Elite K9 Placement

Protection Dogs for Select Families

Over 100 years of professional experience

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Hand-Selected Canine Companions

While training is at the heart of everything we do, we also offer hand-selected protection dogs for families seeking the highest level of security and companionship.

Depending on your family unit, preferences, and lifestyle, we literally scour the planet for the best dog that is right for your home. At Palos Verdes K9, each dog is carefully selected and extensively evaluated to ensure they are highly trainable, mentally sound, physically exceptional, and prepared for any situation.

We use only the absolute best dog breeders from all over the world. No puppy mills, no Johnny come latelys. These are breeders from all over the world who have been producing the top working line dogs for multiple generations. Once we find the right dog, we then import them to the U.S. and move them into our home for training.

Yes, these dogs will protect your family with their lives, and yes, their level of training is nothing short of perfection, but what sets us apart is that these dogs are the perfect new member of your specific family.

Close-up portrait of a German Shepherd against a dark background with dramatic lighting at Palos Verdes K9.

The Selection

We literally scour the planet for the most amazing, well-bred, highly trained, mentally stable, and physically exceptional dogs. We then import them to the U.S. and move them into our home.

We spend months fine-tuning their training and observing their temperament to make sure they are the perfect fit for your family.

Whether your family has cats, kids, or a busy household, we make sure your new companion is comfortable in your exact lifestyle. If a dog isn’t right, we keep looking until we find your new family member.

At Palos Verdes K9, you don’t just get a great dog; you get the right dog. And because we live right here in Palos Verdes, we’re always just a text or short drive away.

Expert Veterinary Oversight

Comprehensive Exam

Our in-house veterinarian personally oversees every dog in our care. With over 20 years of experience caring for high-end working dogs, she conducts an extremely thorough physical exam for each new arrival.

Advanced Screening

Before you receive your dog, they undergo a full body X-ray and comprehensive blood work to ensure they are in perfect health from the very beginning.

Ongoing Care

We include multiple veterinary checkups throughout the first year, giving you confidence that your new family member’s health remains excellent.

We’re Here Every Step of the way

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Lifetime Commitment

From the first day of training to a lifetime, we are here for you and your K9.

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Regular Check-Ins

We make visits during the first week, month, and year to ensure your dog and family are becoming one.

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Confidence & Support

You can feel assured that your new family member is happy, well-trained, and fully supported.

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On-Call Trainer Access

For the life of your dog, one of our PV-based trainers is only a call or text away—and can usually come see you the same day.

German Shepherd engaging with a trainer wearing padded protective gear during indoor protection training inside a home hallway for Palos Verdes K9.

Elite Training, Tailored to Your Dog

Once we match the right dog for your home and lifestyle, your dog is then brought to the home of one of our trainers (right here in the South Bay) to train and live with them for a month or more (however long it takes) to perfect their training.

Your dog will be carefully and painstakingly selected, tested, reviewed, trained, and tested some more to make sure it is the perfect fit for your family down to the very last detail. Palos Verdes K9 directly oversees your dog’s training, so you receive a dog with the best training available.

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The Truth About Finding
The Right Dog

Ask any breeder, and they will claim their dog is the perfect fit—just like every parent thinks their kid is the smartest. At Palos Verdes, we work with multiple breeders and trainers worldwide, giving us access to a wide range of elite dogs. This ensures we match each client with the right and perfect dog, not just the next one in line. Unlike companies pushing a handful of “ready-to-go” dogs, our approach is unbiased. We deliver nothing but the best, period.

Young girl sitting by a fireplace reading a book next to a German Shepherd lying on the floor indoors at Palos Verdes K9.

K9 Strength, Conditioning and Nutrition

A strong, healthy dog is a happy dog, and at Palos Verdes, we focus on comprehensive strength and conditioning programs. These programs are designed to improve your K9’s endurance, agility, and overall fitness. Our master trainers create personalized exercise routines tailored to your dog’s breed, age, and energy level.

Nutrition is just as important as physical training. We provide expert guidance on balanced diets and high-quality food options. By combining strength training with optimal nutrition, we help your dog achieve peak performance while maintaining long-term health.

Your K9’s strength and wellness are our top priorities, ensuring they are energetic, resilient, and confident in any situation.

German Shepherd laying down with front paws out, sitting in the woods with leaves and trees all around.

5-Star pet owner experiences

    
 
 
         
   Jackson Brunner 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We would gove this 100 stars if we could. From beginning to end our experience was nothing but incredible. We have finally found someone who is not only incredible at what they do, but cares just as much as we do about our pup. We were kept up to date every step of Henry’s boarding journey which put our mind at ease. They went above and beyond. We will definitely be sending our pup back whenever we need boarding.
  
 
        
   Joyce Rista 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My golden retriever puppy stayed with Mike for his in home boarding. The entire process was so easy and seamless. We went on vacation for an extended period of time and wanted her to feel like she was part of a family, which Mike and his family definitely did! He kept us updated daily with photos and progress, and she came back a different dog. Before we boarded her she was pulling and reactive to every dog that walked by, because she wanted to play. When we picked her up and took her home, she was walking on a loose leash and attentive during our entire walk, so we know he spent so much time with her. During our training sessions he was very thorough and explained the why (even to our young kids) to everything he was teaching which helps an owner being successful in training when he’s not around. Our pup will definitely stay with Mike again, and we will use him for future training sessions as we progress with our young pup! Thanks again Mike!
  
 
        
   Vanessa Lanza 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have found the best of the best, and for that we are entirely grateful! Mike’s training style is exceptional and easy to integrate into daily life. He is an expert trainer for working breeds, which is why we’ve had such great success with our cattle-staffy mix and pit mix rescues. Mike will curate a custom strategy that fits your household dynamic and goals. He has a way of breaking down the principals of each correction in a way that just clicks. Our pups simply adored their time working with him—as did we! We feel so secure knowing that Mike advocates for each and every dog he works with, keeping them safe and comfortable throughout the entire process. He really shifted our perspective around reactivity and how to properly manage certain situations that previously felt stressful or overwhelming. Discovering Palos Verdes K9 has genuinely changed our lives!
  
 
        
   Richie Petruziello 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mike has been working with our dog Sophie for about a year and we keep getting compliments on how well-behaved she is. SoFi is a Australian cattle and Staffordshire terrier mix. Mike has a subtle touch that dogs just love and he educates so well that he makes training dogs easy. Mike clearly explains every situation that your dog may get into very clearly and he uses practical interactions that are easy to follow. He truly has the magic touch, flexible with your schedule, and travels to you. I highly recommend using his service.
  
 
        
   Traci Critton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mike is the best! Honey Boy is my wonderful but very energetic and strong golden retriever. As he hit adolescence he was getting difficult for me to walk. He started being reactive to other dogs and was constantly breaking free and chasing peacocks. Mike has given me so much confidence and I can now walk Honey Boy without being fearful. Mike is not only uber knowledgeable about dogs, he is easy going, kind and friendly. I look forward to our sessions. He listens to what you want help with and really focuses on your needs. I greatly value Mike and I am so thankful for his help! I cannot recommend him highly enough!
  
 
        
   G Gammell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mike helped me control, walk and enjoy my two shepherd mix dogs.  They did not like other dogs, or people walking dogs.  They are now ok with experiencing dogs at the park, and around the neighborhood.  I am so happy Mike helped them and me.
  
 
        
   Dan Lau 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thanks to Mike he helped our family get the best dog ever!! We couldn’t imagine our house without Zokko, the biggest and most handsome German Shepard you have ever seen. Mike is a master trainer and can help find a dog that suits your family needs. He helped us find Zokko from a breeder in Germany. Once Zokko came here, Mike kept him for several months fine tuning all the training and protection work. Once Zokko was ready to integrate into our home with our 2 elementary aged daughters, Mike gave us our dog. He continued to come over weekly to train Zokko and help with the protection work and commands. Our Zokko is ready to keep us safe and will surely deter any potential intruder. And on the flip side he gets lots of hugs from our daughter’s friends, and enjoys every moment. But most importantly he is our newest family member. We love him!!
Thank you Mike for everything!! Oh and to top it off, his wife is a fabulous Veterinarian down the road. VIP treatment all the way!!!
  
 
        
   Ommid Ferdows 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing results with Mike—professional, patient, and very knowledgeable. Easy, effective training and a genuinely great guy. Highly recommend!
  
 
        
   Me 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went through two other trainers with my rescue dog before PVK9; wish I would've contacted Mike first!! I would have saved THOUSANDS!
I hesitated at first, assuming anyone training "working breeds" would have a militant approach. WRONG! He's got a "southbay surfer vibes" approach, yet all the knowledge and experience for elite working class dogs. Plus, he is humble in his confidence! Doesn't overpromise. Isn't fixated on a "system" he created; but rather pulls out the tools for the dog that's in front of him. He works with you; in the environments you live in! AND, my dog LOVES him! Mike makes corrections fun! A little more than halfway through our program and we've made progress I am proud of and that others can recognize.
If you want truly specialized dog training with results, this is your guy!
  
 
        
   Restaurant Rescue 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ok, Zilla is a LOT of dog.  I raised him from a puppy and he’s even a bit of a handful for me some times.  But ‘Magic Mike’ is able to handle him like he’s a 10lb puppy.  PVK9 is the only place I board my dog.  They pick him up, drop him off and take excellent care of him.  If you love your dog like I do, this is the only place you want your dog to stay while you’re away.  Worth every penny, A+, 5 Stars, Two thumbs up!