Private, protection, and ongoing dog training in Tampa

Meet Your Trainers

Veronica Chircop, Founder and Owner

Born and raised in Ottawa, ON with family roots in the Czech Republic, Veronica has always had a passion for animals both big and small. Anyone who knows her knows that she doesn’t settle – she does everything at full speed and maximum effort. Veronica will use every single bit of her extensive experience to bring out the absolute best in you and your dog, and won’t settle for anything less.

She’s got show and sport titles to spare on several dogs, and a resume a mile long that includes training and teaching both police and military dogs in Canada and the United States, training Service Dogs, Temperament Testing for A-class breeders, and so much more. With clients all over the world, they’ll be the first to tell you that once you get in to training with Veronica, your view on life with dogs will change drastically thanks to everyone who’s been such an influence in her life. From attending seminars across the continent to training with some of the most influential names in the dog world, Veronica will use every connection she has and every tool in her tool box to make what you want happen – but only if you’re willing to hold up your end of the bargain.

She turned her passion into a lifestyle, created two companies in both Canada and the USA, and aims to be the best she can be. She won’t sugar-coat anything, but she’ll be your (and your dog’s!) biggest cheerleader.

But what you really need to know about her is that she works hard and expects you to work hard too.

Brandon Chircop, DO, Trainer, and IGP Helper/Decoy | Tampa, Florida

Growing up dreaming of being a Doctor, Brandon wanted to also live a life filled with animals. Since he can remember there were always dogs in the house – working-line and show-line Shepherds, primarily. He enjoyed learning about these dogs, learning about the type of exercise they need, and self-training as best as he could. But, it all started many moons ago when Brandon was in his teens, and his parents sought out the professional help of a world-renowned dog trainer to help them with one specific show-line Shepherd they owned: Sasha. He realized who this person was, and started soaking in as much as he could every time he got to train with him. He knew instantly knew he wanted to delve in to “that” world (and working dogs in general).

While doing his undergrad and then through medical school, he got the opportunity to take in, raise, and train a protection dog. This was where he really learned an incredible amount about working breeds. Finally, after well over a decade filled with learning, training, and even competing, as well as a few more dogs that came and gone through his doors, Brandon bought his first Belgian Malinois. Fast forward to now, where Brandon is working full time as a Medical Doctor at one of the Nation’s best hospitals, he teaches, trains and competes with The Working K9 – primarily as an IGP Helper/Decoy. He has over 15 years of learning, training, competing, and over-all experience with working breeds, as well as Schutzhund helper work. It’s a little hard not to know who “Doc B” is if you’ve met us or followed us on social media long enough.

In Brandons spare time, he enjoys training several times a week at a local Gracie Jiu Jitsu gym – including being on their competitive team, as well as fly fishing – you may recognize him in several magazines including the incredible YETI magazines. Brandon also loves all things hunting and truly anything outdoors, if we’re being quite honest.

Megan, Assistant | Tampa, Florida

Megan is currently finishing up her undergrad to head in to Nursing school. Megan has absolutely loved immersing herself in the world of working dogs. Megan started out with WK9 in early 2021 as a client, wanting to learn more about how she can strengthen the bond between her and her German Shepherd, Beau.

After a few sessions, I saw a passion for learning more and being able to apply what she’s learning to her own dog immediately. A job opening became available and she jumped on the opportunity – Megan has absolutely loved immersing herself in the world of working dogs; the rest is history. We love Megan and know our pack does too!

Anyone who’s had the opportunity to meet Megan would say the same, I’m sure. Megan’s favorite aspect of working with The Working K9 is the personal protection training.

Our Dogs

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