I work primarily with working breeds like German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and their mixes. Most of the dogs in my programs have high drive and need a job to thrive. I also work with dogs that have behavioral challenges, especially those that struggle in home environments or have potential for specialized work.

My focus is on working dogs and handler coaching, but I do take pet dog cases on a limited, case-by-case basis. If I am not available to help, I am happy to recommend a trusted trainer who can.

When I evaluate dogs for my Shelter to Working Dog Program, I look for specific traits that indicate strong potential for detection or tracking work.

Dogs must generally be under three years of age, though I will consider exceptional older candidates. I look for German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherds, Labradors, Spaniels, Pointers, or clear mixes of those breeds.

The most important quality I look for is drive. The dog should have a strong desire to chase, hunt, and search for a toy for extended periods of time. If I am interested in a potential dog, I will ask for videos showing their toy drive and hunt behavior before making any decisions.

If the dog meets these guidelines, I may bring them into my program to evaluate and begin training. The goal is always to set the dog up for success and find the right working placement for them.

I find promising working breed dogs in shelters and evaluate them for drive, confidence, and temperament. Once accepted into the program, they go through detection or tracking training. My goal is to provide affordable, dependable K9s to law enforcement and search and rescue teams.

If a department reaches out and I do not currently have a dog that fits their needs, I begin searching for a suitable candidate and manage the entire evaluation and training process.

From green to started, training typically takes six to eight weeks. This can vary depending on the dog’s age, ability, and the type of work they are being trained for.

Costs depend on adoption fees, travel, and training time, but are usually five thousand dollars or less. My goal is to make high-quality working dogs accessible for small departments that may not have the budget for large-scale K9 programs.

Yes, and I encourage it whenever possible. I like to include handlers in training sessions so they can build a bond and learn how their dog works before the dog goes home.

Detection and tracking are my main focus areas, but I occasionally work with dogs in other specialized fields depending on the department’s needs and the dog’s potential.

Yes, I work with dogs that have shown reactivity or aggression. My approach focuses on structure, communication, and understanding the reason behind the behavior. Every dog is different, so I adjust my plan based on what that individual dog needs.

You can reach out through our contact page or email me at katkaworkingdogtraining@gmail.com. If you are an agency, please include a brief description of what you are looking for so I can better understand your needs.