Meet Ava Marie Wion

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Trainer. Problem solver. Advocate for the underdog.

Woman holding a playful black puppy outdoors on a cloudy day.
A woman in a black hoodie and yellow cap interacts with a German Shepherd dog in a grassy field with a green landscape and mountains in the background.
A young woman with long brown hair and a black t-shirt kneeling outside, holding a black German Shepherd dog with its tongue out, in a green park with trees and grass during daytime.

The Heart Behind Katka Working Dog Training

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I started Katka Working Dog Training because I wanted to help people and dogs who were struggling to find their place. I have always had a soft spot for working breeds, especially Malinois, and I have seen how misunderstood they can be. Many of these dogs end up in shelters because they are too much dog for the average home, but with the right structure and purpose, they can become incredible working partners.

My Shelter to Working Dog Program came from that passion. I wanted to bridge the gap between the dogs who need a chance and the agencies that need good K9s but do not have huge budgets. Watching a dog go from sitting behind shelter bars to confidently searching vehicles or tracking through the woods never gets old. That transformation keeps me doing what I do.

A woman and a German Shepherd dog practicing obedience commands outdoors in a grassy field with trees in the background.

The Foundation

Black dog lying on dirt ground outdoors in a forest, with a tennis ball near its paw, mouth open, tongue out, and wearing a collar.
A woman and a German Shepherd dog sitting on a grassy field with trees and hills in the background, captured in black and white.

  • I believe in training that makes sense to both the dog and the handler. My methods are based on clear communication, fairness, and understanding what drives each individual dog.

    Most of the dogs I work with are intense, intelligent, and full of energy. They need more than obedience. They need a job, structure, and someone who can meet them where they are. My goal is to help handlers build confidence in how they communicate so they can get consistent results without frustration.

    I am straightforward and calm in my approach. There is no judgment and no one-size-fits-all system, just practical training that creates lasting results.

  • I train detection and tracking K9s for law enforcement and search and rescue, as well as provide behavior modification for working breeds that struggle in home environments. Over the years I have tested, selected, and trained many shelter dogs for specialized work, giving them purpose while supporting the small departments that rely on them.

    My background has given me a deep respect for the process. Training working dogs is not about control, it is about connection. It is about understanding who is in front of you and helping them become the best version of themselves.

  • More than anything, I value fairness and honesty in training and in relationships. I will always tell you what I see, and I will always give you the tools you need to move forward. I want my clients to feel supported, not judged, and to walk away with real confidence in their dog and themselves.

    I am here to help you put the puzzle pieces together and show you how capable you both are when things start to make sense.

Ready to learn more about my programs?

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