Our Philosophy

At Justin Rigney Dog Training Services, we recognize that every dog is unique, requiring a personalized approach to training. Our experienced trainers take the time to build a strong bond with your dog, tailoring a training journey to suit their individual needs and temperament. We reject the idea of a “one-size-fits-all” method, focusing instead on customized strategies that deliver the best possible results.

As balanced trainers, we utilize operant conditioning principles—including positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment—to achieve optimal outcomes. While we employ a balanced approach, we emphasize positive reinforcement as the foundation of our training, effectively shaping and encouraging desirable behaviors in a way that keeps your dog motivated and enthusiastic to learn. Inspired by some of the world’s top trainers, we have refined these methods to create an approach that combines modern tools and techniques, delivering exceptional results for you and your dog.

Justin

Justin Rigney has 33 years of professional dog training experience and was a law enforcement officer for 17 years, 10 of which he spent as a K-9 handler and trainer. His unique background and experience in civilian dog training, as well as police service dog training, set him apart from other trainers in his field.

Justin’s passion for dog training is evident, as he has assisted thousands of pet owners in enhancing their relationships with their dogs and bridging the communication gap with their beloved four-legged family members. Justin utilizes a proven, reliable, humane, and clear real-world training system that produces results and develops dogs that know and love their jobs.

During his law enforcement career, Justin was fortunate enough to work with three patrol dogs. Justin is a former member of the Davie Police Department and its K-9 Unit, where he served as the handler for K-9 “Vader,” a Belgian Malinois produced from his own breeding program. Watching Vader take his very first breath and grow into a productive K-9 partner was extremely rewarding.

K-9 “Bosko,” an all-black German Shepherd Dog (GSD), was responsible for hundreds of arrests and apprehensions of violent felony offenders and was instrumental in recovering numerous valuable pieces of evidence. After retirement, Bosko earned his Brevet title in French Ring Sport.

His last patrol dog, K-9 “Zeke,” is a sable GSD raised from puppyhood by Justin and his wife, Alison. During his career, Zeke proved to be a vigilant and tenacious police service dog. Most notably, he defended his handler during a deadly force encounter and officer-involved shooting. Zeke will continue to work and compete in civilian dog sports.

Justin was also a Corporal and trainer for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, which maintained 60 dogs department-wide. Throughout his professional dog training career, he has trained with hundreds of police K-9 teams and competed in Schutzhund, Ring Sport, and other dog sports. He has also trained dogs for celebrities, professional athletes, and thousands of pet owners.

Justin graduated from and was awarded a diploma in the NePoPo® Gold Training System, the modern language of dog training developed by Bart Bellon. He formerly served as President of the Florida Law Enforcement Canine Association and was one of its founding members. He also served as a judge and instructor for FLECA.

Justin has been retained as an expert witness in civil litigation involving K-9 training, use of force, and deployment. He has had the opportunity to certify and train hundreds of police K-9 teams. Justin continually pursues further knowledge in many different applications of dog training by working with some of the top canine trainers in the world.

Rebeka

Rebeka is a passionate dog trainer with three years of dedicated experience in the field. She is NEPOPO ® GOLD CERTIFIED, reflecting her commitment to excellence and continuous learning in dog training methodologies.

Throughout her career, Rebeka has honed her skills by exploring different techniques and approaches, ensuring that she provides the best training experience for both dogs and their owners. She treats every client’s dog as if it were her own, fostering a nurturing and supportive environment that promotes trust and effective learning.

Her mission is to empower dog owners with the knowledge and tools they need to build a strong bond with their furry companions. Rebeka is committed to ongoing professional development to enhance her expertise and stay updated with the latest training methods.

Whether clients are looking to address specific behavioral issues or simply want to enhance their dog’s skills, Rebeka is dedicated to helping them achieve their goals.

Jonathan

Jonathan Acker is a Certified Dog Trainer completing his certification in 2020 under the instruction of Justin Rigney. Jonathan has loved dogs his whole life. He began training his family’s dogs at the age of 8. One of his first jobs was at a vet clinic caring for dogs while still in high school. Starting in college, Jonathan was very active in the East TN DVG Schutzhund dog Sport Club in Knoxville. He was a certified level 2 decoy in the sport. He trained and titled two different dogs, one to Schutzhund 3. Jonathan’s love of dogs led him to his career in law enforcement with the goal of being a K9 officer.

He achieved that goal in 2008. He’s  been an active K9 handler for over 16 years working four dogs. Jonathan leads his department’s K-9 unit and its training. Jonathan enjoys training dogs and building relationships with their owners.

James

James Presson started dog training with his family’s black Labrador when he was 13 years old. His love for dogs grew as he got older and ultimately led him into a career in law enforcement . He joined a Sheriffs office with the hope of becoming a k9 handler in 2012. James finally achieved his goal and became a K9 handler in 2016.

James currently has an active role as a K9 handler and trainer at his department and received his trainers certificate under the tutelage of Master Trainer Justin Rigney. Since then, James has had the opportunity to train many pet dogs for pet owners, families and friends and truly loves to help people connect with their dogs on a much deeper level.

Curtis

Curtis is a compassionate dog trainer at K9 Services Unlimited who takes pride in helping dogs and their families build strong, harmonious relationships. With a background as a U.S. Marine, Curtis brings patience, dedication, and clear communication to every training session, creating an environment where dogs can thrive. When he’s not working with dogs, Curtis is a skilled corporate jet technician, a role that sharpens his attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.

These qualities shine through in his training methods, ensuring each dog receives thoughtful, personalized care. Curtis believes in the power of trust and understanding to transform the bond between dogs and their families. His mission is to help every dog unlock their potential and bring joy to the people who love them.