Meet James
Hi, I’m James, founder and CEO of Controlled K9, based in Gainesville, Virginia.
My passion for dog training began the day I brought home Sky, my German Shepherd. She was four years old, completely untrained, and honestly, a bit of a wild card. Through consistent effort, patience, and dedication, I transformed her behavior—turning her into a calm, focused, and well-mannered companion. That transformation didn’t just change her life—it changed mine. It sparked a deep passion for training that has since become my entire world.
One day, I stumbled across something called Schutzhund during an online deep dive. Schutzhund—now commonly referred to as IGP—is a challenging sport developed to evaluate a dog’s tracking, obedience, and protection skills. It was originally designed as a breed suitability test for working-line German Shepherds, but it’s grown into a respected discipline for a wide range of working breeds.
Once I got Sky involved in Schutzhund, everything clicked. The structure, the precision, the bond it builds—it all resonated deeply with me. From that point forward, I dedicated myself fully to mastering the art and science of dog training.
That passion led to the founding of Controlled K9, with a clear mission: to be proudly different from other training companies. We’re not here to offer cookie-cutter solutions or quick fixes. Our goal is to provide high-quality, results-driven training, rooted in clarity, consistency, and real communication between dogs and their owners. We focus on building strong foundations and adapting our training to each dog’s needs and personality. We don’t just train dogs—we teach owners how to lead, understand, and truly connect with their companions.
Since diving into Schutzhund, I’ve gone on to certify as a protection decoy under multiple organizations, which has given me the privilege of working with dogs and trainers operating at the highest levels possible . This experience from both sides of the leash continues to push me, challenge me, and deepen my commitment to the craft. I don't do dog training only as my career, it's also my hobby, and I'm incredibly lucky to shape doing what I love into my job.
At Controlled K9, we hold ourselves to high standards because our clients—and their dogs—deserve nothing less. We believe in doing things right the first time. We believe in being thorough. And most importantly, we believe in making a lasting difference, not just for the dog, but for the entire household.
There’s nothing more rewarding than watching a dog reach its full potential or helping an owner build a bond they never thought possible. That’s what makes this all worth it. I would know!
We look forward to working with you, and hopefully spark the same passion with you and your dog.
Meet Kenzie
Hi, I’m Kenzie! I was born and raised in Northern Virginia and currently live in Bristow, where I’ve turned my lifelong passion for dogs into a rewarding career. I’ve been working with dogs for as long as I can remember, but I’ve spent the last seven years professionally training dogs of all breeds, backgrounds, and temperaments.
My specialty lies in severe behavioral modification—working with dogs that many would consider some of the most difficult cases. Whether it’s aggression, anxiety, reactivity, or other complex behavioral challenges, I approach each dog with patience, skill, and a deep understanding of canine psychology. I find immense fulfillment in helping these dogs transform and seeing the joy it brings to their families.
Outside of my professional work, I train and compete in Schutzhund, a rigorous German protection sport that tests a dog’s obedience, tracking, and protection skills. It’s a demanding discipline that showcases the working ability, temperament, and trainability of the dog—and I love the challenge it brings.
I’m also the proud breeder behind Vom Nara, a kennel dedicated to producing high-quality, working-line German Shepherds known for their intelligence, drive, and balanced temperaments.
Above all, I take my work seriously and care deeply about every dog I work with. I strive for results and treat each dog as if they were my own. My clients trust me not just with their dog’s training, but with their care, their safety, and their future—and that’s a responsibility I never take lightly.
If you’re looking for someone who is passionate, experienced, and genuinely committed to helping your dog thrive, I would be honored to be part of your journey.
Isis
Hi I’m Isis!
I began my journey with dogs when I got my first German Shepherd dog! She was crazy reactive, a leash puller, and would run away!
After getting her trained, I found a huge passion in seeing dogs transform. Not only for the families who love them, but also for the dogs themselves. Seeing their confidence be boosted and their lives be improved in every category is super rewarding to experience!
I have experience with every dog under the sun and strive to keep growing as an individual and trainer! I work with pet dogs, puppies, service animal basics, and even protection dogs.
I have a 5 year old female GSD who is a working service dog, as well as a 1 year old male GSD who is a working protection dog/ IGP dog (Schutzhund)!
My goal is to help dogs regain confidence and rebuild the relationship between dogs and their beloved owners!
Transforming Dogs into
Well-Behaved Companions.
At Controlled K9 we strive for results and treat each dog as if they are our own. Our clients trust us with their dog’s training, safety, care, and future - and we do everything we can to set each and every dog up for success. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your dog settle in at home.
We’d Love to Hear from You
Contact us today to start your journey. Work with us to learn how dog training works and see real results fast!