Board Members

Denise is a cornerstone within the Los Angeles Working K9 Club, bringing a wealth of experience accumulated over two decades in dog sports. Her journey comprises an impressive resume, having competed in many prestigious events on regional and international platforms. Among her accolades, Denise proudly secured third place in the female category at a world championship—an achievement that speaks volumes about her dedication and skill. Her commitment to excellence extends beyond mere participation; Denise has consistently showcased her prowess in numerous competitions, from world championships to local club trials. Notably, she recently clinched fourth place at the USCA GSD Nationals and was crowned the 2024 USCA Regional Champion—an accomplishment that underscores her unwavering determination and exceptional capabilities.

Denise's success isn't confined to herself alone but extends to her four-legged companions. With a commendable track record of titling four dogs, each of her canine partners has thrived under her guidance, attesting to her proficiency in nurturing their potential. Central to her approach is the philosophy of positive reinforcement, wherein she advocates for rewarding dogs for displaying desired behaviors—a methodology rooted in empathy and respect for the animals she trains.

One particular highlight in Denise's journey is her partnership with Axel, a remarkable dog who defied expectations by clinching first place at the 2022 SW Regional Championship despite being the youngest contender in the field. Their victory is a testament to their symbiotic bond—Denise's exceptional training acumen and Axel's innate talent.  Beyond her accomplishments in the arena, Denise's character shines through in her role as a club mentor. Welcoming and supportive, she extends a hand to aspiring individuals eager to delve into the world of IGP, fostering an environment where learning and growth thrive. Embracing modern training methodologies, Denise espouses the principles of Nepopo techniques, embodying a progressive approach to canine education.

Transitioning from a distinguished career in the legal field spanning nearly three decades, Denise now channels her passion into her retail clothing business, ArrakUSA.com, alongside her dedication to training client dogs and honing the skills of her also popoisompanions. Her journey is an inspiration—a testament to the transformative power of pursuing one's passions wholeheartedly and making a meaningful impact within the community.

We are thrilled to have Lionel as an integral member of our team and our Training Director. With a wealth of experience as a helper, teaching helper, and accomplished competitor, Lionel brings invaluable insights and expertise to our community. His exceptional ability to intuitively understand dogs and devise practical solutions tailored to each canine enables him to unlock their full potential consistently.

Lionel's passion for the sport is palpable, evident in his unwavering dedication to his pursuits and the development of others within the community. His commitment to excellence was recently showcased at the 2024 SW Regionals, where he and his esteemed companion Ghost secured a commendable 5th place, underscoring his skill and dedication.

In Lionel, we find a formidable competitor and a compassionate mentor who generously shares his knowledge and expertise to uplift those around him. We are privileged to have him as part of our team, where his contributions continue to enrich our collective journey in dog sports.

Jean Luc is an invaluable asset to our team, and his longstanding dedication sets him apart. Currently nurturing his second canine companion, Koda, Jean Luc's commitment to their training is unwavering, yielding remarkable results. His passion for this endeavor shines through as he diligently works with Koda day in and day out. Witnessing his progress is a testament to his expertise and determination, assuring us of his imminent success in this venture.

Beyond his canine pursuits, Jean Luc finds joy in the company of his beloved wife and daughters, cherishing every moment spent with them. Additionally, he excels in running a thriving business, showcasing his remarkable ability to balance various facets of life with finesse. Jean Luc's multifaceted interests and unwavering dedication make him an exemplary team member, earning him both admiration and respect from all who are privileged to work alongside him.

Joanne's dedication to training extends beyond horses and riders; it encompasses her work with her beloved German Shepherds, Jaxson, Jade, and Cambria. She has nurtured their growth for over thirty years and imparted valuable life lessons, drawing from her profound passion for horseback riding and its positive impact on physical and emotional well-being. As an experienced coach, Joanne seamlessly applies her skills to her canine companions, demonstrating discipline, patience, and effective communication techniques. Her commitment to their training reflects her commitment to excellence as a team member and a devoted pet owner. Joanne is currently focusing on preparing Jaxson for an upcoming trial. Her confidence in her abilities shines through. With her unwavering dedication and expertise, she and Jaxson are poised for success in their endeavors.

We are thrilled to have Gary as part of our team, not only does he have helper experience he is a dedicated and hard-working member, and an asset to our club. Gary is currently training his salt and pepper schnauzer and we expect great things from him. His dog is already tracking at a high-level, and, his obedience and protection is coming along perfectly!

Gary's commitment to training his schnauzer has been a journey marked by consistent progress and success. A key factor in Gary's effective training approach is his dedication to conducting multiple short training sessions with his dog each day. This practice not only fosters a conducive learning environment for the schnauzer but also enables steady growth and development without overwhelming stress.

Through his expert handling and engagement techniques, Gary has cultivated a strong bond with his canine companion, creating a positive and rewarding training experience for both. By prioritizing the emotional well-being of his schnauzer and ensuring that the training sessions are enjoyable and fulfilling, Gary has succeeded in nurturing a harmonious working relationship that reflects the mutual respect and understanding between them.

Gary's expertise in training shines through in his ability to read and respond to his dog's cues effectively, adapting his methods to suit the schnauzer's individual needs and learning pace. This personalized approach not only accelerates the dog's progress in tracking, obedience, and protection skills but also reinforces a sense of trust and confidence in their partnership.

As Gary continues to invest his time and effort into honing his training techniques and deepening his connection with his schnauzer, the duo is poised to achieve even greater milestones together. Their collaborative achievements stand as a testament to Gary's unwavering dedication, patience, and passion for nurturing the potential of his four-legged companion.