Karl Spoentgen

Karl Spoentgen is the Director of Dog Behavior for the Military Animal Project (MAP). Karl, from Ventura, California, joined the US Navy out of high school. He served as a Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear) on the USS Alaska in the mid 1990s. After the Navy, he followed a career path in telecommunications, working as a lineman technician for a local telecommunications company. After suffering an injury at work, he was on a decade long path of medical complications and treatment that left him isolated with limited vision and significantly reduced physical capacity. During his rehabilitation, one of his doctors recommended he adopt a dog as part of his healing process. This led to a discovery of the amazing healing power of dogs, physically and emotionally. Karl quickly developed a close relationship with his rescued American PitBull terrier, Eleanor. He dedicated himself to learning everything he could about dogs and training Eleanor to be his service animal. This became the focus of his life and, rather than returning to full time technical work, Karl began offering out his services to teach others what he’d learned through now years of experience training and caring for dogs.

Eleanor became a local canine ambassador for her breed, giving demonstrations of service work and assisting Karl with other dogs that could benefit from their interactions and training. Shortly after the world was getting back on track from COVID, Eleanor began a two year battle with cancer. Sadly, Karl was forced to let her go after 12 years of love, service and companionship. The grieving process led Karl to discovering the work of Military Animal Project, being recruited by them as someone who could assist their trainers with insights into dog behavior. Karl found a place within M.A.P. where he could work with animals, training dogs to assist veterans in need.

His experience as a veteran himself, made for natural connections to the clients he was assisting. He finds great fulfillment in honoring Eleanor’s legacy by identifying shelter dogs worthy of a second chance, rescuing them and training them for service work. In 2026 Karl joined the Board of Directors of Military Animal Project, and continues to serve as a trainer and dog behaviorist.