Rivanna K9 Services LLC

Rivannah K9 services does not only provide high level K9 training but reshapes our views towards working dog behavior from the perspective of the K9 preparing dogs and handlers for their high demanding task in a violent environment. Professional trainers with high standards and communication skills combined with great hospitality result into a positive and safe training environment to bring K9 teams to their fullest potential enlarging the safety of those in the line of fire and everybody around them.

I wouldn’t know what to do without Armin and Tazzie, they have been a blessing. My second Dobermann has been a handful and once I found Rivanna K9 I knew, I can achieve my goals. They care about the owner as much as they care about the dog. They understand the importance of building a relationship and don’t just want to beat up the dog as I’ve seen many other trainers do. Their dedication, commitment and professionalism is beyond words and I can’t thank them enough!!

So you want to learn how to train your dog? Whether it's a dog with concerns or you just want a well behaved pet, or you are interested in having a sport dog (Schutzhund, APA, PSA, Mondio) or even beyond (law enforcement, military) then Rivanna K9 is the place you want to be. Rivanna K9 is well versed in all aspects of dog training, including those dogs we all sit back and watch with absolute amazement as they perform some of the most intricate and in some cases dangerous and life saving tasks. Regardless of the handler or the dog's skillset Rivanna K9 will evaluate and develop a training program specifically for your situation, with your dog's well being as the top priority. Based on my personal experience with Rivanna K9 I highly recommend anyone seeking assistance with or training for their dog to reach out to them.

I had been searching for a reputable and credible K9 services organization to train with me and my 2 GSD's for quite a while. This is no trivial endeavor! There are many K9 "trainers" around, but very few I'd entrust my GSD's with. As it were, I happened upon Rivanna K9 Services while searching for research relative to K9 cognition. I was attempting to verify some claims a trainer at the time was making, and I found suspect. I quickly found mountains of material that was based on evidence, and actual research. I decided to subscribe to the monthly services which included seminars. As I started to attend the monthly seminars, I was able to connect with Tazzie Winkler, who is a professional SAR Trainer (among many other things she does) and she took us under her wing. While I am in New York and Rivanna is in Virginia, through innovative means we've developed an approach where I can learn through the training seminars and through consultation with Tazzie. I can develop some foundation with my male GSD (14 weeks) and then bring him for boarding-training when he is 6 months. Tazzie stays in continuous contact with us, and provides invaluable guidance that reflects her care and compassion for K9's. I would strongly recommend Rivanna for all your K9 training needs!