10/28/2026
🇺🇸🐾 THE PERSON BEHIND THE PAWZ — MEET THE TRAINER!
We've spent a lot of time sharing training tips, talking about dog behavior, and introducing you to what Patriot Pawz K9 Training is all about.
But I figured it's probably time you got to know the guy behind the leash! 😂
For those who don't know me, I'm the founder and trainer behind Patriot Pawz K9 Training LLC. I'm a husband, proud father of four, U.S. Army veteran, dog lover, outdoor enthusiast, and someone who probably spends more time thinking about dog training than any normal person should.
But my journey into dog training didn't start with a business plan. It started during one of the hardest chapters of my life.
🇺🇸 FROM THE ARMY TO THE DOG TRAINING WORLD
I spent 10 years serving as an enlisted Engineer in the United States Army, eventually reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6). My military career included multiple deployments, countless experiences, and a sense of purpose that had become a huge part of who I was.
When I was medically discharged, that sense of purpose was suddenly gone.
Transitioning back into civilian life wasn't easy. I struggled to find my place, enjoy the things I once loved, or even maintain a job. I knew I needed something, but I wasn't sure what that something was.
Then came Harlee. 🐕
I brought home my Australian Shepherd shortly after leaving the Army, and from day one, we had a connection that I can't quite put into words.
She was there through some of my toughest moments. We started training together immediately, and somewhere between the obedience sessions, frustrating moments, breakthroughs, and plenty of Aussie attitude, something started to change.
I wasn't just teaching her.
She was helping me find myself again.
That connection inspired me to pursue schooling in Animal Behavior and Training, continue developing my skills, and eventually train Harlee to become my service dog.
What started as a bond between a veteran and his dog became a passion, a career, and ultimately the foundation for Patriot Pawz.
🐾 WHY PATRIOT PAWZ?
When I decided to build Patriot Pawz, I knew I didn't want to create a company that simply taught dogs to sit, stay, and heel.
I wanted to build something centered around communication, understanding, and the relationship between dogs and their people.
One thing I firmly believe is that every dog is different, and training should reflect that.
The dog I worked with yesterday might have benefited from an e-collar as part of their training plan. The dog I work with tomorrow might respond beautifully to food rewards, play, and a completely different approach.
Neither dog should be forced into the exact same training program just because that's what worked for the last one.
I believe in working with the dog in front of me, understanding what motivates them, identifying where they're struggling, and developing a plan that gives both the dog and handler the best opportunity to succeed.
And honestly? Some of the dogs I'm most passionate about working with are the misunderstood ones.
The dogs labeled stubborn, difficult, reactive, or even hopeless. The dogs whose owners have tried everything they know and still feel stuck.
Not every problem has a quick fix, and not every dog will have the same outcome. But I believe many dogs deserve a more individualized approach before anyone gives up on them.
🐕 MORE THAN JUST A JOB
People sometimes ask why I love working with dogs so much.
The simplest answer?
It's where I feel alive again.
Dog training gave me something I had been missing after leaving the military. It gave me challenges to work toward, opportunities to keep learning, and a way to help others while doing something I genuinely love.
One of my long-term goals with Patriot Pawz is to eventually help other veterans discover the kind of connection and purpose I found through Harlee.
Whether that's through service dog training, education, or simply helping a veteran build a stronger relationship with their dog, it's something close to my heart.
❤️ THE FAMILY BEHIND PATRIOT PAWZ
While I'm the trainer you typically see working with the dogs, Patriot Pawz is very much a family effort!
I'm a proud husband and father of four amazing kids, ranging from elementary school age to teenagers. So between raising four kids, having a house full of dogs, and running a dog training business, you could say our household is pretty quiet and uneventful. 😂
My wife is also a huge part of what we're building.
She helps with the behind-the-scenes work that keeps things moving, assists with caring for our daycare and boarding dogs when we have them, and has started learning the training side of the business as well.
She's currently shadowing me and working toward eventually stepping into a manager and trainer role herself.
It's something we're building together, and I'm excited to see where it takes us.
Patriot Pawz isn't just about creating a successful business. It's about building something meaningful for our family while helping other families build better relationships with their dogs.
🐾 SO WHO AM I OUTSIDE OF TRAINING?
When I'm not working with dogs or spending time with my family, you'll probably find me enjoying the outdoors, hiking, shooting, anything tactical, a good movie, or some great music.
I'm also a big believer that life is better with a sense of humor.
And with dogs, you pretty much have to be. They'll humble you faster than just about anything.
Especially an Australian Shepherd who occasionally seems convinced she's the smartest member of the household. 😂
(For the record, she might be.)
Between four kids, our dogs, and everything else life throws our way, there's definitely never a dull moment around here!
🇺🇸 THE MISSION BEHIND THE NAME
Patriot Pawz is more than a business name to me.
It's a reflection of where I've been, what helped me move forward, and what I hope to build for others.
We're a service-connected disabled veteran-owned, family-operated business built on the belief that training should strengthen the bond between dogs and their people, not just teach commands.
I'm still learning, still growing, and always looking for ways to become a better trainer. I don't believe any trainer ever reaches a point where there's nothing left to learn.
My hope is that Patriot Pawz continues to grow into something that not only helps dogs and their families but eventually gives back to the veteran community that means so much to me.
To everyone who has followed our page, shared a post, supported our business, or trusted me with their dog, thank you.
It truly means more than you know.
🐾 Better Training. Stronger Bonds.
Now that you know a little more about the person behind Patriot Pawz, I'd love to hear from you!
💬 Has a dog ever made a bigger impact on your life than you expected?
Because I know one little Aussie who completely changed mine. ❤️🐾