OUR TEAM
Our Story
Annie Bailey
Head Trainer | New Hampshire Branch
Annie Bailey is a certified dog trainer through the International Association of Canine Professionals. She is also a LIMA (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive) certified trainer and AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator. She works daily to better the human dog relationship to improve the quality of life of both the family and the dog. She has been working with and training animals her entire life. She attended the University of New Hampshire where she achieved a B.S. in Zoology in 2006. Following graduation, Annie turned her focus to marine mammal training at Miami Seaquarium on Key Biscayne, Florida. She shifted her focus to dog training in Northern California in 2008 and has never looked back. Specializing in behavior solutions and private training, Annie has been working with dogs and their owners for 17 years now with incredible success.
After opening a thriving branch of Best Life K9 Training in Southern Illinois in 2019 she has now returned home to the New Hampshire Seacoast area where she resides with her husband, two children, and her two well accomplished furry training assistants, Kylo and Rue. Kylo is a 4 year old Shiloh Shepherd and everyone’s best friend. He is a certified therapy dog and has an outstanding temperament for assisting in training and rehabilitating dogs. Rue is a 9 year old Husky mix who is also a fantastic teacher and a wonderful family member.
Our Story
Maggie Quitmeyer
Head Trainer | Southern Illinois Branch
Maggie Quitmeyer is the owner and head trainer for Best Life K9 Training’s Southern Illinois location, working with clients across Clinton County, the Metro East, and the greater St. Louis area.
Maggie joined the Best Life K9 team in 2020, transitioning from a dedicated client to a professional dog trainer. She is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluator, LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) certified, and has certified her dog as a therapy dog through the Got Your Six Therapy Dog Program. She works with clients through board and train programs, private lessons, group classes, off-leash training, and behavior modification—helping dogs become calm, responsive, and reliable in real-world environments. Her training blends structure, clear communication, and play-based training to build engagement, confidence, and lasting results.Maggie’s journey into dog training began in 2019 when she rescued her first dog, Moses—a high-drive Shepherd with a complex history of reactivity, anxiety, and instability. Through consistent training, clarity, and learning how to properly channel his drive, Maggie transformed Moses into a focused, capable dog who could confidently navigate the world. After connecting with Annie at Best Life K9 Training, Maggie continued developing her skills through group classes, hands-on experience, and a deeper understanding of behavior and engagement. From rebuilding Moses’ severe crate anxiety to achieving reliable off-leash freedom—even in high-distraction environments—their journey shaped her approach to training today. That experience sparked Maggie’s passion for behavior-focused dog training. She now works with a wide range of dogs—from puppies to those struggling with reactivity and overstimulation—using a balanced, fair approach tailored to each dog and owner.
Our Story
Tracey Diekemper
Trainer | Southern Illinois Branch
Tracey Diekemper is a dog trainer based out of Best Life K9 Training’s Southern Illinois location, working with clients throughout Clinton County, the Metro East, and surrounding areas. She plays a key role in supporting board and train dogs, helping reinforce structure, consistency, and real-life behavior throughout their stay. Tracey also runs our puppy group classes, where she focuses on building engagement, confidence, and strong foundations from the start.
In 2016, Tracey embarked on a life-changing journey when she adopted Murphy, a scruffy, five-month-old mutt rescued from the backroads of Kentucky. Just a day after bringing him home, she shattered a bone in her foot. Facing surgery and a lengthy rehab that left her wheelchair-bound, Tracey couldn’t give Murphy the training and socialization he needed as he transitioned to his new home. As a result, Murphy’s confidence and behavior took a hit, leaving him fearful and reactive. After a challenging vet visit, Tracey sought help from Annie at Best Life K9 Training. With Annie’s guidance, Tracey and Murphy began working on building his confidence, transforming him into a much happier dog.Tracey’s work with Murphy sparked a deeper interest in training, and she soon found herself volunteering alongside Annie, working with board-and-train dogs and helping teach puppy classes. When Annie needed to rehome a young Bichon Frise named Mack, Tracey jumped right in and welcomed him into her home. Raising a puppy added a new dynamic but turned out to be a blessing for Murphy, who thrived with a canine companion.
Tracey and Mack completed off-leash e-collar training, and Mack earned his Canine Good Citizen certification from the American Kennel Club. Today, Mack and Tracey bring joy to others as a certified therapy dog team through the Got Your Six Therapy Dog program, visiting hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. Their story reflects Tracey's dedication to training, resilience, and the power of a well-timed rescue.