MarathonK9 Academy

09/01/2025

Speaking with Bellator K9 on true active aggression in regards to a dog he’s currently rehabbing brought me to this article by UC Davis. The A22 allele can be a genetic marker for heighten risk of unpredictable true aggression, specifically in Malinois. When we think of dogs showing aggressive beahviors, we have to wonder is it true aggression, or is it reactivity? Is is genetic or is it nurtured? And how it has developed sets the baseline for how we seek to work around it. Very fascinating.

Adverse owner-reported behaviors (such as seizure, “glazing over”, episodic biting, and general loss of clarity) in the Belgian Malinois have been associated with certain genetic polymorphisms in the dopamine transporter gene.

07/01/2025

That’s a good boy. Trainer Kait helped Chief reintegrate back into the household with his owner. While he’s not a service dog, being incredibly obedient for his disabled owner is of the utmost importance. We are proud to provide a service to others to better their lives, both human and dog.

07/01/2025

This big guy has taken to training wonderfully! His owners stated he’s making incredible progress in such a short time. Let’s keep it up Paladin.

06/01/2025

Vote for Riggs!

Riggs is an explosives detection canine currently residing in the mile high city, loving his hikes, truck rides, & a good game of “search!”

04/01/2025

Deputy Titus was a student of mine a few years ago. Him and Brus are putting in solid work! 💪

Feature : Good Catch K-9 Brus!

deputies assisted Aurora Police in an effort to contact an individual with an outstanding arrest warrant. Stop sticks were effectively utilized, prompting the suspect to flee on foot. However, deputies successfully apprehended the individual with the help of K-9 Brus.The suspect was found to be in possession of a stolen law enforcement badge, m**h, and a stolen car. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident.

02/01/2025

K9 Magnum ready to rock 💪

27/12/2024

8m old Paladin is looking forward to 2025 when he starts his obedience program! Are you looking forward to the new year? A couple of things to help you and your pet have a safe New Years Eve

-make sure pets are secured in the home or in a secured outdoor kennel in the yard.

- ensure they have identification tags on their collar and in a perfect world are microchipped with up to date owner information.

- if you have a dog with anxiety/ fear of loud noises, a secure room in the home would be ideal to keep them in. Stay home with them if you can. Talk to your vet about a low dose sedative to help keep them calm.

- now is too late to do exposure / stress inoculation for fearful animals. For those of you with young puppies especially working pups, this can be an opportunity to expose dogs to the novel sounds/stimuli of fireworks at a safe distance using food or toy based rewards.

Stay safe and have fun!

26/12/2024

🚨 ATTENTION K9 HANDLERS 🚨

👀 Bellator K9 is Coming Back to Paris, Texas 👀

Don’t miss this opportunity to access cutting-edge training presented by Brian & Billy of

⭐️ Bio: https://atk9.org/bellator-k9

👉🏽 Topics Covered:

☑️ Leathal Cover Integration
☑️ Approuch & Breach Point Movement w/K9
☑️ Deliberate & Dynamic Interior Movement w/K9
☑️ K9 Stability Assessment & Problem Solving
☑️ Exposure to Confined Spaces & Lowlight
☑️ Equipment Selection and Configuration
☑️ Flash Bang & Weapons Fire Exposure
☑️ High-Risk Vehicle Apprehension

🐾 Working Spot: $650.00

🐾 Audit Spot: $400.00

👀For More Details:

☎️ (210) 885-2016

📧 [email protected]

📆Registration Opens 6 Jan. 2025 📆

23/12/2024

😅😅

Dash wanted to attend K9 training today. We thought he would have fun. Who doesn’t like dogs?! Turns out being the same size as some of the toys did not work in his favor. Maybe K9 isn’t for you, …

19/12/2024

As this year comes to a close, I’ve been able to reflect on my time in this industry. I started this company in 2016. Influenced by one of the MWD handlers I became friends with while I was working as an animal health specialist at Schofield Barracks VTF in Hawaii, my goal was to become a quality and capable working dog trainer. Ups and downs, setbacks and crushed spirit whether from false friends or being denied the ability to work with agencies, didn’t stop me. I still had the fortitude to continue. Although at some points, I almost quit. Almost shut this company down. But I kept going. And with that kept growing. The good outweighs the bad. Many wins. To the point where I made several milestones. From best pet dog trainer nominations to being able to train with the special operations community as a peer. From working with various law enforcement agencies and conventional military units around the country that have requested me to speaking in front of the state Senate and finally culminating this year in teaching at the largest police K9 working conference in the country that is American Tactical K9. Things come full circle. I have trainers that work for me who give their all and I’m beyond blessed to have them. I’d like to say to anyone struggling to achieve their goals that if you quit, you 100% won’t make it. But if you keep trying. You just might succeed. Don’t ever let anyone tell you, you can’t. Made some incredibly amazing friends who literally face dangers I couldn’t fathom every day. And I get to be an aid for these men and women. Have a safe holiday everyone. I’m grateful for everyone that has joined in this ride alongside. See you next year.
Trusted affiliates:
Bellator K9
Kingdom K-9 LLC
Rader K9
ORO K9 Services
Threat Based Threads
Worthless Handler
City K9

19/12/2024

Love these guys! My favorite is my lady K9 Nyx (bottom row in the middle)! Vote for her in the 30x30 Fundraising post down our feed.

Since 1989, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit has been working to protect and serve the citizens of Douglas County and surrounding areas.

Some impressive stats since 2011, the DCSO K-9 Unit has been responsible for:
∙ 21,953 deployments
∙ 2,480 arrests
∙ 825 assists
∙ Seizure of more than 1,220 pounds of narcotics and $1.8 million in cash!

We are so proud of this amazing team, and can't wait to see the amazing things they will accomplish.

18/12/2024

Find a trainer that works WITH you and your dog to achieve your goals. I was speaking with a friend of mine that I’ve come to know over the years through a different avenue in GORUCK endurance challenges. This individual has a steep background in AKC events. While not my forte I fully support their passion for it. When his previous dog retired from obedience competition, he picked up a working line German shepherd (I may have nudged him in the shoulder on it a little) and reached out for some virtual lessons and tips and whatnot as they are located in another state while also training with a local individual. I gladly obliged. Come to find out the individual they had been working with didn’t support their passion. It’s an unfortunate thing. Find yourself a trainer that will support your endeavors. While the AKC obedience isn’t my cup of tea, to see the passion he has for it and the bond with his dog grow, is still som**hing I love. Proud of you two!

16/12/2024

Vote for Douglas County Sheriff's Office best girl!!
Back The Blue K-9 Force

HOW TO VOTE FOR K9 NYX:$1.00* is a vote per individual. Donations over $1.00 will go into the prize pot, with 50% of surplus funds going to the first-place winner, 30% to the second-place winner, and 20% to the third-place winner. The first-place winner is guaranteed to win $1,000; extra donations w...

14/12/2024

Rest easy good buddy. Our thoughts are with you.

🐾🌈 SEE YOU OVER THE RAINBOW BRIDGE, ENZO 🌈🐾

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved K9 Enzo. A two-year-old Enzo joined your Denver Police Department in 2018 with a heart full of courage and loyalty. His journey began with training as a SWAT K9, and soon after, he was on the streets sniffing out danger and keeping our community safe.

Enzo's first heroic moment came in April of 2018 when he helped apprehend a suspect wanted for serious crimes. His quick actions that day were just the beginning of a police k9 career dedicated to keeping his human partner and the residents of Denver safe. Enzo retired in 2022 after four years of dedicated service, but he remained a cherished member of his family.

In retirement, Enzo enjoyed the simple pleasures: relaxing on the deck, sharing waffle fries, and cuddling with his handler, Technician Gallegos, who was not just his partner, but his best friend.

Fly high, Enzo -- your service, loyalty and love will never be forgotten. 🌈💙

13/12/2024

But we’ve been saying this for years

Dogs generally pull about 60 per cent harder on a leash when wearing a padded harness compared with a collar, even when the equipment is marketed as “anti pull” – putting the people walking them at risk of injury.

Some dogs – especially smaller breeds – pull with a force more than twice their body weight on the collar, potentially damaging their throats, says Erin Perry at Southern Illinois University.

“It’s really very shocking,” she says. “The dogs are almost choking themselves on that collar repeatedly. But the harnesses in our study just didn’t inhibit pulling in any way, and that’s definitely a wake-up call – especially because of the risk to owners.”

Read more: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2459747-dogs-pull-harder-on-the-leash-when-they-wear-a-harness-than-a-collar/

Image: CBCK-Christine/Alamy

12/12/2024

Trainer Sofia out giving guidance to little Mia and her owner, Karen. Mia has made leaps and bounds of progress with The support Sofia has given them to bolster confidence and provide structure.