Training Philosophy
“Training isn't an activity—it's clear, consistent communication between us and our dog. It is how we interact with our dogs in every moment.”
My first priority is coaching & inspiring human clients to become the best leaders & handlers they can be, while fostering a mutually respectful relationship with their dogs. I’m patient in the teaching phase & unwavering in follow-through. My approach is as gentle as possible, but always grounded in clarity & accountability. I focus on developing undivided engagement & strong impulse control, because these foundations are essential to every successful training program.
No two dogs are alike. I consider each dog’s age, breed, temperament, sensitivity, life experience, & motivational style to create a customized training plan. Grounded in behavioral psychology—including both classical & operant conditioning—my training is adaptable, using a full spectrum of humane & science-based techniques tailored to each individual dog.
By equipping both humans & dogs with easy-to-master skills that build trust, respect, & confidence, I help clients achieve lasting results & a stronger bond with their dogs—at home, in public, & everywhere life takes them.
Joshua co-founded and operated “Seattle K9 Command” for nearly ten years, before launching a deeply personal venture: Heel & Heal K9. This transition reflects my desire to provide highly personalized training in a warm, one-on-one setting. By moving away from a larger operation, I’m now able to focus entirely on the individual needs of each dog and owner, ensuring a more thoughtful, relationship-centered experience. This isn’t just a business shift—it’s a commitment to quality over quantity and to offering the highest standard of care and training. My journey with dogs began in childhood, spending time with my father at a pit bull kennel. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong fascination and deep respect for canine behavior. Before fully diving into the world of professional dog training, I served as a military police officer in the U.S. Air Force. There, I had the privilege of working alongside elite military working dog teams—decoying, assisting with bomb detection, and contributing to various law enforcement operations. Those years shaped my understanding of the power, discipline, and emotional intelligence of dogs.
About Me
Eager to expand my expertise, I pursued advanced education at the Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers and have attended numerous seminars led by top trainers in the field. I am continually driven to evolve and refine my methods to stay at the forefront of dog behavior science.
My training philosophy is based on compassion, behavioral psychology, and a profound appreciation for the uniqueness of every dog. Trust, in my opinion, is the first step toward transformation and lays the groundwork for long-lasting change.
In my free time, I like to pursue my artistic interests through painting, music, and in-depth reading, particularly on topics like philosophy, cosmology, neuroscience, and the nature of consciousness. In both my life and my work with dogs, my creative expression and intellectual curiosity keep me inspired, grounded, and sharp.
The relationship between a dog and its owner is, in my opinion, one of life's greatest blessings. My goal with Heel & Heal K9 is to help you fortify that connection—to create a lifetime of communication, self-assurance, and partnership.
Whether you're seeking help with obedience, behavior modification, or simply want to better understand your dog, I’m here to support and guide you every step of the way.
