongside Ashley is her service dog, Akamaru, whose training journey has been an important part of her development as a handler. Successfully owner-trained with guidance through Kairo’s K9s, Akamaru represents the dedication, teamwork, and trust that go into building a reliable service dog partnership. Together, Ashley and Akamaru demonstrate the value of clear communication, consistency, and a strong working relationship.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Ashley shares her home with Akamaru, three cats, and her boyfriend's dog, Fenny. Her own experience caring for multiple animals gives her an appreciation for the different personalities, routines, and needs that make every household unique.
Perhaps the greatest reflection of the trust Ashley has earned is that she is the person our own team turns to when we need someone to care for our dogs. We have seen her dedication firsthand over many years, and we are proud to extend that same level of care and confidence to the families we serve.
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