Dustin started his career in 1999 and has gained experience in the following positions before joining NCCT: United States Marine Corps Working Dog Handler, Private Security Canine Handler for U.S. Dignitaries, Multi-Purpose Canine (MPC) Trainer for Naval Special Warfare, and MPC Instructor for Marine Corps Special Operations Command.

His passion for dog training and desire to create an unbreakable bond between dog and owner is second to none.

Canine Good Citizen Certifier
After a distinguished career in the military, Cindy joined the SkillBridge program in search of a fulfilling second career centered on canine behavior. Her analytical mindset and natural patience allow her to master the nuances of training, utilizing innovative positive reinforcement techniques to build confidence in shy and rescue dogs. Now a key member of the team at North County Canine Training, she has become a client favorite for her calm demeanor and her specialized talent for obedience, which she considers one of her primary fortes.

In addition to her work with individual behavior modification, Cindy serves as one of the main instructors for group obedience classes, where she excels at guiding both dogs and their owners through foundational and advanced skills. While she currently works as a part-time trainer, she is dedicated to deepening her impact within the animal world by pursuing her studies to become a veterinary technician, ensuring she can support dogs through both behavioral excellence and medical care.

Steven spent 13 years as a Naval Aviator. This experience shaped how he leads, communicates, and stays calm under pressure, skills that translate directly to the training field. He holds degrees from Arizona State University and Harvard Kennedy School, and brings that same rigor and structured thinking to his work with dogs. His path into training began with his own Belgian Malinois, Tom, whose drive and intelligence pushed him to dig deeper into how dogs think and learn. This led him to North County Canine Training, where he learned from Dustin and Jess before joining the team full-time.

Steven has a particular interest in obedience, tracking andtrailing, and detection work. He approaches every dog with attention to their individual temperament and drive. He puts weight on consistency, believing that lasting results come from training plans built around a dog's specific needs rather than a one-size-fits-all method.

Steven is focused on building trust between dogs and handlersthat holds up outside the training center, not just inside it. When he's off the clock, he's usually out working Tom, still learning as much from him as he teaches to others.