Mark Leamer’s journey with working dogs began in 1973 when he was stationed in Germany with the Army. Mark owned a German Shepherd and got invited to attend a training day, which turned out to be a Schutzhund club. Herr Paul Bertelshofer befriended Mark and became his mentor over the next 23 months. He never asked for a dime; an occasional packet of pipe tobacco from the PX is all he ever requested. In the spirit of this man Mark tries to help anyone who asks. 

Mark returned to America with his German Shepherd and his training equipment in 1975. That same year Mary Belle Adelman organized and founded Pennsylvania’s first Schutzhund club. Mark was selected to do all of the helper work as he was the only one with the proper equipment. Frabo was the sleeve of choice in those days. Mark got his very first Malinois named Cliff in March of 1990. Between now and 1975 Mark has traveled the country, meeting many amazing people and titling dogs in Schutzhund, WDA, APA, and PPD among others. Mark has trained and supplied Police K9’s for detection, apprehension, and search and rescue. He has provided seminars, hosted trials, judged, and decoyed across the country. 

Mark created and founded PPD in 2002, feeling the need for a protection dog sport that is realistic in its protection scenarios, practical in its obedience and agility routines, as well as fun and fair for all who want to participate. With PPD he wants to bring together passionate working dog people who love their dogs and enjoy some competition. As Mark would say, “Come and get some!”