Hello! I’m Virginia. I’m the owner & lead trainer here at Outland K9, where I get to combine my lifelong passion for animals with my commitment to developing strong, well-behaved dogs.
My journey into dog training began with a fascination of animals of all kinds, but it was my love for dogs, combined with a desire to understand their behavior, that really drove me to pursue this path. I began by apprenticing with skilled local trainers, which gave me a strong foundation in the basics of training & behavior. To further my knowledge and expertise, I enrolled in specialized online courses through Ford K9 and Dick Staal—two well respected named in the canine training world. These courses helped me refine my skills in advanced techniques and strategies, which I further developed at Tarheel Canine School for Dog Trainers, a place known for producing top professionals in the working dog field.
My own dogs —Etta, a driven German Shepherd, Tikka, a feisty Australian Cattle Dog, and Bean, a spirited Swedish Vallhund—are not just my companions; they’re also my training partners. Each of them has unique qualities and strengths, giving me invaluable hands-on experience that helps shape my training approach. At Outland K9, I specialize in creating personalized training programs that focus on leadership, consistency, and building a strong working bond with each dog.
Whether I’m working with your families loved pet, or advanced working dogs, my goal is always to build a strong relationship of trust and respect between handler and dog