About Crossroads Canine - A Lifelong Passion for Dogs

     From an early age, I was captivated by working dogs. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, I watched reruns of the black-and-white television series The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin. While fictional, it introduced me to the concept of highly trained, intelligent working dogs - a type of dog I knew I wanted in my life. My first German Shepherd, a female I named Flash, became my constant companion at the age of seven. She accompanied me on bike rides, long walks, and horseback rides, and even once served as a deterrent in a potentially dangerous situation as two men contemplated abducting me. This forever changed the way I viewed dogs and the importance they can be in our lives. The memory of Flash is honored as part of our logo. 

     By the age of 11 or 12, I received my second dog, Alex, a Schutzhund-titled German Shepherd. The protection dog sport of Schutzhund was later changed to IPO and has since been changed to IGP. It is a sport focused on developing dogs in three exercises: Obedience, Tracking, and Protection. I knew that I wanted to learn how to train a dog to be just like Alex. Determined to master training techniques, I began studying every resource I could find - from books on advanced training, protection dog programs, and military canine methods, to early online platforms such as Leerburg. The skills I cultivated during those formative years continue to be an asset to me in every training decision I make today.

     I expanded my focus to include other breeds known for their strength and athleticism, including the American Pit Bull Terrier. By age 16, I purchased my first puppy of a breed known as an "off breed" in the sport of Schutzhund. This presented it's own unique challenges and also set the foundation for my future expertise.

Pictured Above: My first two German Shepherds. Photo taken in 1997.

"Alex" (SCH II), the first fully trained working dog I owned, pictured on my left and "Flash" on my right.

At 18, I joined a local Schutzhund club, deepening my practical experience in structured training environments.

Between 2005 and 2012, I perused hobby breeding and competed in local American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA) conformation shows, while also spending a good amount of time training and rehoming horses from auction, selected from the horses that would otherwise typically be purchased by other buyers to be resold for slaughter. It was a rewarding experience to see these horses go off to good homes as riding horses. These experiences taught me not only discipline and patience but also the impact of rehabilitating animals for lifelong success.

Around 2015, I began taking in dogs with behavioral challenges, primarily working breeds, rehabilitating them and providing lifelong care or placing them into new homes. This work reinforced my belief that thoughtful, individualized training can transform dogs and strengthen their relationships with humans.

I have dedicated over 20 years to hands-on training and development of dogs, gaining extensive experience across different breeds.

 At Crossroads Canine, we bring years of experience working with a wide range of breeds-specializing in large, high-drive working dogs. Our training approach is rooted in both time-tested principles and modern advancements, allowing us to tailor each program to the individual dog.

With extensive study in various training methodologies from some of the world's most respected trainers, I've developed a balanced, relationship-based philosophy that emphasizes clear communication, consistency, and respect between dog and handler. I remain a lifelong student of canine behavior and continue to refine my craft through ongoing education in advanced training techniques and comprehensive dog management.

We carefully assess each dog's temperament and drives to implement the most effective training strategy. The relationship between dog and handler is the foundation of everything. We teach and shape behaviors through positive reinforcement/reward-based training, and when correction is necessary, it is always done thoughtfully, fairly, and with the goal of preserving trust and confidence without damaging the relationship between dog and handler.

After years of experience combined with extensive study of various methods, I have found this to be the best method to achieve having a well behaved, confident, happy dog while strengthening the bond between dog and handler.

For many years, my work was conducted privately - rehabilitating dogs with behavioral challenges and supporting a select number of owners behind the scenes. Each experience shaped my understanding of canine behavior and the importance of thoughtful, intentional training. In 2024, I founded Crossroads Canine to bring this expertise to a wider audience, offering structured training programs and the occasional opportunity to place puppies from carefully planned, top - tier breedings. Every dog and puppy we offer comes from elite European working bloodlines, with parents carefully selected and held to our rigorous criteria for intelligence, athleticism, temperament, and proven working abilities, ensuring puppies are bred from the highest-quality lineage.

If you already own a dog and are seeking expert training support, we offer programs tailored to your needs. Because we maintain strict standards, we are selective and prioritize those who meet our criteria and align with our training approach. Our goal is to provide your dog with a strong foundation in obedience and structure while giving you the guidance to continue reinforcing that training at home.

Discover Training Options

For those who prefer a ready-to-go option, we occasionally offer started puppies and fully trained adult dogs. Each dog is carefully matched to your household and lifestyle to ensure the right fit. Availability is limited.

Explore Available Dogs

Our puppies are carefully raised to provide the best start in life. From early neurological stimulation (ENS) to thoughtful environmental exposure, we focus on building a strong foundation for confidence, adaptability, and trainability. Each puppy receives attentive care designed to foster both mental and physical development, giving them the tools to grow into well-rounded adults.

For clients seeking a more guided experience, we offer our Raise and Train program, currently limited to only one puppy enrolled per year to ensure personalized attention and an immersive, highly focused training journey. This approach allows us to dedicate the time and care necessary for each puppy's development, ensuring a seamless transition into your home.

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