UK9BG Club Member Spotlight: Danny Burgar

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The Early Days

 

Danny began his journey into protection dog training and decoy work in 1997 alongside his best friend and brother-in-law, Stan Thankachen with Ultimate K9 Bodyguards. 

 

In those early days, formal training facilities were virtually nonexistent. Instead, Danny and Stan would train their dogs in fields, parks, parking lots, and small garages. Their approach to training was creative, if not unconventional. They would come up with wild ideas, such as sending one of Stan’s Dobermans on a 500-foot bite and holding the dog on the sleeve to teach perseverance in the fight. Another of their experimental methods involved sending two dogs at once, with a sleeve on each arm. It was a rugged, “redneck” style of training protection dogs that was both effective and unique for its time.

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As the years went by, the methods, equipment, and philosophy of dog training evolved, and Danny’s passion for protection work deepened. The introduction of the bite suit marked a pivotal moment in his journey. With no formal instruction or proper protective gear, Danny would don the suit, test new ideas, and sometimes end up with injuries serious enough to require a doctor’s visit.

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In 2013, Danny discovered PSA through Stan, who was preparing his Cane Corso, Brynn, for a trial in Ontario at Redline Shepherds hosted by Mike and Ashley. Watching Canada’s first PSA trial left a lasting impression on Danny, sparking a newfound obsession with the sport.

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It took a few years, but Danny eventually found his Dutch Shepherd, Magnum. Together, they became a formidable team, with Magnum’s raw power often sending decoys off their feet. The duo earned their PSA Level 1 title and even competed at the PSA World Championships in 2018 in Ontario, Canada. They continued competing at Level 2 for some time, but for Magnum’s safety, he was retired in 2024. Though no longer competing, Magnum still participates in special bite sessions, proving he hasn’t lost his edge. Now Danny is currently training with Django, a 22-month-old Malinois and the son of Magnum. Together, they plan to step onto the PSA field in early 2026.

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Over the years, Danny has been deeply involved in the PSA community. He has assisted, competed, or attended every Wild West Showdown, Rumble in the Rockies, and countless seminars held at UK9BG.

Danny accounts his success from the camaraderie, support from the village that is UK9BG, he is eternally grateful to all members of the UK9BG PSA Team. And always heart fully grateful to Stan for being a driving force of his starting on his journey, to Tam for always being supportive and cheering him on when things seemed difficult and to Shaun Thankachen for all the hard work decoying Magnum all those years and now for Django’s foundations, couldn’t do it without you!

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Achievements

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Outside of the dog world, Danny has several accomplishments to his name. He has been married to his loving and supportive wife, Anita, for 30 years, and together they have raised two daughters and are proud grandparents of two.

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Danny is also a second-degree black belt in Gojyu Ryu Karate, he was a student of Sensei Tammy Thankachen’s at Oku Damashi Martial Arts, this is a testament to his discipline and determination. In 2023, he founded a Commercial Glass Company, which has quickly grown to become one of Calgary’s leading firms, employing several staff and serving numerous clients.

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As Danny approaches his 50th birthday, his goals remain ambitious and heartfelt. He hopes to maintain his health, return to decoying, and one day compete at the PSA World Championships with Django by his side.