For Justin, dog training is more than just a career—it is a passion rooted in a lifelong connection with animals. With 7 years of professional experience, Justin has dedicated himself to helping dogs and their owners improve their quality of life, build stronger relationships, and achieve goals they once thought impossible.

Before finding his calling in dog training, Justin spent years working in various capacities for the FedEx Corporation. While he appreciated his time there, the demanding night shift schedule led him to look for a change. He sought a role where he could enjoy a more balanced schedule while making a tangible, positive impact on his community. Today, he finds that impact in every session, knowing his work brings joy and clarity to both pets and their families.

Justin’s philosophy is centered on clear communication. He believes that the small, daily interactions often create the bad habits pets develop. By helping owners identify these patterns and providing the tools to redirect their dogs toward positive behaviors, he helps families transform their home dynamics. For Justin, the most rewarding part of the job is witnessing the moment a dog gains confidence, and watching the owner’s face light up as they realize their dog is truly capable of greatness.

Outside of the training world, Justin is a proud Auburn University alum and a dedicated father of three. He is an avid sports fan—with a love for football, basketball, and tennis—and has recently taken up pickleball. While he doesn’t currently share his home with a dog of his own, his calendar is always full with the board-and-train and classroom dogs he supports. Whether he is working with the most anxious, reactive dogs or the wildest, most energetic pups, Justin is committed to helping every dog become the best pet they can be.

Born and raised in Birmingham, Ashton Foster has always had a deep passion for animals. Before joining the Off Leash K9 team, Ashton dedicated nearly eight years to the veterinary field, working in various roles from reception to kennel technician. It was during this time that he discovered his true calling: dog training. Seeing the impact that proper guidance could have on both dogs and their owners, he decided to transition his career to focus on training, where he has thrived for the past four years.

At home, Ashton shares his life with his wife, Jessi, and their lively pack: a five-year-old Border Collie named Ollie, and two cats, Sophie and Kato. When he isn’t working, you’ll likely find him outdoors or catching a live concert.

For Ashton, the best part of the job is the people and the dogs he meets every day. He loves building relationships with clients from all walks of life and bonding over their shared love for their canine companions. He also appreciates that his role allows him to embrace his love for the outdoors, often using nature as his own personal office space.

Ashton is passionate about helping owners understand the tools at their disposal. He frequently works to demystify training aids like the E-collar, showing clients that when used ethically and responsibly, these tools are transformative. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: "Every dog is a good dog." Ashton firmly believes that when humans do their part, every dog has the potential to be a well-trained, happy companion.

He takes immense pride in his work, knowing that his training provides families with the tools they need to live easier, more harmonious lives with their pets. Whether it's personal growth or helping a client achieve a breakthrough, Ashton is dedicated to making a lasting difference in the lives of the dogs and families he serves.

Kendall’s journey into professional dog training began with a clear ambition: she originally set her sights on becoming a K9 officer. While completing her Master’s degree in Criminal Justice, she took a summer job at a training facility cleaning kennels. It wasn’t long before her natural aptitude caught the team’s attention, and she was offered the opportunity to train professionally.

Before joining the OLK9 team, Kendall spent two years in Florida honing her craft. Her background is diverse and extensive, spanning work with personal protection, drug-sniffing, and service dogs. She is also a certified decoy for bite work, a specialization that speaks to her depth of knowledge in canine behavior and control.

At home, Kendall’s life is filled with her own pack. She shares her life with Shelby, an 11-year-old Lab/Staffy mix who is now a devoted "couch potato." She is also joined by Rudy, a 2-year-old Staffy and former training dog who is currently training to be a demo dog for tricks, and Rasta, a 7-year-old working-line Giant Schnauzer who serves as her demo dog for obedience and service tasks, specializing in personal protection and blood scent work.

For Kendall, the most rewarding aspect of her career is helping clients navigate challenges with hard-to-manage dogs, witnessing the "click" moment when a dog finally understands how to earn a reward. She is particularly passionate about working dogs and the profound impact of service training, having seen firsthand how service dogs can transform the lives of veterans. Her training philosophy is simple but powerful: building confident, neutral dogs is always the top priority. When she isn't training, you can find Kendall enjoying the outdoors—fishing, hunting, or spending time at the beach.