Awards & Accolades

Matthias loves to help dogs reach their full potential. He trains all dogs- ranging from scruffy mixed breeds to championship purebreds. He is one of the few dog trainers who can teach any dog, young or old, a variety of functions. Through out the course of his career, Matthias has received numerous awards and accolades.

1986 to 1990

  • In 1988, shortly after Matthias opened his business in Lawton, Oklahoma, he was recognized as the, “Lawton Business Personality of the Month.”
  • Matthias’s first dog was a bull terrier named Explorer of Prince Blizzard “Bronson.” Unfortunately, when Matthias moved to the United States he was unable to take Bronson with him.  After Matthias left Germany in 1986, Bronson went on to win the German Championship, the European Championship and the World Championship.
  • In 1989, Matthias worked with Jean Strock and her Bernese Mountain dog, Cloe. Cloe won, “Best of Breed” at the Mid-Del Tinker dog show in Oklahoma City. Later that year, Cloe competed at the Faith City Kennel Club in Wichita Falls, Texas. Cloe won “Best of Breed” as well as 2nd in the working group.
  • Matthias helped train an award-winning German Shepherd, VA1-SCH3 Harko von der Wilhemswarte. 1990, Harko won a Vice Sieger at the Sieger Show. And, in 1991, Harko won the USA Sieger Show.
  • In 1990, Matthias worked with John Wilkens and his German Shepherd, Amigo vom Heidgrund. Amigo competed in the North American Championship and the National Championship. He received 16th place at the North American Championship.
  • In 1990, Matthias worked with a German Shepherd named Chiva vom Schwalbenstein. Chiva was titled SCH-III numerous times. And, Matthias also qualified, Chiva for the National Championship.

Winning is not always about competition. I have a true passion for rehabilitating last change dogs and training dogs with severe behavior problems.

-Matthias Zehfuss
Certified Dog Behaviorist

1991 to 2000

  • In 1992, Matthias titled a hunting dog, Nigel vom Kervinshof, who was a German Wirehaired Pointer. They received a prestigious award, Verbands-Jungend-Pruefung. Matthias is especially proud of this award because he was the only person at the show who was not a hunter.
  • In 1993, Matthias and his Rottweiler, Benno von der Nordsaar, received a Schutzhund BH and AD.
  • In 1993, Matthias and his Rottweiler, Nora von der Bleichstrasse, received a Schutzhund BH.
  • In 1993, Matthias and his Rottweiler, Aika vom Hause Wagner received a Shutzhund BH.
  • In 1993, Matthias worked with Donna Hughes and her Belgium Tervuren, Thor. At the end of the year, Thor received a CD.
  • In 1994, Matthias trained a miniature dachshund named Spanky. Matthias and the owner, Tammy Simpson, certified Spanky as a therapy dog. The award was received through Therapy Dogs International, INC.
  • In 1996, Tammy Simpson and her Rottweiler “Rowdy” received CD and Highest Rottweiler at the Lawton, Fort Still ACK Club. Matthias and Tammy worked with Rowdy for two years.
  • In 1996, Matthias began working with a dog named Kruemmel, a Golden Retriever, who was found abandoned on the road. The owner wanted Kruemmel to be trained as a CD (companion dog). Kruemmel, once a rescue dog, finished her CD in only three shows and received two first place finishes.
  • In 1996, Matthias began working with Manuela Green. Manuela was a novice dog handler who owns two Irish Wolf Hounds named Trampos Endore and Harvey von der Sarazennen. In 1996, Trampos Endore won an AKC Championship. In 1998, Harvey von der Sarazennen, won the International, German and American AKC Championships. From 1998 to 2001 Harvey von der Sarazennen was one of the top ten Irish Wolf Hounds in the United States. Harvey won multiple group winnings. In 1999, Harvey also won the Award of Merit at the Rocky Mountain Specialty.
  • In 1996, Matthias received special recognition from The Lawton Constitution for his participation in the Helping Hands to Education program.
  • From 1996-1996, Matthias collaborated with Michelle Norton. Together, Matthias and Michelle trained two Cocker Spaniels, Oobie and Babe. Both dogs achieved a CD. Matthias and Michelle couldn’t have been happier.
  • Matthias and his dog, Aika vom Hause Wagner, went to the United Schutzhund Clubs of America in Lubbock, Texas. At the competition, Matthias and his dog received recognition as Schutzhund BH level.
  • In 1997, Matthias and his dog Racee vom Lindelbrum, a Giant Schnauzer, went to the International All Breed Canine Association, Alle Rasse Gruppe in Dallas, Texas. At the show, Matthias and his bitch won the coveted, “Best of Puppy Breed.”
  • In 1997, Matthias and his dog Racee vom Lindelbrum, a Giant Schnauzer, went to the AKC Mid De Tinker Kennel Club in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. At the show, Matthias and his bitch won 1st Place and Reserve.
  • In 1998, Matthias worked with an English bulldog named Mae-Ruben. Mae-Ruben received two legs of a CD. Sadly, Mae-Ruben passed away before finishing her third leg.
  • In 1998, Matthias and his dog Racee von Lindelbrum, a Giant Schnauzer, went to the AKC Mississippi State Kennel Club. At the show, Matthias and his bitch received 2nd Place as well as Reserve Winner.

2001 to 2009

  • From 2000-2002, Matthias helped train security dogs for the Charles O. Norman Investigative Agency. In 2002, Matthias received a “Certificate of Appreciation.”
  • In 2006, Amy Moore her Golden Retriever, “Beast” received a CD and two first place finishes. Matthias trained Beast for two years.
  • In 2007, Sarah Williams and her Jack Russell Terrier, Maddie, received 1st place at an agility contest in Navasota, TX. Maddie also received 3rd place at another agility contest in Sulfur Springs, TX. Matthias and Sarah are very proud of Maddie’s accomplishments.
  • In 2008, Matthias received the Silver Needle of Honor from the German Rottweiler Club (ADRK).
  • In 2008, Tim Hagen and his dog, Wyatts Joleen, received a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) at an AKC show in Tulsa, OK. Matthias and Tim are very proud of Wyatts accomplishments.
  • In 2008, Matthias proudly received the news that Merlin, a standard Poodle owned my Cindy Segler, became a certified Therapy dog by Therapy Dogs International, Inc.
  • In 2008, Matthias received wonderful news from Sarah Williams, the proud owner of an award-winning Jack Russell Terrier named Maddie. Today, Maddie’s accomplishments include several highly sought after awards which include: 1st Place – Agility Off-Lead at the Gulf Coast JRT Club Texas Two Step Trials in Navasota, Texas (March 2008); 1st Place – Agility Off-Lead at the Heart of America Working Terrier Trial in Lawrence, Kansas (April 2008); 1st Place – Agility at the SWJRTN Spring Fling Trial in Sulphur Springs, Texas (April 2008); 1st Place – Agility (two qualifying scores) and 1st Place – Agility Games (three qualifying scores) at the TDAA Agility Competition in Tulsa, Oklahoma (May 2008)
  • In 2009, Matthias proudly received the news that Moto, a mixed-breed owned by Michael and Lea Gonzales became a Certified Therapy Dog by Therapy Dogs International, Inc.
  • In 2008, Matthias received wonderful news from Lori Hagen, the proud owner of an award-winning Rottweiler named Von Ruelmann’s Zeke. Today, Zeke’s accomplishments include several highly sought after awards to include: 1st Place – Puppy Class at the Central Regional Sieger Show in Granville, Ohio (October 2008); 1st Place – Puppy Class at the USRC South Central Regional Sieger Show in Bowie, TX (November 2008); 1st Place (four ratings) and UCI International Youth Championship at the IABCA Lone Star Winter Sieger Show in Austin, TX (2009). Matthias and Lori are extremely proud of Zeke – after all, he’s only 9-months-old!
  • In 2009, Matthias worked with Grant Moulden and his Doberman, Dax vom Kimbertal. Dax received four 1st place awards in the puppy class as well as the, “International Puppy Championship” at the Sooner Sieger Show in Oklahoma City.
  • In 2009, Matthias worked with Carol Pagnanelli and her German Shepherd, Pexton Blu Iris. Pexton competed in the 2009 Sooner Sieger Show in Oklahoma City. At the show, Pexton received numerous awards including: four 1st place ribbons; Best of Breed; 2nd and 3rd place in the Herding Group, and the International Youth Championship.

2010

  • Matthias worked with Debora McCarty and her two award-winning beagles, Pete and Molly. In January 2010, Pete and Molly were awarded distinguished honor of becoming certified therapy dogs by Therapy Dogs, Inc.
  • In March 2010, Melinda Murch and her Scottich Deerhound, Fionn, went to the Kyana Cluster Dog Show in Louisville Kentucky. Fionn took 1st and 2nd place in the Puppy Class.
  • In May 2010, Rochelle Kamont’s mixed breed, Buddy, passed the Canine Good Citizen test.
  • In June 2010, Matthias and his German Shepherd, Jax, placed sg 11 at the USA Siegershow in Wisconsin.
  • In June 2010, Carol Pagnanelli and her German Shepherd, Isa, placed g 14 at the USA Sieger Show in Wisconsin.
  • In 2010, Carol Pagnanelli and her German Shepherd, Gunt, placed sg 13 at the Sieger Show in Wisconsin.
  • In September 2010, Lori Hagen and her Rottweiler, Zeke, placed V1 and best of breed at the UCI dog show in Oklahoma City.
  • In September 2010, Jack Russell Terrier, Gabbie and her owner Sarah Williams won first qualifying score and 1st place at an agility trial in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
  • In September 2010, Jack Russell Terrier, Maddie, won 5 qualifying scores, 2 scond places, and 3 first places at a local dog show.
  • In 2010 Melinda Much and her Scottish Deerhound, Fionn, received the following awards: SDCA Midwestern Regional Specialty, Louisville, KY, March 20, 2010  Second Place in Class; Louisville Kennel Club SDCA Supported Entry, March 21, 2010  First Place in Class; Seminole Kennel Club, Tulsa, OK, May 29, 2010 Winners Dog/Best of Winners (1st place); Mid-Continent Kennel Club of Tulsa, May 30, 2010  Winners Dog/Best of Winners (1st place); Mid-Del-Tinker Kennel Club, Oklahoma City, OK, July 1, 2010 Reserve Winners Dog (2nd place); Mid-Del-Tinker Kennel Club, Oklahoma City, OK, July 2, 2010  Reserve Winners Dog (2nd place); Heart of the Plains Kennel Club, Lubbock, TX, September 24, 2010 Best of Opposite Sex (2nd place); Heart of the Plains Kennel Club, Lubbock, TX, September 25, 2010 Best of Breed (1st place)
  • In 2010 Melinda Much and her Scottish Deerhound, Eilidh, received the following awards: Mid-Del-Tinker Kennel Club, Oklahoma City, OK, July 2, 2010 “ Winners Bitch/Best of Opposite Sex” (1st place); Heart of the Plains Kennel Club, Lubbock, TX, September 24, 2010 Reserve Winners Bitch (2nd place); Heart of the Plains Kennel Club, Lubbock, TX, September 25, 2010 Winners Bitch/Best of Winners (1st place)

2011

  • In January 2011 Sarah Owens and her German Shepherd Heidi vom Hause Zehfuss competed in the Lone Star New Years’ Siegershow in Belton, TX. In 4 shows Heidi won 4 First Places and a Best of Breed in the puppy class. She was also awarded The International and Nation Puppy Champion.
  • In March Matthias became a AKC Certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluator.
  • In June Melinda Murch and her Scottish Deerhound, Eilidh,placed 2. in the Amateur Class at the National Specialty Show in Oregon
  • In October Sarah Williams and her Jack Russell Terrier Maddie won the Agility Trial in Memphis,TN.
  • In October Melinda Murch and her Scottish Deerhound Eilidh,finished her AKC Championship in Enid Oklahoma, Elidh or now Ch Darlin von Averlon
  • In October Sarah Owens and her German Shepherd Heidi vom Hause Zehfuss competed in the Sooner Siegershow in Oklahoma City ,they won 2 First Places and 2 best of Breed.
  • In November Karol Haney and her Boxer Joe passed the Canine Good Citizen Test.
  • In November Karol Haney and her Boxer J.J. passed the Canine Good Citizen Test.
  • In November Sarah Da Silva and her German Shepherd Mix Kasey passed the Canine Good Citizen Test.
  • In November Rob Shearer and his Belgian Malinois Ivan passed the Canine Good Citizen Test.
  • In November Paul Da Silva and his Hound mix Konah passed the Canine Good Citizen Test.
  • In November Karol Zea and her Cataahoula Hound Petula Plum passed the Canine Good Citizen Test.
  • In November Valerie and her Doberman Dutsches passed the Canine Good Citizen Test.
  • In November Valerie and her Doberman Baron passed the Canine Good Citizen Test.
  • In November Sarah Owens and her German Shepherd Gina vom Hause Zehfuss passed the Canine Good Citizen Test.
  • In November Vanisa Johns and her Rottweiler Scout passed the AKC Puppy Star Test.
  • In November Evelyn Bailee and her German Shepherd Bones passed the AKC Puppy Star Test.
  • In November Holly Globig and her Rottweiler Mix Cannon passed the AKC Puppy Star Test.
  • In November Stacy Amos and her German Shepherd Maverick passed the AKC Puppy Star Test.
  • In November Barbara Pitman and her Vizla mix Mocha passed the AKC Puppy Star Test.
  • In November Jennifer Hoffman and her Labrador Champ passed the AKC Puppy Star Test.
  • In November Carol Rhoads and her German Shepherd Diva vom Hause Zehfuss passed the Canine Good Citizen Test.
  • In November Sarah Williams and her Jack Russel Terrier Maddie won 1 st place in the Veterans Class at the Agility Trial in Denton TX.
  • In November Sarah Williams and her Jack Russel Terrier Laila took 4 th. place in the puppy Class at the dog Show in Denton, TX.

 

 

When Matthias first started dog training, he focused more on competition training and Schutzhund training. Though he is still available for these services, Matthias has developed a special interest in working with dogs that have severe behavior problems. In addition, Matthias has also developed a special interest for rehabilitating last chance dogs.