My life work and passion has been dedicated to preserving health and genetic working qualities of the German Shepherd Dog.

I was introduced to dogs at an early age by my father who also had a love for dogs. Our family acquired our first German Shepherd, Falco, when I was 3 years old. As a teenager I became involved in Schutzhund; A three phase sport developed to test the genetic qualities of working dogs for breeding selection purposes.

I titled my first dogs as a teenager. It was during this time I was fortunate to have met some of Germany’s most experienced breeders, trainers and judges who all frequented our small dog club in Arizona. My club and it’s members supported my ongoing education as a protection helper sending me all over the US to attend as many seminars as possible. For this I am forever grateful!

Following my passion, I moved to Germany in my middle 20’s to immerse myself in the training, the culture, and everything related to the German Shepherd breed. I lived there for 6 years and was a part of the club OG Tangen in Southern Germany. Together with my companion Benno, we competed in the prestigious BSP two times becoming the only American to have done so successfully. In addition, we competed at the LGA 4 times, the Sieben-Lander Wettkamp, FCI SV-Bundesqualification and FCI all breed qualifications.

I was fortunate to be around some of the best trainers and breeders. My early mentors included, Reinhard Lidner, Jurgen Ritzi, Elmar Mannes, and Roman Schuler. These men influenced my command of protection helper-work, obedience and tracking training. Most of all they passed down my understanding of what it means to be a steward of the breed, making it the focal point of everything I do.

When I moved back from Germany in 2000, I took a break from training to raise my son. During that time, I furthered my breeding program while pursuing my career path in social services then as a county sheriff’s deputy.

My son is now in his second year at Arizona State University. My current time is spent at home tending to our dogs, cat and chickens. I recently completed an IGP3 with our stud dog, Django, who is bringing the next generation of DLS dogs forward. I enjoy being an Schutzhund judge and use the platform to educate working dog owners on all things related to working dogs.