About

Steve Kotowske - Owner and President

Our Owner of Von Herder Haus Kennels is Steve Kotowske. Steve has experienced success in both showing and breeding German Shepherd Dogs and Dutch Shepherds. His experience in training law enforcement K9’s, and consulting K9 teams adds a layer of knowledge that many trainers do not possess. His philosophy of training is quite simple - to teach you proper communication and leadership skills that, when followed, create a proper relationship between you and your dog.

Steve trained at the American K9 Interdiction (AK9i) with some of the best trainers in the world. This is where he truly found his passion for training these types of working dogs. He believes that people NEED these animals and he wanted to be the person to help families across the country feel protected and safe wherever they go.

With protection, Steve does not believe in a dog that is sharp or aggressive. He owns 3 personal protection dogs of his own that he has raised and trained since they were puppies. With this, he has first hand knowledge of what a Personal Protection Dog should be and what it should not be. Protection dogs should be clear headed and overall good dogs.

Steve’s passion for dogs has been known across the country for decades and is known to have made a huge difference in many people’s livelihoods with everything from Pet Dogs, to Service Dogs to Personal Protection Dogs and much more.

Tanner Kotowske - Lead Facility Trainer

Our Lead Facility Trainer is Tanner Kotowske, Steve’s son. Tanner has been training dogs since he could hold a leash. At 9 years old, Steve brought home their first working dog which happened to be a Personal Protection Dog. This dog made him fall in love with training.

Tanner works with everything from Pet Dogs to Personal Protection Dogs and everything in between. He is a very “No BS” type of trainer and will help coach you through handling your dog with your dog’s best interest in mind. He currently owns 2 working dogs in his household so he does well with explaining and coaching through the rigors of owning such a breed for your household as well! With that, he has also been helping Steve raise working line puppies since the age of 10.

Veronica Lees - Facility Trainer

Veronica initially pursued a career in Veterinary medicine. This opened doors for her in K9 handling and shadowing working dogs. Her passion for dogs in incredible. Her work ethic is outstanding and she understands how to get things done - with determination. You don’t reach her level of training without putting in the work.

Veronica is a Certified Explosives and Firearms Detection K9 Handler through American Working Dog Association. She currently owns and works two amazing dogs with very high energy and high drive, Wolfo (Dutch Shepherd) and Huck (Labrador Retriever) in explosives odor detection.