Meet The Trainer

Welcome to K-9 Obedience Training, I am Larry LeoGrande, both the owner and your dedicated instructor for over 23 years. I take pride in personally conducting all training sessions and instruction. With my certification as a Professional Dog Trainer and Certified Police K-9 Trainer I bring over three decades of experience to the table.

My journey in dog training commenced in 1983 when I brought home my first German Shepherd, Sultan. This journey continued in 1987 with the addition of Keesha, another German Shepherd, and my ongoing participation in obedience training classes.

In 1997, I expanded my canine family by welcoming Niko and Allie, German Shepherd litter-mates. This period marked the initiation of my participation in various seminars, encompassing dog training and behavioral modification. Concurrently, I ventured into AKC Ring competition, achieving CGC titles for both Niko and Allie.

In 2000, I embarked on a significant partnership with Syracuse-based trainer Josh Scutt, fully immersing myself in the schutzhund realm. Over the course of two years, I underwent intensive training under Josh’s guidance, and I also played a pivotal role as a valuable assistant. This unwavering commitment delivered an exceptional achievement of earning schutzhund titles for both Niko and Allie. This accomplishment not only marked a significant milestone but also paved the way for me to collaborate with esteemed trainers, competitors, breeders, and judges in both the United States and Europe. It was during this transformative period that I established my own business, K-9 Obedience Training.

In 2001, I acquired Anja, a black female German Shepherd, from a highly regarded working kennel in the United States.

In addition, 2003 saw me enrolling in Amsel Training Kennels, owned by Owen Tober, to further enhance my training expertise. Upon graduation, I obtained certification as a Professional Dog Trainer and Police K-9 Trainer. During this time, I served as an Assistant Instructor for several courses at Amsel Kennels and assumed the role of Head Instructor on numerous occasions.

I also played a pivotal role as Assistant Instructor and Head Instructor in various demonstrations at the Erie County Medical Center Emergency Department’s Camp 911 Program. These demonstrations included obedience training and handler protection. It provided children with a firsthand experience of interacting with the dogs, showcasing the K-9s’ abilities and gentle nature. The kids thoroughly enjoyed these interactions, and I had the pleasure of working with the camp again the following year.

In 2003, the competition with Anja commenced. In September of that year, Anja achieved her Schutzhund B Title, followed by her Schutzhund 1 Title in October. One year later, in 2004, Anja accomplished her Schutzhund II Title, boasting an impressive 1st place obedience score of 95 out of 100. Continuing her success, in 2005, Anja secured her Schutzhund III Title, once again clinching 1st place in obedience with a score of 96 out of 100.

In 2004, I welcomed Carlita, a 13-week-old Sable female German Shepherd, into my family. In September 2006, Carlita achieved her Schutzhund B title, followed by TR1 in October.

The year 2011 marked a significant milestone as I bred Carlita, keeping a pup named Lance. Lance went on to earn his BH Title on October 12, 2013, at the Schutzhund Club of Buffalo where he received EXCELLENT in all phases.

Anja

Pictured above is Anja. Anja earned her Schutzhund II Title in 2004 with a 1st place obedience score of 95 out of 100. Anja earned her Schutzhund III Title in 2005 with a 1st place obedience score of 96 out of 100!

Carlita

Pictured above is Carlita. Carlita earned her Schutzland B Title and TR1 in October.

Lance

Lance, who turned two in June 2013, earned his Schutzhund BH title on October 12, 2013. The competition was held at the Schutzhund Club of Buffalo.

This is Lance working in March 2015 after a year without training. My injury put me out of training/competitions with Lance. We are now ready to work!