About Us

Roberta Bitzer is a renowned K9 handler and trainer with hands-on experience in nurturing, training, and enhancing the abilities of pets and working canines. Her deep passion for dogs and their potential led her to specialize in conservation K9 scent detection, becoming a respected expert in the field.

Roberta’s expertise has been shaped through mentorship from renowned dog trainers in federal and law enforcement agencies, obedience trainers, and scent detection experts. Her unique approach blends patience, empathy, and a profound understanding of dog psychology, enabling her to tailor training programs that address the individual personalities and learning styles of both the dogs and their owners.

In addition to her training work, Roberta is an advocate for responsible pet ownership. She takes pride in educating prospective owners about dog care, training, and building strong bonds with their furry companions, particularly through scent detection work that also serves as a form of pet bonding.

Beyond Bitzer K9, Roberta is a founding member of Conservation Dogs of Hawaii’s invasive species detection program. She has played a key role in developing new programs for CDH and has participated in assessing and selecting shelter dogs for the Guam Department of Agriculture’s biosecurity K9 program. Roberta also leads the K9 team at the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Response Team, a collaborative effort between Hawai‘i conservation organizations and the USDA aimed at controlling the spread of this invasive insect in Hawai‘i.

In addition to her K9 expertise, Roberta holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a master’s in Environmental Sciences. With over a decade of experience as an environmental consultant, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her work. Outside of her professional life, Roberta enjoys spending time outdoors, surfing, and hiking with her own four-legged companions, constantly seeking new ways to enrich the lives of both dogs and their human counterparts.