Trademark Dog Academy  &  AKC Breeder

About Trademark Kennels

In 2012, Trademark Kennels kicked off with breeding quality German Shepherds as a hobby, carrying on bloodlines that the family business, Bar-Ben Kennels, started in 1978.  We are pleased to say that the breeding program has excelled in the AKC show and performance industry as well as being ideal family companions.  We are proud to have built up the ideal german shepherds with great health, temperaments and beauty.

But breeding was more of our hobby and ultimately our passion was to work with dogs and help others.

Vera Symonds aspired to study dog behaviors and training, learning from accomplished trainers and began competitions with dogs (and horse shows) earning her the first title, AKC’s Companion Dog in 1992, at the age of 11 (and champion barrel racer with her pony Lassie).   Her love of a dog named Bar-Ben’s Impressive Copy and his willingness to work with her, as a child, was ultimately the planted seed for her training and the kickoff to her imminent path with canines.  But as most of us want to fulfill a proper career, clock in and out daily with structure and consistent income (which is ingrained into us from a young age), she pursued a college degree in Computer Information Systems, specializing in Network Administration and acquired 10+ years of management experience with large corporations in the service and sales industries.  Feeling void in life and missing family and dog time, she ultimately returned full-time into the canine industry- educating kids, adults, families, organizations and more!

During the past 25 years of experience, Vera Symonds has achieved many titles from the American Kennel Club as well as:

Vera and Max the Service Dog

• AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
• AKC STAR Puppy Instructor
• Association of Professional Dog Trainers
• Therapy Dogs International participant
• Board Member & Instructor for local Greater Fredericksburg Kennel Club
• Member of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America
• Previous board member of German Shepherd Dog Club of Northern Virginia
• AKC Bred With Heart breeder
• Top 10 GSD Owner Handled
• AKC National Dog Show Obedience Invitational Recipient
• 4H State fair Rally Obedience Judge

Our First Bred by Champion “Penny”