CERTIFICATIONS, EVALUATIONS & JUDGES BADGES

Meet Marsha Durfee, Owner / Instructor & Certified HRD K9 Handler

 Marsha Durfee is a highly respected Master Certified Dog Trainer with over two decades of hands-on experience dedicated to enhancing the lives of dogs and their owners. As the founder of K9 Paws Behavior Dog Training, Marsha has built a reputation for excellence through her commitment to safe, humane, and effective training methods that create trust, confidence, and lasting results.

Marsha’s expertise spans a wide range of disciplines, including pet obedience, therapy and service dog training, K9 detection, search and rescue, and HRD (Human Remains Detection) work. Her approach is rooted in education and communication—helping owners understand not just what their dogs do, but why they do it. This philosophy has made K9 Paws Behavior Dog Training the most award-winning and trusted names in the tri-state area.

As an educator and innovator, Marsha continually develops new classes and workshops designed to meet the needs of her community. Her creative programs include specialized courses that teach dogs how to swim and stay safe around water—helping dogs gain confidence while providing owners with peace of mind. She also leads seasonal group obedience classes, private training, and specialized workshops that encourage responsible dog ownership and strengthen the human–canine bond.

Beyond her local work, Marsha recently co-taught a week-long ASCTI-certified training course that successfully certified 12 new professional pet trainers, demonstrating her dedication to advancing education within the dog training industry. She remains committed to mentoring future trainers and collaborating with other professionals to elevate training standards nationwide.

Driven by her passion for learning, Marsha holds four Master Dog Trainer Certifications with ASCTI, has developed certification requirements for the organization, and is an AKC-CGC Evaluator, approved Judge for Farm Dog, ATT, and Fetch, as well as an AKC Fit Dog Instructor (Levels 1–3). Her professional background, combined with her deep compassion for both dogs and their handlers, continues to inspire excellence in every program she leads.

For more information about Marsha’s programs, upcoming classes, or professional training opportunities, please contact 

K9 Paws Behavior Dog Training.

 Introducing Randy Durfee Sr., 

 Lead Search & Rescue (SAR) Tracking and Weapons Detection Trainer

With an unwavering dedication to canine excellence, Randy Durfee Sr. stands among the most accomplished and respected trainers in the tri-state area. As the Lead Trainer for Search & Rescue Tracking and Weapons Detection at K9 Paws Behavior Dog Training, Randy combines decades of hands-on field experience with a deep commitment to K9 safety, education, and performance.

A Master-Certified Trainer through ASCTI, Randy holds multiple prestigious designations, including Certified AKC Safe Handler, AKC CGC Evaluator, AKC Farm Dog Judge, and AKC Fetch Judge. His advanced knowledge and certifications reflect his unwavering pursuit of excellence in both human and canine training.

Driven by Education and Safety

Randy’s mission extends far beyond training dogs—it’s about building safer, stronger communities. He is passionate about teaching children how to interact safely and humanely with dogs, fostering respect, empathy, and responsible pet ownership from a young age. Through the KONG Winning with Your Dog Program, Randy empowers families to create lasting, positive bonds with their pets based on trust and understanding.

Specialized K9 Expertise

In his leadership role, Randy oversees and develops cutting-edge programs in Search & Rescue Tracking and Weapons Detection, where precision and reliability are paramount. His training methods prepare both dogs and handlers for real-world scenarios—whether locating missing persons or ensuring public safety through detection work. His approach blends proven techniques with innovation, setting a gold standard for working-dog performance.

At K9 Paws Behavior Dog Training, Randy’s knowledge, integrity, and passion elevate every class, every dog, and every handler. His influence continues to shape the next generation of trainers and strengthen the essential bond between humans and their K9 partners. 

  Tyler Hansen

ASCTI Certified Public Trainer & Live Tracking Specialist

With a strong passion for Search and Rescue work, Tyler Hansen has been a valued member of the K9 Paws Behavior Dog Training Team for over a year. Coming to us from the South with extensive knowledge in SAR Tracking, Tyler immediately stood out for his dedication, work ethic, and deep respect for the bond between handler and K9.

In April 2025, Tyler earned his ASCTI Certified Public Trainer certification, showcasing his commitment to excellence and professional growth. Working alongside his K9 partner, Lucy, the team became the second live tracking team trained and certified by K9 Paws—and they now hold the distinction of being the only certified live tracking team in the entire county.

Tyler and Lucy train daily, perfecting their tracking precision and teamwork. With a clear vision for the future, Tyler aims to train Law Enforcement K9s and advance into specialized SAR and Detection Training, continuing to push his skills and experience to new levels.

Tyler’s determination, professionalism, and dedication to K9 training excellence make him a standout member of the K9 Paws team and a trusted name in the working dog community.