Welcome to SuperK9 Search. I’m Larry Mayran, and what started as a simple wish to understand and connect with dogs has grown into a life-changing mission—and a company built on that purpose.
It all started with Sascha, my first working-line Czech German Shepherd from the renowned Jinopo kennels. Solid black, deeply loyal, and protective, she was far more than a pet—she was my teacher, my shadow, and my strength. She even became the eyes and ears for my aging Golden Retriever, Maggie.
In 2015, I lost Sascha suddenly in a tragic accident. The void she left was immense. On that day, wearing a Superman shield shirt, that emblem took on a deeper meaning—it became a symbol of Sascha’s incredible power and the bond we shared. Today, the Superman shield tattooed on my shoulder inspires the name “SuperK9 Search,” a tribute to every dog’s hidden potential.
In 2016, I welcomed Kaja—another Czech GSD with a fiery and complex spirit. She was bold, stubborn, and distant. Despite rigorous training, I struggled to reach her. Traditional methods weren’t enough.
Then came Scentwork.
The moment Kaja began using her nose to search for odors, her transformation was undeniable. She lit up, focused, and finally connected. That’s when I got the unexpected call—a stranger asked if Kaja could help locate a missing German Shepherd.
We searched for a day and a half, and Kaja found her.
It was a breakthrough—not just for the lost dog, but for my partnership with Kaja. We became a team. She needed me, and through this work, I learned how to truly support her.
Through Kaja, I also found strength to recover from three difficult back fusion surgeries. Her determination carried me through when I nearly gave up. That’s when I committed to mastering the art of scent detection—not just for Kaja, but for every dog-handler team searching for the same kind of connection.
These lessons now define everything we do at SuperK9 Search.
To me, that Superman shield isn’t just ink—it’s a promise. A tribute to Sascha’s legacy and a symbol of the “superpowers” we help unlock through scentwork. It represents the resilience, intelligence, and joy that lives in every dog-handler team.
Whether you’re starting your journey or refining your skills, we’re here to help you tap into that incredible partnership—and discover the superhero waiting at the other end of your leash.
Our newest team member is Iliza, a spirited Czech GSD born in 2024. Her lineage traces directly to Aram Tufra—Kaja’s father—and while she shares some of Kaja’s traits, her journey is entirely her own.
Iliza has challenged me in new ways, especially as a puppy learning to focus in distracting environments. Training her reinforces one of our guiding principles:
“Train the dog in front of you”
My path from initial curiosity to becoming a dedicated trainer has been shaped by hands-on experience and constant learning. Working through real challenges—especially with dogs like Kaja—taught me that no method works for every team. True progress comes from adapting to the individual dog and understanding how they communicate.
At SuperK9 Search, we train both ends of the leash. Dogs have extraordinary noses—but it’s the handler’s responsibility to learn how to support and read their dog’s communication.
We believe:
🎖️ Every dog can do scentwork—regardless of breed, age, or background.
🎖️ Every handler can learn to become their dog’s trusted guide.
🎖️ Confidence and problem-solving begin with trust—not pressure.
🎖️ The dog never lies. Mistakes reflect training gaps, not canine failure.
🎖️ Scentwork isn’t just a sport—it’s a tool for connection, growth, and transformation.
🎖️ Effective scentwork isn’t about applying a formula—it’s about meeting every dog where they are.
Ready to transform your training and deepen your connection with your dog?
Let’s work together to unlock your dog’s brilliance—and build something extraordinary!
Kaja and Iliza: The heart and proof of SuperK9 Search’s methods.
Larry’s 10-year-old Czech working-line German Shepherd, Kaja, is a living legend in scent work.
Imported from Jinopo.cz kennels in the Czech Republic, her journey into scentwork has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by intense focus and an unwavering drive to work.
Her impressive list of accolades includes:
🎖️ SuperElite with Detective 2 in AKC (Nov 2025) (only 2 dogs have achieved out of 30139 dogs).
🎖️ Achieved Detective Dog Champion (DDCH) in USCSS (only 44 dogs have achieved as of Nov, 2025).
🎖️ 12th place inaugural AKC Scentwork Master National, Wilmington, OH (2025).
🎖️ 148 scent work titles since 2020 across multiple organizations.
🎖️ Ranked 4th nationally for German Shepherds in USCSS.
🎖️ Achieved AKC SHDME & SWD Titles (achieved by less than 2% of all dogs).
🎖️ UKC Nosework Champion (NWCH) & Hall of Fame (2023-2024).
🎖️ 4th Place AKC Scent Work Regional Championship Excellent Level – Central Region.
🎖️ Other Sporting Achievements: Mantrailing, Shedhunt, Dock Diving.
Kaja’s niece, Iliza, is a vibrant Czech working-line German Shepherd. Her grandfather is Kaja’s father, making her a direct testament to the lineage and replicability of Larry’s training methods. At just 21 months old, Iliza is a driven prodigy with an infectious joy for scentwork.
Her rapidly growing list of achievements includes:
🎖️ 24 scentwork titles at just 21 months old.
🎖️ AKC Novice Elite + UKC Novice Nosework titles.
🎖️ UKC Novice Handler Discrimination (NHD) and AKC Scentwork Handler Discrimination Excellent (SHDE) titles.
🎖️ NACSW ORT (Odor Recognition Test) passed.
