MEET THE PACK
MEET THE PACK
VIC ROBLES
CANINE BEHAVIORAL TRAINING SPECIALIST
Growing up in San Francisco, Vic always had dogs around and passion for being around them. He eventually joined the United States Air Force where he worked in Security Forces and was selected to become a military working dog handler for 12 years. He immediately fell in love with the job, missions, training and of course — the dogs. He was able to work side by side with various agencies such as: Secret Service, FBI, and many other state and local civil service agencies.
After handling, he knew the next step was training. Vic studied under many great trainers in and out of the service until he eventually pursued a formal education in dog training and behavior at Starmark Academy down in Hutto, TX. He attended a grueling and highly demanding course where 22 students originally enrolled and only six graduated. Today, he lives in south Los Angeles where TAZ K9 Academy was founded.
TOPI v489
RETIRED MILITARY WORKING DOG
Topi, one of the founders of TAZ K9, is a Belgian Malinois X and was trained down at the 343rd training squadron on Lackland AFB in both explosive detection and personal protection. He worked out of both Nellis AFB, NV and Minot AFB, ND from where he was also selected for missions to protect many government officials to include POTUS.
In 2021, Topi retired from active duty. Now he spends his days with his former handler and now owner, Vic, hiking, sleeping, playing with his brothers, roaming the beach, fetching, scent work and most of all assisting with training. Topi looks forward to meeting you and your pups, and please thank him for his service when you see him.
TAKI
RESCUE + DEMONSTRATION DOG
A German Shorthaired Pointer mix that was part Vic's training at the Starmark Academy. When Vic met Taki, he showed signs up abuse and neglect. Vic didn't want to adopt another dog, because he didn't think he would have the time to give him the life he deserved. Yet couldn't help but fall in love with his drive and personality, and didn't want his talents to go to waste.
Vic also feared he would end up in a shelter again depressed and insanely malnourished. In the end, he decided to adopt him and give him a purpose, home, family and most of all good diet to keep him healthy and strong. Taki is in the best place he can be, and enjoys meeting and training any dog that comes our way.