- Serving Tampa Bay, FL And Surrounding Areas
Trusted by pet owners, agencies, schools, and corporate partners throughout Tampa Bay.
At Paws on the Ground Dog Training, we believe exceptional dogs are built through clear communication, leadership, and a deep understanding of canine behavior. With more than 18 years of combined professional experience, our mission extends beyond obedience training—we are committed to improving the welfare of dogs, elevating industry standards, and creating lasting success for both dogs and their owners.
Our philosophy is rooted in education. We empower owners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to better understand their dogs and navigate everyday life together. By establishing a clear and fair system of communication, we help strengthen the relationship between dog and owner, creating a foundation built on trust, accountability, and mutual understanding.
We recognize that no two dogs are alike. That is why every training program is tailored to the individual dog, taking into consideration their temperament, genetics, age, breed tendencies, and disposition. Our balanced, results-driven approach utilizes proven training principles and learning theory to effectively reinforce desired behaviors while addressing unwanted ones in a fair, clear, and humane manner.
Whether your goal is improved obedience, better manners, increased reliability, or resolving behavioral challenges, our programs are designed to create meaningful, lasting results that enhance the quality of life for both you and your dog.
Because exceptional dogs don’t happen by chance— they are developed through education, consistency, and purpose.
My passion for dogs extends far beyond training, it is the foundation of my career and the driving force behind everything we do at Paws on the Ground Dog Training. For more than a decade, I have dedicated myself to studying canine behavior, improving animal welfare, and helping owners build meaningful, lasting relationships with their dogs.
Having grown up immersed in the dog industry, I was fortunate to witness firsthand the impact that proper training, communication, and understanding can have on both dogs and their owners. Those early experiences cultivated a deep respect for dogs and inspired a lifelong commitment to learning, teaching, and advocating for them.
After serving five years in the United States military, I transitioned into the professional dog training industry and purchased my first two working Belgian Malinois in 2017. Through extensive training and competition, both dogs earned multiple titles and accolades while demonstrating the stable temperament, reliability, and obedience that I strive to develop in every dog I work with.
My commitment to education has remained unwavering throughout my career. I have spent years studying under respected trainers, attending seminars, and pursuing advanced continuing education opportunities. In 2022, I graduated as a Gold Certified student from the world-renowned NePoPo® Training School— an accomplishment that placed me among a select group of trainers worldwide to achieve that distinction at the time.
Today, I continue to invest heavily in my education through ongoing mentorship and training with some of the most respected professionals across the country. This commitment allows me to stay at the forefront of canine behavior and training.
Above all, I am passionate about helping dogs and their owners succeed together. Every dog that enters our program is treated as one of my own, and every owner is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to maintain long-term success. It is a privilege to be part of that journey, and I look forward to helping you and your dog become the best team possible.
After serving 14 years in the United States military, I began the next chapter of my career as a K9 handler with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
During my time as a k9 handler I successfully certified my working dog in obedience, tracking, and explosive detection.
My work in the K9 field ultimately sparked a passion for helping everyday dog owners achieve the same level of clarity, trust, and partnership with their dogs. That passion became the foundation of my journey into the pet dog training industry, where I have dedicated myself to helping dogs reach their full potential.
Outside of professional training, I remain actively involved in the dog world through training with my personal Belgian Malinois. Working with high-performance dogs has provided invaluable insight into canine behavior, drive development, and advanced training principles— knowledge that continues to benefit every dog and owner I work with today.
I firmly believe that great trainers never stop learning. Continuing education is a cornerstone of my philosophy, and I regularly attend seminars and train alongside respected professionals across the country to stay current with the latest advancements in canine behavior and training. This commitment allows me to bring proven, effective, and practical training solutions to every dog and owner I work with.
Helping owners better understand their dogs and build stronger relationships through training is one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do. I look forward to helping you and your dog develop the skills, communication, and trust needed to thrive together.
What our clients say
“I have met many dog trainers over the last 10 years and these guys are the best. They have an amazing kennel set up, great training area, top training tools, and they care about your dog. They also travel to get training themselves from…”
“I was skeptical at first because I had already sent my Belgian Malinois, Kilo, to training somewhere else. I couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised! Paws on the Ground is absolutely amazing. Honestly, I should have known by the name…”
“I talked to many dog trainers but ultimately decided to go with Paws on the Ground because of the personalized communication and understanding with the training. The Trainers went above and beyond teaching me and fiancé all the work and…”
Reviews from Google · Read all 92 reviews
H&N - CEO PRESIDENT
H&N - CEO PRESIDENT
H&N - CEO PRESIDENT
