What began in 2007 as a way for Mike Soler to supplement his income grew into one of Harford County’s longtime dog training businesses: Blue Line K-9 Dog Training.
“I had no idea that the brand would become what it became,” said Soler, who served in the Marine Corps and worked as a deputy sheriff before launching the company that has since expanded to North Carolina and Texas. “It’s been an amazing journey because it was started just to give me an outlet [for my PTSD] and supplement my income. It kept taking off.”
In the early years, Soler relied largely on trial and error, traveling across the country to learn from trainers and focusing on one guiding principle. “Everything we’re doing is about building relationships between people and their pet,” Soler said. “It’s one hundred percent focused on education.”
Along the way, Soler met Hollie Kelly, who volunteered before becoming a trainer in 2012. Over 14 years, Kelly rose from trainer to manager, then general manager, overseeing multiple locations. In 2022, she and her husband, Jason Carroll, took over the operation in Harford County. “It’s a huge pride moment,” Soler said. “Hollie was my right hand when she took over, and it’s amazing to see how she’s making an impact in Harford County.”
Growing up in Baltimore County, Kelly had experience in animal care and husbandry and developed a passion for the psychology behind dog training. “I love the psychology of education behind dog training and sharing that with others,” she said.
Kelly’s philosophy aligns with Solers’, centering on strengthening the bond between dogs and their families. “Training can’t really occur and be sustainable without having a relationship between the family and the dog,” she said.
Rather than offering one-size-fits-all programs, she has tailored training to each family. Common challenges included reactivity and puppy education, but the ultimate goal remains simple: always to keep the pets in their homes.
One success story involved a severely traumatized dog that couldn’t be touched or even looked at from across a parking lot. Four years later, the dog now thrives and can be handled by multiple people.
Looking ahead, Hollie hopes to continue expanding enrichment opportunities and empowering owners. “Training should always be fun,” she said. “It shouldn’t feel like a chore.”