WolfHaus K9

07/30/2025

12/27/2024

As the new year is about to begin, I find myself reflecting on what it means to be human—imperfect, resilient, and capable of growth. We’re all works in progress, striving for better versions of ourselves.

This year marks a fresh start in more ways than one. I’m stepping into new opportunities and facing challenges with a renewed sense of purpose. But part of that growth isn’t just about career changes—it’s about the changes we make within.

Forgiveness is a lesson I’ve wrestled with, and I’m learning it’s not about erasing the hurt someone caused or pretending it didn’t matter. It’s about freeing yourself from the weight of holding on. Redemption—both giving it and receiving it—is never easy, but it’s essential.

As Max Ehrmann wrote in Desiderata: “With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.”These words remind me that even in our struggles, there’s beauty to be found—both in this world and in each other.

Here’s to fresh starts, second chances, and embracing the beauty of being human.

12/26/2024

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

- Theodore Roosevelt

12/01/2024

There’s a strange paradox in this work. To build a strong, reliable partner capable of doing this job—a dog ready to face the darkest corners of human behavior—I have to role-play chaos. Pain, unpredictability, and struggle are part of the process. Every time I scream, every time I falter under the dog’s intensity, I let him believe he’s winning. I teach him that he can win, that the fight is worth it, no matter the odds.

Life isn’t so different. It doesn’t promise us safety or certainty. There are moments when you put everything into something—your energy, your heart, your hope, your blood, sweat, and tears—only to watch it slip through your hands because of forces beyond your control. It hurts. But that’s how life is sometimes.

Coming to terms with that uncertainty isn’t about surrendering; it’s about recalibrating. It’s about trusting that the process, messy as it may be, can shape us into something stronger, more resilient, and ready for whatever is next. Just like these dogs, we learn to lean into the struggle, to find our footing, and keep moving forward.

10/12/2024

Opd is hosting a decoy school taught by the legend Hank Wong. Contact details are in the flyer for those interested in attending.

07/14/2024

Mark your calendars for the FREE 1 Day decoy development and k9 problem solving workshop taught by and in Palatka, FL.

LE ONLY

Contact info available on the flyer for times and specific training location.

04/04/2024

🕊 In loving memory of a dear mentor and friend, Brad. Today, all of us affiliated with police K9 are morning the loss of a remarkable soul who bravely fought cancer with unwavering courage. Brad’s legacy in the working dog world will forever be cherished and deeply missed.

💔 It’s difficult to express the impact Brad had on my life. He was a beacon of guidance when I was first getting started, offering me invaluable opportunities to learn and grow. Decoying for his K9/SWAT integration classes across Florida, I not only honed my skills but also forged lifelong connections thanks to K9 Tactical Ops allowing me to help where I could.

🙏 Working dogs alongside Brad was a privilege. His dedication, expertise, and genuine kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him. I’ll never forget the lessons learned sitting in a hot car in the Florida heat, waiting to be pulled out by dogs and SWAT teams all while playing the bad guy until IVs were needed to keep me going.

🌟 Today, as we bid farewell to Brad Smith, let us carry forward his spirit of perseverance and passion. Rest in peace, dear friend. Your legacy lives on in the hearts of those you touched.

02/26/2024

Tools of the trade. Beans and I are ready to show in our first sport trail this Saturday thanks in large part to support by our friends at .usa who supplied us with the necessary equipment. If you need gear there aren’t any folks I could more enthusiastically recommend to supply whatever it is that you need for trial.

01/26/2024

In the world of professional dog training, the dangers of binary thinking loom large. Simplifying canine behavior into mere “good” or “bad” actions can hinder the effectiveness of training methods. Professional dog trainers must navigate the nuanced spectrum of behaviors to achieve optimal results.

Binary thinking in dog training oversimplifies the intricate factors that influence a dog’s behavior. Recognizing the diversity among dogs is essential for tailoring training approaches to individual needs. A flexible mindset allows trainers to explore alternative methods, adapting strategies to suit the unique personalities of the dogs with which they work.

Training success thrives on creativity and adaptability—qualities that binary thinking often stifles. Embracing a nuanced approach enables professional dog trainers to address the complexity of canine behavior, avoiding one-size-fits-all solutions. By acknowledging the various shades of behavior, trainers can craft customized, effective training programs.

Adopting a binary mindset risks straining the communication between trainers and dogs. A more nuanced perspective fosters collaboration and understanding, establishing a foundation for successful training partnerships. Recognizing that behaviors exist along a spectrum allows trainers to implement strategies that align with each dog’s distinctive disposition.

In the realm of professional dog training, embracing nuance is not just a preference but a necessity. By moving beyond simplistic categorizations, trainers can unlock the full potential of their expertise. Understanding the shades of behavior ensures a more comprehensive and effective approach, ultimately benefiting both trainers and the dogs they guide

12/26/2023

The photo that became our logo.

12/15/2023

Putnam County SO decoy certification 2023

12/07/2023

Here’s a training announcement for the ladies. Full list of instructors to be announced shortly—but I’ll be there for sure.