Meet your trainer
At Pro 36, your dog works exclusively with one trainer at all times. No rotating staff, no handoffs. One relationship, consistent results.
Justin Schaefer
Tarheel Canine Certified
Justin is the lead and only trainer at Pro 36 Canine Academy. Every dog that comes through our program works exclusively with him — from the first day of training through the final graduation lesson at your home.
Justin is a graduate of Tarheel Canine Training Inc. in North Carolina, a globally renowned training institute with a reputation built on producing elite police and service dog trainers. The skills and methodology he developed there form the foundation of everything we do at Pro 36.
Justin’s approach is rooted in two core beliefs: that a balanced training method using all forms of communication works best, and that every dog and owner team is unique. What works for one client may look completely different for another — and that’s by design.
“A dog with a task that it is trained to do well is a happy dog. Our goal is not just an obedient dog — it’s a confident one that thrives because it knows the rules and knows how to succeed within them.”
— Justin Schaefer, Pro 36 Canine Academy
Tarheel Canine Training Inc.
Tarheel Canine Training Inc. is based in Sanford, North Carolina and is recognized globally as one of the most respected dog training academies in the world. Their graduates work as police K9 handlers, military dog trainers, and elite service animal trainers across the country.
Completing the Tarheel program is not a weekend certification — it is a rigorous, hands-on education in the science of canine behavior and the practical skills to apply it. Justin brings that standard of training to every dog and owner he works with at Pro 36.
How we think about training
Balanced means all four quadrants
We use the latest scientific findings on operant conditioning. That means we use all four quadrants — positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment — to communicate clearly and effectively with your dog.
Motivation is key
We use positive reinforcement to teach the expectation first, so your dog not only knows what to do but learns to enjoy doing it. Dogs thrive when they are set up to succeed. Then, once the expectation is understood, we transition to corrections — showing the dog it is now required, not just rewarded.
Every team is different
We recognize every dog and owner team to be unique. Our strategy looks different from client to client because the training needed is different. This allows us to address a diverse array of issues while still delivering results tailored to each individual case, every time.
Why Pro 36 exists
Our mission is to provide quality education for owner and dog using a well-balanced training program for the purpose of improving their relationship through clear communication.
We believe our dogs are part of the family and treat each case with the sensitivity and intentionality needed for success. Every dog that comes through our program is treated with the same care we would give to our own.
We offer several programs to accommodate the specific needs of each individual client and their canine companion — because no two families are the same, and the training shouldn’t be either.