GAk9NC

07/17/2026

Every dog has a hierarchy of rewards.

Just like people, dogs value some rewards more than others. The question is... do you know what your dog's reward hierarchy actually is?

- Do you save the highest-value reward only for training?
- Or does your dog have access to it all the time?
- When teaching something new, do you start with the highest-value reward, or do you build up to it?

At Summit Kennels & GAk9NC, we believe there's value in discussing different training philosophies. We have a growth mindset and want to hear what works for you and more importantly, why.

Sometimes the best answer is simply: "Because it's effective, safe, and it works for my dog."

There isn't always one right way. Let's have the conversation.

👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments.

07/17/2026

Summit Kennels & GAK9NC: Building the World's Toughest Fence. 💪🐕🌱

While Sierra is busy training dogs, it's up to the boys to put in the sweat equity. Every post set, every board laid, and every shovel full of dirt gets us one step closer to creating a facility built to last.

We're not just building a fence we're building the future home of our training programs.
And I'd say we're off to a pretty good start... the Bermuda grass is already thriving! 🌱☀️

Hard work. Family. Dogs. That's what it's all about. 🐾

07/01/2026

Messages like this make my day.

We don’t gatekeep training theory or knowledge. If you give me your time, I’ll teach you everything I know. My goal is simple: make you better than me and help you develop the mindset, skillset, and controlled violence needed when the moment calls for it. 👮🏾‍♂️🚔

06/29/2026

There's a difference between the track layer staying out for the full 24hrs vs. Laying a track with no one at the end.

Do you accept the challenge?

Jeff Schettler, the founder of GAK9, has had a tracking challenge available to attempt for almost a couple of decades roughly, and still no one has successfully completed it.

The rules of the challenge are as follows:
- The track is 24 hours old (used to be 48h but no one even attempted it)
- The track layer remains at the end of the track for the entire 24-hour period
- The conditions are double blind; no one with the dog team knows anything about the track
- The distance is approx. 3.2km; 2 miles in imperial

The reward for successfully completing the track?
$2,000 USD

What is the point of this challenge?
There are tracking teams who say their dog can track multiday or multi-week-old tracks successfully. But when put to the test with no assistance, the results do not align.

So, if you think your dog can handle the challenge, send a DM and let's organise an attempt. I will never disparage a team for making an attempt, and have great respect for any team who has a go.

But I will make comment on what I see as viable until someone proves otherwise. I think the chances of managing to complete a 24-hour old track is slim to almost none, and certainly any number above that is in the realm of imagination...

06/28/2026

Avoiding problems doesn’t make them disappear.

It makes them bigger.

Attack weaknesses. Embrace discomfort. Put in the work.

Growth lives on the other side of adversity.

Keep advancing.

06/24/2026

What training do YOU want to see next from GAK9NC?

We’re building courses for handlers, trainers, and departments that want more than basic obedience and cookie-cutter certifications. We want to know what skills you want to sharpen—either at the GAK9NC location⁠� or brought directly to your department.

Courses can include:
• Track Certification
• High-Risk / Tactical Tracking
• Odor Detection (Narcotics, Explosives, Specialty Odors)
• Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC)
• Apprehension / Bite Work
• Building & Area Searches
• Handler Tactics & Team Movement
• Scenario-Based Deployments
• And much more

Whether you’re trying to build stronger foundations or push into advanced operational capability, we tailor training to your mission.
We don’t train leash holders.
We build handler-dog teams that can think, adapt, and perform under pressure.
The sky isn’t the limit if there’s footprints on the moon. 👣

Drop a comment or send a DM—what course would you want to attend?

06/18/2026

We prefer to celebrate our independence with dogs.

🇺🇸CELEBRATING 250 YEARS OF
AMERICA🇺🇸

As we celebrate 250 years of freedom, independence, and the American spirit, we're giving your dog the opportunity to earn a little more freedom too!

🧨15% OFF ALL BOARD & TRAIN PROGRAMS
🎆Must be booked by July 4th

🐕Whether you're looking to build obedience, improve reliability off-leash, work through behavioral challenges, or create a stronger relationship with your dog, our Board & Train programs are designed to give you the tools and results that last.

🇺🇸At Summit Kennels, we believe freedom isn't something that's given, it's something that's earned through trust, consistency, and training.
This Independence Day, invest in your dog's future and enjoy 15% off any Board & Train program booked by July 4th!🇺🇸

🐾Message us today to reserve your spot and lock in your discount!

Summit Kennels Dog Training.
A Brilliance in the Basics.

06/13/2026

Bring your tape recorders and notebooks.

🎤🐾 SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT: Jeff Schettler 🐾🎤

Class Title: High Risk Tracking with Limited Cover

Jeff Schettler, a retired police K9 handler and internationally recognized tracking expert, brings decades of experience from hundreds of real-world trailing cases and training with law enforcement and military units worldwide, including NATO agencies.

In this course, he introduces Small Unit Tactical Tracking, focusing on high-risk tracking concepts, team roles, and proven apprehension tactics to help handlers minimize risk and maximize successful outcomes in real-world deployments.

📍 tttk9.com | 🔗 www.hitsk9.net