How It Started

It all began with a remarkable dog named Gina I, Justin (Instructor and Owner), had the pleasure to serve with. She was a Military Working Dog assigned to the U.S. Army and stationed in Alaska. By the time our paths crossed, Gina had already served alongside three handlers and deployed to Iraq, the Philippines, and Qatar. She spent countless days, evenings, and nights on patrol—always at the side of her person, always ready to work.

After nine years of unwavering service, Gina finally earned her retirement, and I had the honor of giving her a home for the last four years of her life. Living with her—and working with so many other working dogs and pet dogs over the years—left me with a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility to the species. Dogs have stood beside humans throughout history, from ancient civilizations to today’s warriors and companions. Their loyalty is unmatched, and the lives they’ve saved are beyond measure.

Gina opened my eyes to how much bigger the world becomes when you share it with a dog. Through training and responsible ownership, my hope is that we can return that gift—expanding their world by giving them the structure, enrichment, and care they need to experience a fulfilling life, by each others side.

Meet The Team

MISSION AND VALUES

Mission Statement

At Stay Frosty K9 Training, our mission is to build calm, confident, and capable dog‑handler teams through science‑based, positive‑reinforcement training. As a veteran‑owned company, we bring the discipline, clarity, and resilience of the “Stay Frosty” mindset—staying calm, sharp, and ready for whatever comes—to every interaction.

We believe great dog training starts with the human. Progress requires self‑reflection, emotional awareness, and the willingness to take accountability for our own habits, timing, and communication. When handlers grow, dogs grow with them. Our focus is connection over control: strengthening trust, improving teamwork, and prioritizing the welfare of both dogs and their humans so they can navigate the world together with confidence, clarity, and reliability.

Core Values

1. Welfare First
The physical, emotional, and behavioral well-being of every dog—and the safety and peace of mind of every owner—are at the core of our approach.

2. Trust Over Control
True training success is measured in trust, not obedience. We focus on fostering unshakable partnerships where dogs and people thrive together. We believe successful dog training depends on teamwork, clear communication, and mutual respect.

3. Science-Based Methods
We rely on proven, positive reinforcement strategies grounded in modern behavioral science, never outdated or harmful techniques.

4. Patience, Discipline, and Accountability
Patience gives dogs the space to learn, discipline provides the structure they rely on, and accountability ensures we—trainers and owners alike—show up, follow through, and model the behavior we expect from our dogs.

5. Calm Under Pressure
Like the principle of “Stay Frosty,” we teach both dogs and owners to remain composed, confident, and effective, even in challenging situations.