A Little Bit About Us
Welcome to Imperium K9! We are owned and operated by husband and wife team, Austin and Maddalyn Smith. We are dedicated to helping you strengthen the bond between you and your canine companion. The biggest problem most dogs come across is not being able to convey what they’re thinking while owners are misinterpreting their message. We want to help you as a dog owner, learn how to better communicate with your furry friend.
Communication is KEY! We are well balanced trainers with extensive knowledge and experience in the canine training field. We let your dog decide which training tool best suits them for the best training outcome. During your consultation, we will be explaining every training tool we use and how we use it. Your dog’s safety, happiness, and well-being is our #1 priority!
Our Team
I am from Southeast Indiana, where I have lived most of my life. I graduated high school in 2016 and joined the Marine Corps as a Military Police Officer in the spring of 2017. I was stationed in Southern California for the majority of my military career where I met Austin. I have owned and cared for multiple dogs throughout my life growing up, as well as being a 10-year member of my local 4H Club where I also raised multiple farm animals. I always dreamed of a career working with dogs and when I was unable to fulfill that dream in the Marine Corps, I started my civilian education at Starmark Academy. I graduated their 16-week course with my certificate as a Master Trainer and Behavior Specialist in the spring of 2021. In August of 2021 I attended American K9 Interdiction's 13-week Dual Purpose Explosive Detection Handlers Course and graduated with my own Explosive Detection K9, Nugget (pictured above), as well as my Dual Purpose Explosive Detection Handlers Certification. Helping each dog I work with reach their full potential is what strive for each day. I look forward to helping you strengthen the bond between you and your pup!
I have lived in Southern Maryland for my entire life. My hobbies growing up included mostly fishing and water fowl hunting; which is where my love for dogs first began. I graduated high school in 2016 and joined the Marine Corps in the spring of 2017 as a Military Police Officer. Upon reaching my first duty station in Southern California, I was selected to be a part of the 1 MEF Kennels as a Military Working Dog Handler. Throughout my enlistment I have had the opportunity to attend numerous Military Working Dog schools and seminars, as well as being utilized on multiple exercises and real life scenarios with my assigned Working Dog. After finishing my enlistment at the end of 2020, I graduated from Starmark Academy with my Master Trainer and Behavior Specialist Certification. I also attended American K9 Interdiction's 13-week Dual Purpose Handler Course, where I graduated with my certified Explosive Detection K9 and my Dual Purpose Explosive Handlers Certification. I have over 6 years of operational and training experience through the Marine Corps and civilian certifications. I can't wait to start working with you and your dog!