Get to know our trainers
Training Philosophy
Shawn believes that every dog deserves the chance to become a calm, confident, and thinking companion. His training philosophy is grounded in consistency, patience, and mutual trust. Drawing on both his law enforcement background and his hands-on experience with challenging dogs, he uses clear communication, structured routines, and positive reinforcement to guide dogs through behavior modification and obedience work. For Shawn, training isn’t just about stopping bad behaviors—it’s about unlocking a dog’s potential and deepening the bond between dog and handler.
Inspiration
After a 30-year career in law enforcement, Shawn found a new calling thanks to a rescue German Shepherd named Fitz. Fitz had bounced between multiple homes due to anxiety, reactivity, and aggression. When Shawn began training Fitz under the mentorship of his department’s K9 Master Trainer, something clicked. The experience sparked a passion for canine behavior and training, leading Shawn to pursue certifications through Leerburg University and dive deep into the science behind behavior modification.
Professional Experience
Shawn brings three years of professional dog training experience backed by a long career in law enforcement, where structure, communication, and calm under pressure were key. He holds certifications in multiple areas. His well-rounded background allows him to help families with everything from basic manners to more complex behavioral issues.
Training Focus
Shawn enjoys training across the board but specializes in working with reactive dogs, particularly those who struggle with leash reactivity or dog-to-dog aggression. He’s also passionate about recall training and helping dogs gain off-leash freedom through reliability and trust. Whether it's a young puppy just starting out or an adult dog with a difficult history, Shawn brings a steady, experienced approach to every case.
Want to Join Our Training Team?
Join a team committed to ethical, positive reinforcement-based training.
We’re looking for qualified and experienced dog trainers who share our approach to compassionate, science-based training. If you have the skills, knowledge and dedication to support dogs and their families, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply to Join Our Team