K9Einstein started in 2003 after Troy McConaughey acquired his first border collie, Einstein.
Having grown up with pugs, poodles, and a Labrador retriever in a fly-over state, Troy wasn’t much into performance dog sport. Having a good hunting dog was one thing, having a high drive athletic little guy needing a lot of guidance in training, another. And so, McConaughey discovered dog sport.
When people found out that Troy owned a machine shop and could weld and repair equipment, his services were put to use by his fellow agility competitors. A patented engineer by training and education, McConaughey spent 20+ years building and designing automotive components and production tooling for various industries. “I’ve literally built everything from knee replacement parts to the tooling used to make a kitchen sinks (OK, well…industrial deep fat fryers – but they looked like kitchen sinks).” It didn’t take long before McConaughey started making his own equipment.
“I was repairing everything: teeters, jumps, dogwalks, tables, you name it. The equipment I repaired was good quality, but it was made for an environment not suitable to the humid and temperate southeast. Wood skins dry-rotted in a year and steel framing rusted away in a few years.” per McConaughey. “People spent good money shipping a quality product cross country only to have it rust and rot away in a couple years.” And that’s how K9Einstein came about – building a better product for a region sharing his enthusiasm for dog sport.
Einstein 2003 to 2019
Einstein, my first border collie. Both ADCH & MACH titles in agility, a 9 time disc World Finalist, started in herding and nose work, and all-around good guy to be with. If this were to be my last dog, I’d be content. Patience, drive, and an easy on/off switch. Always my right hand man. Einstein’s performed for Purina Incredible Dog Challenge (agility, disc), MLB demos, NFL and collegiate half time shows. If everyone had an Einstein the world would be a better place.
photo: Furry Photography
Mikey 2006 to 2014
Mikey, my second border collie. Mikey was one Jumpers leg away from a USDAA agility Advanced title. Mikey was about 9 months old when I got him from a shelter as a foster. I lost him early to cancer. A free spirit until he passed. Of all the dogs I’ve had, Mikey stories surpass all the rest and I cringed being part of at the time, but cherish and laugh about now. He new how to get in trouble. Mikey was a 3 time disc World Finalist. Mikey was the first dog I lost young (I pray the last). I really miss him.
photo: Ron Fritz
Ally 2009 to Present
Ally. She’s my first female performance dog. She came to me as a foster from a shelter when she was about 1 year of age. Ally by far has been my most challenging dog to train. She’s all bitch and she’ll let you know how she feels. That said, she loves people, performing, and I love working with her. Ally has advanced agility titles, 5 time disc World Finalist, Purina Incredible Dog Challenge competitor (disc), three time adventure race partner, numerous NFL, NBA, and collegiate half time appearances (hard court and field).
photo: Debbie Livinston
Who? 2012 to Present
Who? Yeah, dumb name, but another foster fail. The name was supposed to be temporary. Who’s likely a JRT basset hound mix we got from a shelter when she was young. She doesn’t do much; no Frisbee catching or agility. Who’s just our pack ambassador. She’s the first to greet any new foster we take on. She’s also the couch dog. Super good natured but timid around strangers and challenging environments. She’s stuck around because, well… She’s damn cute and loyal and that makes a great dog, too.
Wally 2014 to Present
Wally’s my current go to guy. He’s covering all the bases and we’re just getting started. Wally’s been my companion on adventure races, hard court Frisbee demos, numerous agility and Frisbee demos, competed in 6 disc World Finals, 1 agility trial, he’s a 25′ dock jumper, and happily does whatever else I can think to try. Wally’s super people friendly but always ready to go. He’s a fun dog and a fantastic teammate!
photo: T&C Pet Photography
Banshee 2018 to Present
Banshee, a Texas Heeler (Aussie/ACD cross), came into our pack in March of 2020. A friend pulled her from a Craig’s List ad – seems she was a little too wild for the 6-month old human the family purchased her for ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
No worries! She’s found a good home with us. With COVID-19 our competition calendar has been severely cut back. We’ve still found time to play in an international Toss & Fetch league where Banshee made the top 50 in a field of over 2,500 teams. Banshee also won a 10K trail race and she spends her weekends doing technical mountain hikes in a harness of 10 miles or more. Once we get back to normal, post-COVID, be looking for Banshee on the competition field. She’s a fun dog to train and she’ll be a fun dog to watch.
photo: T. McConaughey Blood Mountain, Georgia