Certified K9 Log HRS 1008.8.1- Paws on Missions 2.73- HRS-K9s in Training 94.48.24HRS
About Us: Handler Bio's
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Marsha Durfee
Marsha Durfee-ASCTI Certified HRD Trainer, ASCTI Certified HRD K9 Handler.
DDK9 HRD K9 Commander.
Marsha Durfee is an ASCTI Certified Master Trainer, ASCTI HRD K9 Handler, and DDK9 SARR HRD K9 Commander with over 21 years of experience in the dog training industry, specializing in canine behavior, obedience, and working K9 development.
Known throughout the tri-state region for her leadership and unwavering commitment to humane, effective training methods, Marsha has built a respected reputation for excellence in both pet dog training and advanced working K9 disciplines.
Her approach centers on developing strong, trust-based relationships between handlers and their dogs while upholding the highest professional and ethical standards.
Since 2019, Marsha has been advancing her expertise in Search and Rescue Recovery under the mentorship of a trusted family friend and highly experienced Certified Military K9 Trainer.
Through this hands-on mentorship and continued fieldwork, she has developed the specialized skills required for Human Remains Detection (HRD) operations. Today, Marsha leads the only certified independent HRD K9 team in Mohave County, working alongside her K9 partner, Falcon.
Their work in search, recovery, and certification testing reflects the precision, discipline, and teamwork required in real-world HRD deployments.
As an HRD K9 Commander with DDK9 SARR, Marsha not only deploys operationally but also mentors developing handlers, prepares teams for rigorous certification standards, and plays a key role in elevating the professionalism and readiness of working K9 teams across the region.
A dedicated lifelong learner, Marsha continues to expand her knowledge in the science of canine behavior.
She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Canine Behavioral Science through London Hanover University College of Zoological Studies (LHU). Her commitment to ongoing education ensures that her clients, students, and fellow handlers benefit from the most current, research-based training methods available in the evolving world of canine training.
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Tyler Hansen
Tyler Hansen-ASCTI Certified Tracking Trainer
ASCTI Certified SAR Handler.
SAR K9 Tracking Commander.
Tyler Hansen is an ASCTI Certified Pet Trainer and an ASCTI Certified Search and Rescue (SAR) K9 Handler with a strong foundation in professional canine training and operational fieldwork. His dedication to excellence, continual learning, and hands-on experience have made him a valuable asset within the K9 search and rescue community.
Serving as the Tracking K9 Commander for Desert Dogs K9 Search and Rescue and Recovery (DDK9 SARR), Tyler leads with both skill and maturity beyond his years. Even as one of the youngest members of the organization, he brings extensive real-world experience working alongside certified teams in demanding search environments.
His leadership role reflects not only his technical proficiency in tracking and handling, but also the trust and respect he has earned from fellow handlers and command staff.
Tyler is committed to the standards of safety, professionalism, and teamwork required in search and rescue operations. His work demonstrates a deep understanding of the bond between handler and K9, and a passion for using that partnership to serve the community during critical situations.
Randy Durfee
Randy Durfee-ASCTI Master Pet Trainer.
DDK9 SAR/R Logistic Commander.
Randy Durfee is an ASCTI Master Pet Trainer with decades of hands-on experience working with dogs and handlers in both pet training and specialized working K9 disciplines.
His knowledge has been developed through extensive field work, formal certifications, and a lifelong commitment to safe, humane, and effective training methods. Randy is known for his calm leadership, practical problem-solving skills, and ability to build reliable working partnerships between dogs and their handlers across a wide range of training environments.
In addition to his professional training credentials, Randy serves as the Logistics Commander for Desert Dogs K9 Search and Rescue/Recovery, where he plays a critical role in coordinating operational readiness, resource management, and team support for real-world deployments and training missions.
His leadership ensures that both K9 teams and human responders are properly equipped, organized, and prepared to perform under demanding conditions.
Randy’s dedication to the K9 community extends beyond training into service, mentorship, and operational support. He is highly respected for his behind-the-scenes leadership that keeps teams functioning efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and preparedness in both training and search and rescue operations.
Patrick Gonzales - DDK9 HRD K9 Handler
Patrick Gonzalez is a dedicated K9 Handler and Search and Rescue professional with Desert Dogs K9 Search and Rescue Recovery, where he contributes to the team’s mission of locating, rescuing, and recovering missing persons through highly trained working dogs and disciplined field operations.
Patrick serves as the primary handler and trainer for K9 Freya, a Human Remains Detection (HRD) K9 currently in the final stages of her operational training.
Together, they are developing advanced proficiency in odor recognition, search discipline, and real-world deployment readiness across varied terrain and environmental conditions.
His training approach emphasizes operational realism, handler awareness, and clear communication between dog and handler, ensuring reliability under demanding field scenarios. Patrick is actively involved in ongoing training environments that simulate real-world search conditions, helping refine Freya’s confidence, accuracy, and endurance.
Through consistent field work and structured training progression, Patrick Gonzalez continues to strengthen his capabilities as a handler while preparing K9 Freya for full operational certification and deployment in human remains detection missions.