Meet Sonja

Sonja's accomplishments with dogs and training credentials achieved during the last 29 years are unmatched. In 2014, Sonja retired from the FBI after 23 years of service as a Special Agent and opened Sonja's Dog Training. ​While serving with the FBI, Sonja completed thousands of hours of training under the mentorship and guidance of world renowned K9 trainers and experts, competed in the protection sports of Schutzhund, Mondioring, and French Ring, attained local and national level search dog certifications, completed 100's of field missions with her K9s for the FBI and others, and has trained and worked with 100's of dogs of all ages and types. 

Even with decades of training and experience, Sonja continues to improve her skills via continuing education, networking with other dog training professionals, and seeking out the most current science regarding dog training and behavior.

client testimonials

  • I was lucky enough to meet Sonja and attend several of her nosework seminars. She has a wealth of knowledge with both scent work and general dog training from years of real-life experience. She has a keen dog sense and my dogs love working with her. She shares her knowledge freely and I learn new skills every time I go. Thanks Sonja for amazing experiences at your seminars!

    Sandi G ~ Salt Lake City, UT

  • Our dog training session with Sonja was excellent. Sonja taught us a lot of bigger picture training methodologies and then applied them to a lot of specific techniques. We learned so much in one session! Our dog, a herding mix from a local rescue, is much more content having clear commands now and as a result is getting so much praise for his good behavior.

    Lyndsie N. - Park City, UT

  • Sonja is the best of the best with all things dog. Knows how to train and handle pets, but also knows the ins and outs with working dogs as well. Haven't been to a seminar or a training with her in the last year or two but wow do I highly recommend her. best person to get a nosework/scent foundation with.

    Amber D. ~ Salt Lake City, UT

  • Sonja is like a real life dog whisperer! She did an amazing job with my 4 month old German Shepherd puppy. He had a blast and she made it very engaging and positive for him. I also liked the format of the class where you get to work and then watch others work. It's informal and friendly and I learned a lot.

    Meggie W. ~ Salt Lake City, UT

  • Sonja is an amazing trainer with great depth and breadth of experience and expertise. I'm a dog trainer myself and I always learn from her every time I take a workshop! Sonja is capable and skilled at working with serious working breeds well as nervous, shy, or sensitive dogs who need help and encouragement. She always advocates for and is sensitive to each individual dog's needs.

    Erica B. ~ Salt Lake City, UT

  • Sonja was uniquely qualified to advise me on how to walk and bond with my imported German Shepherd. She is by far the best trainer I've ever used. More importantly, I'll be buying my next GSD from her. She has the right contacts and experience to evaluate a dog and place it for a family's unique needs. Thanks Sonja!

    Susan D. ~ Park City, UT

CREDENTIALS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Certifications

AKC CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Evaluator ~ AKC S.T.A.R Puppy, CGC, and Urban CGC

UKC Senior Nosework Certifying Official in Utah (Judge #7174)

AKC Scent Work Judge in Utah (#102429.) ~ Inactive 

Narcotics/Explosives Detector K9 Trainer Certified 2004

Utah P.O.S.T. Judge status for Explosives, Narcotics, and Cadaver Dogs 2022

Trained, Certified, and Fielded five of her own Search & Rescue/Recovery Dogs

Obtained Human Remains Detection K9 certifications from UT POST, Tri-State-K9, NAPWDA, NNDDA, USPCA, and CARDA/CA OES

K9 Teaching and Speaking Experience (not inclusive)

·        Speaker Smart Dog Conference re Reward Motivation – Scottsdale, AZ (Aug 2023)

·        Utah POST Judge for Cadaver, Explosives, and Narcotics Detection K-9s (Dec 2022)

·        Trainer “On Target for the HR Detection K-9 #1 & #2” workshops – Kamas, UT (May 2022) 

·        Trainer Explosives Detection Course for US Dept HSI K-9 teams – Kamas, UT (Aug/Sep 2021)

·        Trainer “Precision Training for the HR Detection K-9” – Vancouver, WA (Jul 2021)

·        Trainer “Precision Training for the HR Detection K-9 #1 & #2” – Kamas, UT (May 2021)

·        Trainer ~ Detection for DOD Special Operations Forces K-9 teams – Kamas, UT (Apr 2021)

·        Trainer “Southern California K-9 Seminar ~ Cadaver” – Idyllwild, CA (Nov 2020)

·        Trainer HR Detection for Crime Scene Environment – SDONA, Flagstaff, AZ (Oct 2020)

·        Author NASAR “Crime Scene Preservation, Protocol, and Evidence Awareness” online course

·        Trainer “San Diego Sun Surf and K-9” Explosives Detection K-9 – San Diego, CA (Sept 2019)

·        Instructor “Use of Search Dogs in SAR” - University of Utah, UT (Oct 2017, Sep 2018)

·        Instructor “Locating the Dead/Crime Scene”- Summit Co. Sheriff’s – Kamas, UT (Nov 2013)

·        Author/Trainer California P.O.S.T Human Remains Detection K-9 Course (Apr 2007, Mar 2004)

·        Trainer Advanced K-9 Handlers Detection Seminar - Los Angeles County Police Canine Association (May 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006 / Asst. Trainer 2001)

·        Instructor "Use of HRD K-9s" at Buried Body Skeletal Recovery, Ontario, CA (Nov 2006)        

·        Provided training to LAPD/LAX EOD K-9 Unit re Refind TFR - Los Angeles, CA (Dec 2005)   

·        Trainer Imprinting K-9 on Cadaver Scent - SAR City, Barstow, CA (Oct 2000, 2005)

·        Instructor "Evidentiary Considerations - Cadaver Dog Handlers" – Barstow, CA (Oct 2000, 2005)

·        Trainer HRD K-9 Handler School, Vohneliche Kennel, Denver, IN (Apr 2004, Jun 2005)

·        Instructor FBI SWAT Regional High Sierra Exercise, Kirkwood, CA, K-9 (2000, 2001, 2002)

·        Instructor “Utilization of Cadaver Detection Dogs" - FBI NCAVC Violent Crime Analysis Conference, UCLA, CA (Aug 2000, Aug 2001)          

·        Instructor "Evidence Awareness for Cadaver Dog Handlers" - Pt. Mugu, CA (Dec 1999)

·        Instructor "Use of Cadaver Detection Dogs" - LA County Dept of Coroner, CA (Nov 1999)

K-9 Testimony and Consults:

·        Subject Matter Expert Witness in the field of Human Remains Detection K-9s (Utah)

·        Testified at Preliminary and Evidentiary Hearings re K-9 indication - double homicide no body case

State of Utah v. Christopher Richard Poulson – led to Guilty Plea and disclosure of body location

·        Testified re K-9 finds for kidnap/double homicide trial (two trials)

State of California v. Shane Huang and State of California v. Benjamin Frandsen - Convicted

·        Testified re K-9 find during death penalty kidnap/quadruple homicide trial – Convicted

State of California v. Cary Anthony Stayner – Convicted/Death Penalty

Commendations

·        Recipient of U.S. Attorney’s Office Case Agent Investigative Excellence Awards 2002 and 2014.

·        Commendation from Department of the Coroner of Los Angeles County re development of their Human Remains Detection (HRD) K-9 program and training of their HRD K-9 November 2007.

·        Recipient of numerous FBI incentive awards, performance awards, and letters of recognition.

K-9 Training and Symposia Attended (not inclusive)

·        Utah POST Detector K-9 Instructor/Judge Course for Explosives and Narcotics (Oct 2022 - Dec 2022)

·        Advanced HRD K-9 - Paul Martin Archaeology, Rupert, ID (Sep 2022)

·        Forensic K-9 Training Workshop – FIRS Colorado Mesa University (May 2022)

·        Human Remains Detection K-9 Team Seminar – On Duty K-9/Art Lopez, Utah POST – (Apr 2022)

·        Explosive Awareness & IED Familiarization Course for K-9s – FBI Lab Explosives Unit (Aug 2021)

·        HRD Specialized Clandestine Grave Detection - Paul Martin – Dolores, CO (July 2019)

·        Relationship Centered Training and The K-9 Athlete - Suzanne Clothier – St. George, UT (Mar 2019)

·        Teton Open Water K-9 Search Seminar – Driggs, ID (Aug 2018)

·        SLOFIST – Locating the Dead – San Luis Obispo, CA (Jun 2018)

·        Canine Training Academy - Dick Staal Detection/Trailing Seminar – Canon City, CO (Oct 2015)

·        Tactical Canine Casualty Care – VETTAC – S. Jordan, UT (May 2015)

·        K-9 Search – BORSTAR Roy Lopez – Kamas, UT (May 2015)

·        Understanding Canine Olfaction – Fred Helfers – Salt Lake City, UT (May 2015)

·        Canine Search Specialist Training Course Disaster K-9 Rubble – CSST – Elko, NV (Oct 2014)

·        ASCT K-9 Cadaver Recovery II & Courtroom Testimony – ASCT Aycock – Elko, NV (Sep2012)

·        K-9 Neuroscience/Human Remains Detection Seminar - ASCT Aycock - Elko, NV (Apr 2011)

·        Detection K-9 seminar - Randy Hare - Alpha K-9 Training- Cody, WY (Mar 2006 / Oct 2010)

·        Train the Trainer seminar - Brenda Aloff at Jenners Run, CO (Aug 2010)

·        NAPWDA Human Remains Detection Workshop - Blackfoot, ID (Jun 2010)     

·        NAPWDA Human Remains Detection Workshop/Certification - Albuquerque, NM (Jun 2007)

·        Human Remains Detection "Dig/Dog/Dive" - FBI Tennessee (Jun 2006)

·        Advanced Cadaver Dog seminar - SARDOC/Bill Dotson (Jul 2005)

·        Detector K-9 Trainer/Instructor Recertification - Vohneliche Kennels (Oct 2003 and Jun 2005)

·        USPCA Annual National Detector Dog Conference, Georgetown, Texas (Mar 2005)

·        K-9 Odor Imprint Trainer's Course - Vohneliche Kennels (Sep 2003)

·        California Narcotic Canine Association K-9 Detection - Burbank, CA (Jan 2003, 2001)

·        K-9 Basic under CA P.O.S.T. K-9 Certified Trainer - Burbank, CA (Sep 2002 - Mar 2003 – 300 hrs)

·        Canine Solution International (CSI) Human Remains Detection, Ontario, CA (Mar 2001)

·        International Rescue Dog Training, Geneva, Switzerland (Jun 1999)

·        Cadaver Dog Detection Course, Neville Sharpe, Bakersfield, CA (Oct 1998) 

·        SAR (Search and Rescue) City Seminar, Barstow, CA (Oct 2000, 1998, 1997)

·        K-9 Basic under CA P.O.S.T. K-9 Certified Trainer - Burbank, CA (May 1997 - Jan 1998 - 500 hrs)

·        International Search and Rescue Dog Symposium, Boulder, CO (June 1995)