Founded in 2018, the Southern Nevada Working Dog Association (SNWDA) was established with a clear vision: to build strong partnerships across Southern Nevada between Corperate Casino Security K9 Teams, Private Sector Security K9 Teams and our Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement K9 Teams. Our focus is on fostering collaboration and enhancing skills through dedicated, no-cost K9 Handler Training. At SNWDA, we believe that empowering K9 handlers strengthens our entire community, which is why both our training sessions and K9 Handler memberships are always free.
Our SNWDA K9 Handler Training Team is composed of committed, local K9 professionals who live and work in Southern Nevada. Each member volunteers their time, driven by a shared commitment to give back to the community that has offered them invaluable career opportunities. This team’s dedication ensures that our programs not only meet but exceed the needs of K9 handlers in Southern Nevada.
The funding for SNWDA’s initiatives comes from merchandise sales, with every dollar reinvested into purchasing essential training equipment or promoting our mission. We’re also deeply grateful to the “Friends of SNWDA,” whose support keeps this vision alive and thriving.
Through our collective efforts, we’re not just building a network of skilled K9 teams – we’re fostering a legacy of cooperation, trust, and community service.
Retired Chicago Police Officer Steve Martinez
Owner: Black Dog America, LLC
Retired Police Patrol/Narcotic K9 Black
Steve's BioFounder: Southern Nevada Working Dog Association
Canine Supervisor/Trainer Woody Chan
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
Retired Explosive Detection K9 Cooper
Woody's BioBoard Member: Southern Nevada Working Dog Association
Retired Chicago Police Officer Marion Anderson
Caesars Entertainment K9 Handler / Trainer
Retired Police Patrol/Narcotic K9 Zandor
Marions's BioBoard Member: Southern Nevada Working Dog Association
Armed K9 Handler / Assistant Trainer Walter Bustillos
Caesars Entertainment K9 Unit
Explosive Detection K9 Bendi
Walter's BioK9 Trainer: Southern Nevada Working Dog Association
Armed K9 Handler Kevin Kline
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
Explosive Detection K9 Bo
Kevin's's BioK9 Trainer: Southern Nevada Working Dog Association
K9 Handler Abby Gatdula
Former Caesars Entertainment K9 Unit
Retired Caesars Entertainment Explosive Detection K9 Titan
K9 Handler for DHS/TSA
Abby's BioK9 Trainer: Southern Nevada Working Dog Association