MEET THE PACK
MEET THE PACK
VIC ROBLES
Owner & Head Trainer, TAZ K9 Academy
I’m Vic, owner and head trainer at TAZ K9 Academy.
I grew up in San Francisco always surrounded by dogs, but my professional path with them began in the United States Air Force. While serving in Security Forces, I was selected to become a Military Working Dog handler — a role I held for over 12 years.
Working alongside highly driven dogs in real-world environments shaped how I see training. I learned quickly that behavior has to hold up under pressure, in unfamiliar places, and when distractions are high. During my time as a handler, I worked alongside federal, state, and local agencies, including the Secret Service and FBI, where clarity, consistency, and trust weren’t optional — they were required.
After handling, the natural next step was training.
I continued my education by studying under experienced trainers both inside and outside the service, eventually pursuing formal education in dog training and behavior at Starmark Academy in Hutto, Texas. The program was demanding and selective, emphasizing practical application, problem-solving, and real-world reliability — the same standards I bring into my work today.
TAZ K9 Academy was founded in South Los Angeles with a simple goal: to help dogs and owners build clear communication, structure, and confidence that actually translates into everyday life.
My approach is individualized. Every dog learns differently, and training should reflect the dog in front of you — not a rigid system. Whether working through behavior challenges, building foundations, or refining skills, the focus is always on reliability, understanding, and long-term success.
If you’re looking for honest guidance, realistic expectations, and training that works beyond controlled settings, we’ll likely be a good fit.
TOPI v489
RETIRED MILITARY WORKING DOG
Topi was one of the founders of TAZ K9 Academy and the dog who helped shape everything that followed.
A Belgian Malinois mix, Topi was trained through the 343rd Training Squadron at Lackland Air Force Base in explosive detection and personal protection. He served out of Nellis AFB, NV and Minot AFB, ND, and was selected for missions supporting the protection of government officials, including the President of the United States.
In 2021, Topi retired from active duty and transitioned into life alongside his former handler and lifelong partner, Vic. Outside of service, Topi was steady, thoughtful, and deeply engaged — spending his days hiking, training, working scent, and helping lay the foundation for the dogs who came after him.
Although Topi is no longer with us, his influence remains at the core of TAZ K9 Academy. The standards of clarity, structure, and reliability that define the work here were built alongside him.
This space exists because of him.
TAKI
RESCUE + DEMONSTRATION DOG
Taki is a rescue dog with a mixed breed background that includes American Pit Bull, Cattle Dog, German Shepherd, Border Collie, and Great Dane.
He became part of Vic’s training experience while attending Starmark Academy. When Vic first met Taki, he showed clear signs of neglect and poor condition. At the time, Vic hadn’t planned on adopting another dog and questioned whether he could give Taki the time and life he deserved. Still, Taki’s drive, resilience, and personality stood out — and the thought of that potential being lost was hard to ignore.
There was also the very real concern that Taki could end up back in a shelter, declining both mentally and physically. In the end, Vic chose to adopt him and provide what had been missing: structure, purpose, consistency, and proper care.
Today, Taki plays an active role at TAZ K9 Academy as a demonstration dog. He thrives in training environments, works well around other dogs, and continues to grow through structured work, engagement, and a diet that supports his health and strength.
Taki represents what can happen when the right guidance, environment, and commitment come together.