Miramar Beach - 9970 US Hwy 98 W
Santa Rosa Beach - 180 Lynn Drive

Leash Pulling? Jumping Up? Excessive Barking?
Want a well-behaved dog?
Our Proven Training Programs Can Help!

YOU can get started with one simple click:

850-420-2894 / trainer@whatsupdogfl.com

Training Options

YOU can get started with one simple click:

850-420-2894 / trainer@whatsupdogfl.com

CANCELLATION POLICY:

As much as you count on us to be here when you need us, we count on your commitment to show up. When you make an appointment we hold the space just for your dog. If you cancel your appointment, you will be charged for the allotted time or deducted a package credit.

Training Team

Training team oversight is provided by our founder, Steve Kotowske, who has experienced success in both showing and breeding German Shepherd Dogs, Dutch Shepherds. His experience in training law enforcement K9’s, and consulting K9 teams adds a layer of knowledge that many pet trainers do not possess. His philosophy of training is quite simple - to teach YOU proper communication and leadership skills that, when followed, create a proper relationship between you and your dog.

Steve is the Executive Director of Pawsitive Love Foundation (PLF Service Dogs). After several years of training dogs for other organizations that provide Service Dogs to Veterans, he decided to focus on Combat Wounded Veterans with severe PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury. PLF was the result and has been considered the gold-standard in Service Dogs for this special group of Veterans throughout North America. Steve also serves in an Advisory role for Veterans Elite Canines in Ontario, Canada.

You can train with Steve in his Day Training Program at our Miramar Beach location. He is also available for private instruction on a limited basis.

Our Lead Facility Trainer is Tanner Kotowske. He has been involved with dog training his entire life. He has trained with his father since he could hold a leash, and is a capable and qualified obedience trainer. Tanner enjoys leading the team for our Group Classes, Private Sessions, Day Training, and our Board and Train Programs.

Tanner also works with our Protection Dog Program through Armored K9 in different aspects of training for bite work development and obedience, as well as our Service Dog training program. He works with our Odor Detection Dogs for Narcotics Detection, and Explosives Detection. Most recently, he completed imprinting for a Mold Detection Dog for K9 Mold Detection NWF.

Tanner’s energy is infectious - you and your dog will enjoy the time you spend with him. As a former college athlete, he sometimes makes the rigors of the work look easy. He is ready to coach you and train you to do the same.

When considering a Personal Protection Dog for your family there are many things to keep in mind. The most important aspect is your overall safety. You want a dog that is reliable. A reliable dog is NOT a liability. All too often we see “protection” dogs that are kept away from people, not enjoyed by the family, not part of the family, but may stop anything it perceives as a threat. We call this a guard dog. We see this all of the time. This is NOT what we provide at Armored K9.

We provide reliable dogs with proper temperament and disposition to live with families or even traveling executives. Our dogs become a true asset to your overall safety while being able to be around the house, travel, and be a full companion as it should be. Your family is best protected by a dog that is present - not locked away to only “guard” the property. A proper Personal Protection Dog differs greatly from a crossed-over sport dog or law enforcement dog. We know, we train all of these disciplines. It takes a very special dog to meet our standards!

Our dogs can range from $15,000 to $55,000, depending on breed, location we select from, age when we acquire the dog for training, and level of training desired. Over the years, we have found that many clients only need a deterrent dog which is going to be different than a dog that has been trained to the highest levels of protection ability. We are happy to discuss your specific needs and find a dog that is suitable for you!

Just as a client’s needs are unique, each dog is unique and training is tailored to each client’s unique lifestyle. We have access to air travel options, boating, sporting events, and most any lifestyle event your dog might be exposed to. This affords us the ability to train a truly bespoke dog for you or your family.