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 has over 25 years of professional dog training experience and was a Law Enforcement Officer for 17 years. He spent 10 years as a K-9 handler and trainer. His unique background and experience in civilian dog training and as Police service dog training sets him a part from other trainers in his field.

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.