After 11 months in cramped shelter, mutt primed for new home

By Dan Linehan
The Free Press

Kozy, a 3-year-old mutt, revels in the attention of his trainer, Mark Kozitza. Over the past three weeks, Kozy has gone from your average leash-pulling, jumping dog to a classy canine. (Hint, hint: He was available as of Wednesday night)

Kozy, a three-year-old mutt, is led on an obstacle course by his trainer, Mark Kozitza. The dog has spent the past 11 months in the Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society shelter. That’s many months too long, so the shelter decided to enroll Kozy in a 21-day program to make him more attractive to a prospective adopter.

John Cross / The Free Press

Click here to read full story on Kozy.

I purchased MacKenzie from Kozies in the summer of 2008, and brought her home at 9 weeks old. She is from a Brax/Fida breeding. She is an amazing dog! She has tons of energy and is incredibly alert and attentive to her surroundings, nothing gets past her. I've been around dogs all my life and can also say that she's one of the smartest dogs I've ever owned or worked with.

She's also just a stunning dog as far as looks. Absolutely gorgeous! There have been a few people who've pulled their cars over and gotten out to come talk to me about her when we're out for walks. And she is not even full grown yet!

I'd recommend Kozies to anyone looking for a high quality, incredibly smart, driven and loving German Shepherd. I spent about a year researching and looking for a breeder before I decided on Kozies and I was always so impressed whenever I would talk to Mark about his dogs. When I said I was still looking around he encouraged me to see what was out there before I decided. And when I came to visit his kennels and see his dogs in person I was sold. He has always been available to talk with me about Mackenzie and help me out with any questions I've had and it's obvious he is passionate and knowledgeable about what he does and the dogs he sells.

Kimberly Balega

J.R. is a Kozie male out of a breeding from Rommel- Lydia.

K-9 J.R. and his handler, Officer Eric Bullen, began their K-9 careers together in the fall of 2006. K-9 J.R. is a male German Shepherd and was born in June, 2005. Officer Bullen has been a Minneapolis Police Officer since 1996. K-9 J.R. is a patrol dog and is trained in criminal apprehension, building searches, area searches, article/evidence searches, tracking, obedience and agility.

I couldn’t be happier with my experience with Kozies Kennel.  Being a 1st time GSD buyer, I was admittedly a bit nervous when bringing home my new pup, but Mark and Amy Kozitza have guided me through the whole process from day one.

Mark is always willing and able to answer any questions or concerns that I might have.  It’s very reassuring to know that I have an expert of this breed available to me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

My pup Kato ( Josie / Ringo 07) is honestly the best dog I could ever hope for.  His temperament is loving with family, playful with children and tolerant of strangers.  Training has been a breeze; it only takes a few sessions for him to learn a new command because his ball / prey drive is off the charts.  He apparently is becoming quite a handsome young man as well! I can’t take him anywhere without someone stopping us and telling him how gorgeous he is! (I hope he doesn’t get a big head!) 

I will never buy another dog from anyone else.

Brian Keefe

Mark- Zorro and Tasha (Sully and Pearl breeding) were 8 years old on July 12th, 2008. They are solid dogs, trainable, sweet, and loving. They both carry advanced agility and tracking titles, and have become responsible members of our 5 dog pack.

Tasha is our pack “police dog” in that she keeps the pack stable and behaved. She will intervene when the younger members become too rowdy and with a short low growl puts a damper on excessive play, but she allows less aggressive play. Zorro is a very benevolent pack leader and has been very tolerant of our newest, highly active Border Collie puppy. It always surprises me how much he will put up with, but when he puts his foot (paw) down that’s it.

They are very people friendly, and are good with children. In fact, Tasha has a Therapy Dog Certification

Stephen P Glasser MD

I wasn’t looking for a dog. I wasn’t even thinking about looking for a dog. But while I was camping Memorial Week I met Ranger, a 4 ½ month old Kozie Shepherd, a son of Ringo and Lydia. I was amazed! For a pup he was calm and friendly. His owner sang his praises. I wanted one!

When I got home I looked at Mark’s website. He had puppies! I read everything on the site. Right away I was impressed with his entire operation! That positive feeling only increased when I met Mark and he introduced the parents Ringo and Josie. Here was not only a highly professional dog breeder/trainer but a man who loves his dogs and they him.

Now, I have my Griz! He’s my boy! As I watch him grow and see him move, I can see the best traits of his parents shining through! He’s a joy. I love him. My 6-year-old daughter loves him. The neighbors love him. The cats – well, did I mention the neighbors love him?

I’m making the drive from the Metro to Kozie’s once a month for individual training because I want the best for my dog. When he’s old enough Griz will attend Mark’s 3 week training course for the same reason.

Never before have I had such an all around great experience with a pet! It all started at Kozie’s Shepherds!

Bill Way

On March 24th 2008 Deputy Jim Whiteis and K-9 Kane started the North Metro K-9 School sponsored by the Isanti County Sheriff’s Office. For the next 12 weeks they  participated in the Basic Police Dog Handler and Narcotics Detection course. The training included basic police dog duties such as searching, tracking, criminal apprehension and crime deterrence. The course also included narcotics detection for both soft and hard narcotics.

Strong emphasis was also put on the United States Police Canine Association PD1 certification. In order to certify with the USPCA, a police dog and handler must be proficient in areas of Obedience, Agility, Searching (persons and articles containing scent), Criminal Apprehension and Recall.

At the end of the 12 week school, Deputy Whiteis and K-9 Kane competed against the other class participants in the above areas. With 700 points possible for the test, Deputy Whiteis and K-9 Kane scored 684 which was the highest score in the class, earning them the “Top Dog Award.”

Deputy Whiteis was presented a Certificate of Achievement for successfully completing the Basic Patrol K9 and Narcotics Detection Course along with the Top Dog Award plaque.

K9 Kane’s first patrol shift was Thursday June 19th, 2008.

Mark- Thought you'd get a kick out of hearing that just about 2 weeks ago, Blayn was out walking the dogs on Sunday morning and was stopped by a woman who was also walking. She just absolutely gushed over Dozer, and when he told her that Dozer was almost 8 years old, she about fainted. She told him that she has an 8 year old shepherd at home, that's so "old" he can't go on walks with her anymore. She couldn't believe how healthy he is, how white his teeth are and generally what a great dog he is.

I had him at the vet on Monday, just for a check up and a general once-over, and even though the vet is leery of shepherds she couldn't help but telling me what a wonderful dog Dozer is and how much she really likes him. She said he's about the most handsome shepherd she's ever met. She proclaimed him to be very healthy and couldn't believe that we aren't having any arthritis or "old age" issues with him.

He's a wonderful dog. I'm thinking that I might have to start discussions about a puppy with you soon.

Roseanne Carbone

We purchased our dog Rosko in June of 2006 when he was 2 months old, from Kozies. Rosko is from a Ringo/Lydia breeding. He has been a wonderful addition to our family of 6. He has very good temperament and is great with adults, children and other pets. We couldn't have asked for a better dog.

Kozies has a wonderful training program. Rosko has been brought back to Kozies for several training sessions with excellent results! Mark is very knowledgeable and passionate about all dogs. We would highly recommend Kozies to anyone who is thinking about purchasing a dog or is in need of training for their existing dog.

Jim and Stacy Elmore

Mark, I just wanted to thank you for such a great girl. She is everything you said, great drives, yet calm when we need her too be. You have always been available for any questions or concerns we have had over the years, and there have been a few. I know when the time is right we will be getting another puppy from Kozies.

Thanks again,

Corinne Olson