Megan Judge, Head Trainer

Megan Judge is the owner/proprietor of Haus Juris German Shepherds.  She has a bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminal justice from James Madison University and has served in the United States Army. Megan has been training dogs for twenty-five years and has varied experience with animal care as a veterinary technician, scrub nurse, breeder and behaviorist.  Known internationally for the quality dogs she breeds, Megan has trained many dogs to achieve accolades to include SCHUTZHUND titles, AD, BH, and breed surveys.
Megan has also been a handler in the prestigious Sieger shows to include courage tests, show training and all facets of competition.  She is the leader of Team Haus Juris.
Prior to establishing Haus Juris German Shepherds, she was the owner of Pet Guardians in Mclean, Virginia, a business which included pet sitting, grooming and training.
She was the training director of the German Shepherd Club of Fairfax. As owner/proprietor of Haus Juris German Shepherds, she has owned and trained the number one ranked German Shepherd in North America.  Liedo vom Kuckucksland was the youngest Sieger (number one dog) in the history of the WDA.  Liedo’s progeny and the progeny of all the Haus Juris stud dogs have contributed to society by serving as patrol dogs, protection work and therapy work because of their outstanding temperament.  Many of Megan’s clients have received their Canine Good Citizen title because of her training.

Megan Judge has received a number of honors and awards including the prestigious Breeders’ Award.  Megan’s dogs are known internationally for their temperament and abilities in the show ring, work ethic and most of all for their companionship. 

Chrystal Pappas 

Chrystal Pappas brings over ten years of experience in dog training and has dedicated a significant portion of her career to assisting veterans in the training of service dogs for PTSD. An AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator, Chrystal has had a lifelong passion for dogs and has cultivated her expertise through both personal and professional experiences. In founding her own dog training and pet-sitting business, she has been able to channel her enthusiasm into a successful venture from her home.

Chrystal worked at a local training facility to further enhance her skills and knowledge, focusing on bathing and training dogs. This role was instrumental in her understanding of service dogs, as she herself was prescribed one by the Veterans Hospital to aid in managing PTSD related to her deployments and experiences. This unique combination of practical experience has equipped her with a versatile
understanding of various breeds and their specific needs. As the Training Coordinator at Haus Juris, Chrystal oversees both basic and advanced dog training classes. Her exceptional ability to engage effectively with both dogs and their owners makes her a standout trainer in the field. Additionally, Chrystal hosts Haus Juris Puppy Workshops, playing an active role in all aspects of our training programs at
Haus Juris. She is available for private training consultations as well as scheduled classes, ready to share her expertise with dog owners seeking to enhance their skills and deepen their bond with their pets.

Kristen Miller

Kristen grew up in upstate NY. Her love for German shepherds began when she was 8 years old, and her dad brought home a 4-month-old German shepherd puppy named Shannon. Shannon lived to be 15 years old and was a big part of Kristen’s growing up years. 

Kristen moved to northern Virginia in the early 1990’s. She has owned 3 German shepherds since being in VA; Jasmine, who lived to be 11, Murphy 12, and her current companion Remi, who is 3. Remi is a Haus Juris dog. Kristen started training at Haus Juris with Remi, who has since earned her Canine Good Citizen, Advanced Canine Good Citizen, Urban Canine Good Citizen, and Performer Level Trick Dog titles. Kristen is a Canine Good Citizen evaluator and is currently a trainer for the puppy classes at Haus Juris.

Sandy Sylvester

Sandra Sylvester has owned German shepherds her entire life.  She and her husband Lyman are currently the proud owners of Abby, a certified therapy dog, and Kairo who will also become a therapy dog when he turns one year old.  Sandra has a B.A. from Providence College and a Juris Doctor from New England School of Law.  Sandra served in the United States Coast Guard.  She is an honors graduate from Animal Behavior College and has completed the Volhard Top Dog Training Instructors’ Course.  She is a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and the Northern Virginia Chapter Coordinator of Paws for Friendship, Inc.  Sandra has published a number of articles on police canines and animal cruelty.  She has trained for the Humane Society of Fairfax County and for Haus Juris German Shepherds. Sandra teaches puppy classes, basic one and two and advanced classes including therapy dog preparation and agility.

Lyman Hunter

Lyman Hunter currently owns and trains two German shepherds.  He has his B.S. R. Ph. from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy.  He received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master’s of Science degree in Biodefense from George Mason University.  Lyman graduated from the Volhard Dog Camp and the Volhard Top Dog Training Instructor’s Course and will graduate from Penn Foster in March, 2013.  Lyman’s background in medicine has served his dog Abby who is a special dog with special needs.  His quiet and calm demeanor have helped a number of dogs who are fearful of men during his time at the Humane Society of Fairfax County.