With over 12 years of experience in the canine industry, Kyla brings an unmatched combination of hands-on skill, dedication, and insight into every dog she works with. Her background as a veterinary technician—spanning nearly a decade—gives her a solid foundation in canine health and behavior, which continues to inform her work as a professional trainer and breeder.

 

Kyla holds a Veterinary Assistant Certificate from Blackhawk College and has completed continuing education through the Karen Pryor Academy, including early puppy development and fear-free handling practices. Her professional experience is rooted in real-world results, with over 11 years of boarding and pet training, plus more than eight years competing in Schutzhund/IGP with her own dogs.

 

Kyla’s training style has been heavily influenced by years of mentorship with world-renowned trainer Rik Wolterbeek, a European decoy and K9 specialist who has worked globally with police, military, and sport dogs. With his guidance, Kyla has continued to expand her skill set and currently works with clients on everything from obedience foundations to complex behavior modification.

 

In addition to obedience and protection sports, Kyla and her dogs are active in a range of canine events including Fast CAT, dock diving, disc dog, and UKC conformation. She also plans to return to barn hunt in the coming year. Her dogs aren’t just athletes—they’re also purposeful companions. Several German Shepherds and Miniature American Shepherds produced through her breeding program now serve as therapy and service dogs, assisting individuals with PTSD and other disabilities.

 

Today, Kyla leads with a balanced, relationship-based approach to training and breeding, always focused on producing confident, healthy dogs with the physical and mental soundness to succeed in both working and family environments.