Inspirational K9 Training
ABOUT THE TRAINER
BRIEF BIO
My name is Natasha Laux and I am the owner of Inspirational K9 Training. Ever since I was a child, I always had dogs and I loved to train them. I never thought of becoming a dog trainer though until later in life. I earned my business degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and my MA and MFA degrees in Jewelry and Metal Arts from the University of Iowa. Although I have worked in different businesses I have found my true calling training dogs.
I train both pet and working dogs of all breeds. There is one breed, however, that I have always been partial to - the Rottweiler. I am a member of the United States Rottweiler Club and I am a Rottweiler enthusiast (if you couldn't quess from my website!). Since I met my current Rottweiler, Eskin, my life has never been the same. Many years ago, we became involved in the sport of Schutzhund, currently known as IGP. It is a highly technical and very demanding dog sport designed in Germany a century ago to test the working dogs, such as German Shepherds, Malinois, Rottweilers, Dobermans, etc.. Right from the start, when Eskin was still a puppy, I recognized that he had a natural talent for the sport. Driven by his enjoyment of the sport and curious how far we could succeed together, I immersed myself into it. Over the years, I have had the privilege to train with some of the best, most accomplished trainers in the United States, such as the legendary Dean Calderon who is our current coach. I have attended multiple dog training seminars, online webinars and continue to learn from others.
Through years of hard work in the sport, Eskin and I eventually advanced to earn the IGP3 title, the highest level in the sport. In 2023, Eskin and I won the USRC (United States Rottweiler Club) IGP National Championship and were selected as members to represent the United States at the IFR (International Federation of Rottweiler Friends) IGP World Championship 2024 in Slovakia. In the same year, Eskin and I won the USRC’s Universal Sieger title, the highest-level title recognizing a complete Rottweiler in conformation and working ability. Eskin also received additional sports awards and became one of the top 20 fastest Rottweilers in the United States in the sport of Fast CAT two years in a row. In addition to sporting events, I also participated in multiple AKC and Sieger (international style) conformation shows. I showed my own dog and clients’ dogs, taking places 1st through 4th.
MY ACHIEVEMENTS:
USRC IGP National Champion 2023
Member of the USRC world team for IFR IGP World Championship 2024
USRC IGP Universal Sieger 2023
USRC Silver Merit Award Recipient 2023
USRC National Open Select Male 2021
Multiple BH titles
Earning IGP1, 2, 3 titles
Earning a ZTP title (German style temperament test)
Placing #13 fastest Rottweiler in the USA in 2023
Placing #17 fastest Rottweiler in the USA in 2022
Handling client’s dogs in Sieger shows and placing 1st – 4th
Earning BCAT, CA, TKN titles
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
Dog training is an art form which calls for tailored training techniques as well as one’s natural ability to “read” the dog. I believe that dog training should be a fun activity for the dog and the owner. I am also convinced that showing respect, love and compassion to the animal is of utmost importance. I place heavy emphasis on positive reinforcement training but believe that it’s important to set boundaries and expectations for the dog. At the same time, dog training is not just about teaching commands. It is about inspiring the dog and the owner to learn from each other and to live in harmony.
When training dogs it is important to view each as an individual with it's own abilities and character. Every dog learns at its own pace. What works for one dog may not work for the other. Every dog’s success also heavily depends on how much work and joy the owner puts in. It is important that the owner takes what is learned in class and practices it at home.
When working with behavior modification issues, such as agression, separation anxiety, etc., one should not expect an instant solution or a magic trick to instantly cure the problem. These issues may take a long time to overcome, often requiring a lifelong commitment. Whether it’s obedience or behavior modification, we will come up with the best strategies to help you and your dog. Most of the time, as long as the handler is working hard, there will be some positive results.
I offer private and group classes. I train puppy and adult dog obedience, Canine Good Citizen test preparation, BH test preparation, some behavior modification and special event handling. All of my classes are customized to the client’s needs and their dog’s learning pace. If you would like to learn more about Sieger style show ring handling, clicker training, trick learning, etc., please send me an email.
I AM A MEMBER OF:
USRC – United States Rottweiler Club
AWDF – American Working Dog Federation
USCA – United Schutzhund Club of America
Completed Online Academy by Tobias Oleynik
Member of IAABC
