Professional K9 Training Police & Military K9 Programs Civilian Training Available
Real-world training, built on discipline and proven methods.
WorkingK9 was built to deliver clarity, structure, and dependable performance — whether you’re preparing for professional duty, personal protection, sport work, or creating a reliable family companion.
Tony Pallotta
Training since 1993 — with a career shaped by constant study, international experience, and a focus on practical results.
Tony began in obedience training and quickly developed a drive to go deeper — learning, absorbing, and improving with every stage of his work. That mindset led him into Schutzhund, where he became proficient as both a handler and decoy.
As his skills advanced, Tony identified gaps in traditional approaches and began training for protection sports and real-world, un-patterned applications — pushing both handler and dog to perform under realistic conditions.
Tony’s pursuit of mastery took him overseas. In Italy, he worked with Renzo Zolli and an international community of training partners, sharpening and validating his skill set.
That journey continued into the Netherlands, where Tony trained with Erik Huft in the KNPV program — an eye-opening experience that expanded his training philosophy and raised the bar for precision and performance.
Bringing this evolving knowledge home, Tony developed the TROT System — Trust, Respect, Obligation, Teamwork — a structured method used exclusively at WorkingK9 to produce fast, reliable results.
This system has helped develop some of the youngest successfully certified Police K9s — with several teams advancing directly into SWAT assignments with strong outcomes.
Our Trainers
WorkingK9 is supported by experienced trainers and law enforcement professionals who share the same standards and principles.
Rue McCloskey
Associate Trainer • Lead Hand
A key part of the WorkingK9 team since 2016. Rue supports training delivery, consistency across sessions, and hands-on work that helps handlers build control, confidence, and clear communication.
Deputy Sheriff Brian Witt
U.S. Associate • Sniper & Tactical Team Leader
Deputy Sheriff for over 25 years and a K9 handler for 20. Brian brings operational expertise in tracking and narcotics detection, tactical leadership, firearms instruction, and use-of-force training — supporting professional alignment and standards across U.S. programs.
Deputy Craig Rekoske
U.S. Associate • K9 Training Team Leader
Full-time law enforcement since 2007 and a K9 handler since 2009. Craig and his partner are nationally certified in tracking, drug detection, article detection, obedience, and apprehension — with advanced training in K9 SWAT, drug investigations, and decoy development.
Lieutenant Casey Cox
U.S. Associate • K9 / SWAT Team Leader
In law enforcement since 2012 and a K9 handler since 2017. As an Investigative Lieutenant, Casey specializes in narcotics investigations and supervises K9 units and SWAT team operations.
Casey Cox & K9 Rico
Certifications • Competition • Media
Casey and K9 Rico hold national certifications in Tracking, Drug Detection, Article Detection, Obedience, and Criminal Apprehension. They have won back-to-back Midwest Seminar Patrol Dog Competitions (2021 & 2022) and appeared on the U.S. TV show America’s Top Dog.
Casey maintains close working relationships with handlers and master trainers across multiple states and has trained with hundreds of teams throughout the U.S. WorkingK9 is fortunate to have his experience supporting U.S. programs.