Citizen K9 Dog Training & Agility LLC Meet the Trainers

Meet the Trainers

About Brandy Eggeman

Owner & Operator, Citizen K9 Dog Training & Agility LLC

I’m Brandy Eggeman, the owner and operator of Citizen K9 Dog Training & Agility LLC. I was born and raised in Wyoming, where I grew up surrounded by animals and developed a deep appreciation for working dogs, especially German Shepherds. My mother owned a German Shepherd breeding kennel, and from an early age I was immersed in the world of canine training, structure, and responsible dog ownership.

After leaving Wyoming, I proudly served in the United States military and am a military veteran. The discipline, leadership, and resilience gained during my service have shaped the way I train both dogs and their handlers today.

With over 30 years of experience in dog training and behavior, my professional journey blends a lifetime of canine knowledge with advanced training and operational expertise.

Search & Rescue Background

I have spent 23 years in search and rescue for the state of Virginia, as well as three years with Dartmoor Mountain Rescue in England. SAR work requires an exceptional level of communication between handler and dog—often in dangerous, high-distraction environments where they cannot wear a collar and must respond instantly to voice commands alone.

I am the only search and rescue trainer in the Hampton Roads region who has held state certification through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) for the past 20 years, placing me among the most accomplished trainers in the area.

I also serve as a K9 handler for:

  • The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
  • The National Center for Missing & Endangered
  • MULTIPLE Law enforcement agencies across the Nation

My decades of collaboration with law enforcement, emergency services, and government agencies reflect the precision, ethics, and professionalism required in this field.

Certifications, Credentials & Recognition

My expertise is supported by extensive education and professional acknowledgment:

  • Certified through ASCTI (American Society of Canine Trainers)
  • Degree in Dog Behavior
  • Court-Recognized Expert Witness in Canine Behavior
  • Featured on:
    • Killers Caught on Camera
    • Discovery Channel
    • Court TV
  • National Award–Winning Author of a published dog training book

These achievements represent only part of a long-standing commitment to advancing dog training and building stronger human–canine partnerships.

Training Philosophy

My training is rooted in positive reinforcement, which produces confident, reliable behavior while strengthening the bond between dog and handler. I also believe in fair, non-harmful consequences—much like receiving a speeding ticket: it doesn’t hurt, but it certainly makes you think twice.

This balanced, clear approach helps dogs understand expectations and succeed in real-life environments.

Broad Experience Across Disciplines

Throughout my career, I have worked extensively in:

  • Obedience training
  • Therapy dog training
  • Airscent and human remains detection (HRD) search dogs
  • Service Dog work
  • 25+ years of pet dog training
  • Complex behavior modification and rehabilitation

I also worked closely with Virginia German Shepherd Rescue, Norfolk SPCA and multiple rescue organizations, helping dogs with behavior challenges become adoptable, well-adjusted family companions.

A Lifetime of Commitment

From my upbringing in Wyoming to my military service, and through decades of professional dog training, I have built a career grounded in dedication, integrity, and a deep understanding of canine behavior.

With more than 30 years of wide-ranging experience—from family pets to high-level working dogs—I am honored to offer training programs that meet the highest standards of skill, ethics, and care.