Get to know Donna, the owner-operator of Prescott Valley Dog Squad and Detection Dog Trainer
Almost 10 years ago, I stepped into the detection world and quickly realized there had to be more to building a great detection dog than just doing food/toy hunts and introducing odor. That realization started a journey of continued education, including becoming a certified instructor through Ford K9 and eventually finding the training system that completely changed my approach to detection work.
I was fortunate to connect with Tobias Gustavsson of Gritty K9, whose systematic search techniques place a strong emphasis on building play, motivation, search development, and independence before focusing heavily on indications. I fell in love with the clarity and simplicity of his system, and I’m incredibly grateful that Tobias has become both my mentor and friend—and proud to be one of the first in the U.S. to become certified by him.
For two years I have been instructing detection workshops at Elevated Canine Academy in Ontario, CA. Working with teams on human remains, narcotics, firearms, accelerants and more.
These workshops are designed to meet teams wherever they are, from young dogs just beginning detection work to experienced teams already trained on odor. We’ll focus on developing powerful, detailed, systematic searching, play development and reward systems, problem solving, and building clean, focused indications at source.
My goal is simple: build dogs that LOVE to search, work through distractions,
locate odor with confidence, and give clear, consistent focused indications at source.
I’m excited to share these techniques and help K9 teams build stronger, more motivated, and more reliable detection dogs. Clarity and simplicity are key!
