About Vom Kugelblitz Kennels and Training Academy

Who they are

Vom Kugelblitz Kennels and Training Academy sits in Catskill and does two distinct things under one name. The breeding side produces field-line Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois / Dutch Shepherds, and the site says those dogs go on to work as dual-purpose police K9s, wilderness search and rescue and FEMA disaster dogs, detection dogs and service dogs, as well as family companions. The training academy is the side that takes outside clients. The owner is Jennifer Gambino; the site names a head trainer and handler and runs an intern program.

What the academy offers

The academy page is unusually plain about its range. It names three starting points: an owner at their wits' end with a dog that has bitten friends and family; an owner who needs basic obedience for a new puppy; and an owner who wants to start a working dog off correctly. Its own line is that they train all breeds with any issues. The framing throughout is "your goals, your budget and your time" rather than a fixed package.

Method

The site states a philosophy rather than a technique label. The program is tailored to each dog and family, but the stated constants are foundation, communication, consistency, respect and trust — laying a foundation so the dog understands what is wanted, communicating it clearly, and keeping it consistent. Staff experience is described as more than two decades working with dogs in every capacity.

The intern program

Alongside client training there is an intern team, with the interns' own backgrounds published on the site — veterinary technology students and people working toward becoming certified trainers. It is worth knowing this if you want to understand who may be handling your dog day to day.

Practical note

The site's own contact page gives the address as 21 Game Farm Rd, Catskill, NY 12414, while a Route 32 address is also in circulation. Confirm the location when you book. Contact is by email to Jennifer or by phone on 845-399-1598.