My BodyGuard Dog’s expert dog training comes from our seasoned trainers, state-of-the-art facility, and individually crafted training program. We strive to go beyond your expectations for an excellently trained companion.
Expert Dog Training
Meet Our Trainers
Martin & Julie Saso
Owners & Proprietors of My BodyGuard Dogs
Marty and Julie have owned and operated My BodyGuard Dogs for 20 years. Marty grew up being around German Shepherd Dogs, and later started My BodyGuard Dogs with his wife, Julie. Together, they strive to be a great breeder and produce some of the most sought-after German Shepherd Dogs in the world. In addition, they offer a world class facility with a wide variety of trainers to help owners achieve the perfect companion dog and/or a great competition dog.
Amanda Claps
Trainer / Kennel Manager
Amanda has worked at My BodyGuard Dogs since 2005. She initially started at My BodyGuard training dogs in our board and training program. In 2008, she started training dogs in the sport of Schutzhund. She has worked to title more than 25 dogs from BH to Schutzhund 3 titles. In addition to Schutzhund training, Amanda currently teaches obedience classes, private lessons, and works with the Junior Handlers in our Junior's Program.
Abby Green
Trainer & SupervisorAbby has worked at My BodyGuard Dogs since 2015. She is currently training dogs in the sport of Schutzhund and in our boarding and training program. Abby has experience in training and titling dogs in AKC for obedience, agility, and rally.
Stephanie Gorzelle
Trainer and SupervisorStephanie has worked at My BodyGuard Dogs since 2016. She has been training dogs in our boarding and training program. She assists customers with training questions during private lessons, and is currently teaching obedience classes.
Kendall Senior
Kennel AssociateKendall has worked at My BodyGuard Dogs since 2014. She works hard behind the scenes in caring for the dogs and working with them during their walks and playtimes. She is currently training her own dog in the sport of IPO.
Humberto Mercado
Kennel AssociateHumbertohas worked at My BodyGuard Dogs since 2016. He works very hard to make sure the kennel is at it's best both inside and out. He loves the dogs and enjoys spending time with them exercising and playing with them.
Kay Wiedmaier
Kennel AssociateKay has worked at My BodyGuard Dogs since 2015. Kay has had German Shepherds for many years and brings her love and experience around them to My BodyGuard Dogs. Kay loves to provide dogs with exceptional care and love.
Hanna Wiedmaier
Kennel AssociateHanna has worked at My BodyGuard Dogs since 2015. Her energy and enthusiasm always makes the dogs so happy to see her. Hanna spends her time walking and playing with the dogs and helping to make every dog's stay fun.
Ryan Johnson
Kennel AssociateRyanhas worked at My BodyGuard Dogs since 2014. He works hard to keep the dogs kenneling areas as squeaky clean. He enjoys spending time with all of the dogs and ensuring the dogs are comfortable and happy during their stay.
WORLD CLASS Facility
National Regulation Size Schutzhund Training Field on 10 Acres
Our facility is conveniently located at 7213 Blissdale Road in Marengo, Illinois – about 10 minutes off of the I90 Expressway. We are situated on 10 acres that consists of a large, state-of-the-art facility that includes a National regulation size Schutzhund training field, a hay field for tracking, and a heated outdoor shelter for trainers and spectators.
Heated Outdoor Shelter for Trainers & Spectators
Our kennel has 3 large puppy rooms, 6 private rooms, and 13 spacious runs for our dogs with access to the outside. We also have several outdoor play areas, and a pond with a filtration system for the dogs to swim in. Our kennel has a fully equipped kitchen and laundry room.
50' x 100' Indoor Training Hall
Our indoor facility includes a training hall approximately 50ftX100ft where we offer our training classes, Schutzhund training, and private lessons. Also located behind our kennel building, we have an obstacle course intended to train dogs for police service as well as to build coordination and confidence for all dogs.
Obstacle Course for Coordination & Confidence - also for Police Service
We have created an environment for handlers and dogs to achieve success with whatever their training goals may be.
Private Training
We offer private lessons for one-on-one time with one of our trainers. Private lessons are catered to you & your dog’s needs.
Common issues we work on in private lessons are:
Getting your puppy started off on the right foot
Coming when Called!!
AKC-style Obedience and/or Rally
Competition Obedience &/or Tracking (Schutzhund 1-3)
Basic obedience & Manners
Intermediate to Advanced obedience (working towards off leash control)
Preparation for the BH title
Behavior Issues (barking, jumping, nipping, counter-surfing, aggression issues, etc.)
In-Kennel Training
Don’t have time to Train your Dog?
In just 4 weeks, we can do it for you…
If you are going on vacation or have no time to train your own dog, we can do it for you in 4 weeks of in kennel training. In just a short amount of time we can do all the basic obedience training with your dog. Training includes a full bath and a go-home lesson. We can also do more advanced training, off leash control, show training & conditioning, and Schutzhund titling (AD, BH, SchH1-3, etc.)
Schutzhund Training
Schutzhund translated “protection dog” is a dog sport where many breed, including German Shepherd Dogs, compete. It is a demanding test for any dog and few are able to pass successfully.
