the Team

the Team

Person in a camouflage jacket and shorts holding a large dog, standing in front of the South Carolina state flag and other posters on a wall.

Jared Warren: expert trainer

Jared Warren is the CEO and training director of Southern State K-9, bringing over a decade of diverse K-9 handling experience. A veteran of the U.S. Army Special Operations Force, Jared served a distinguished 10-year career, including the 75th Ranger Regiment. During his time he specialized as a SOF K-9 Handler and later the SOF K-9 Director. With extensive expertise in team tactics, K-9 integration, and high-performance training, Jared has developed and led programs that bridge the gap between military working dogs, law enforcement K-9 units and pet dogs.

Expanding into the pet dog world, Jared underwent a prestigious dog training study through the NEPOPO® Silver & Gold certifications, while studying under other well-known trainers. Using this experience and proficiency of K-9 knowledge, Jared created Southern State K-9, opening its doors in 2021. Jared holds multiple qualifications that further excel him as a trainer.

  • Handler Certification: Von Liche Kennels LLC

  • SOF Handler Certification: 75th Ranger Regiment

  • Trainer Certifications: K9 Services Unlimited, SSK9 and NEPOPO® Systems

  • NEPOPO® Silver and Gold Graduate 

  • NEPOPO® E-Collar Specialist Certification

  • AKC Certified Evaluator

  • Service Dog Trainer

  • Proficient in Emergency K9 Medical Treatment: U.S. Army SOF

A young woman with long blonde hair in a black shirt and shorts stands in a room with a black dog sitting on the floor, looking up at her. An American flag hangs from a pole behind them, and the room has stickers on a small white fridge and framed pictures on the wall.

Olivia Tunney: expert trainer

Olivia Tunney serves as an assistant trainer at Southern State K-9, where she brings a well-rounded background in animal care, veterinary medicine, working/sport dog handling and now professional training. Beginning her career in the dog world with animal rescue and veterinary medicine, Olivia found a passion in dog training and continues to use her skills in canine health and wellness to ensure the best possible care for the dogs in training. 

Olivia delved into training as a direct understudy of Jared Warren for a year, helping her refine her training methodology and gaining exposure into working dogs and law enforcement (LEO) K-9 training. Committed to continued growth in her experience Olivia brings discipline, technical knowledge, and passion for working and pet dogs to every training environment, ensuring both owners and their K-9 partners achieve their highest potential.

  • Certified Veterinary Assistant

  • Trainer Certification: SSK9

  • 3 Years Experience

  • Protection Training Experience

  • Task Training Experience

  • Behavior Modification Experience

  • Advanced Obedience & Control Focus