About Us

Marco has been involved with dogs and dog training more than 25 years. As a youngster he handled a variety of breeds in AKC conformation and obedience competitions, and then as a teenager was drawn to the sport of Schutzhund the first time he saw it. He made it his mission to learn all he could about the fascinating European dog sport.

In 1995 he traveled to Germany and studied with some of the most respected trainers and breeders in the world. He became first a student then a friend of such Schutzhund icons as Jurgen Ritzi (SV Judge, breeder von Körbelbach) Reinhard Lindner ,SV judge , breeder vom Höllbachgrund, and Elmar Mannes (SV Judge, kennel vom Leipheimer Moor) as well as Roman Schuler, kennel vd Bosen Nachbarschaft. He studied their ways and absorbed the culture, science, and art of dog training.

Marco achieved his dream of competing in the most prestigious German shepherd dog training competitions in the world: the Bundessiegerprufüng (German National Championship) as well as LGA (German Regional Championships) 3 times, 7-Länderwettkampf and the SV Bundes FCI world championship qualifiers with a dog he raised and trained himself and is the only American to have done so successfully.

He established himself as a proficient trainer and training helper and was sought out by top handlers in preparing for larger trials. He was invited to become an SV training helper, and is well respected by many American competitors as well.

Marco has developed a training philosophy based on the European model: The natural understanding of the dog, working with his instincts and traits, not against them. Europeans integrate dogs into their lives as part of normal society, and even top competition dogs accompany their owners in public places, sharing their company in restaurants and cafes. It was this balance and harmony- the power and effectiveness of a strong working animal with the control and sociability that make it a pleasant companion-that inspired him as a breeder as well. His kennel “de Lupus Saevus” is registered and recognized in Germany and he has bred a number of successful competition and show dogs, including the 2008 CAN Universal Sieger.

Marco’s approach to training both dogs and people is one of partnership and cooperation. “Through love, communication, and respect, we can safely raise and train our dogs with confidence.”

His mission is to teach, train and support his students both human and canine and bring them together in a harmonious relationship.