Our Training Philosophy
We believe great training comes from a healthy relationship built on clear expectations and communication. By blending a dog’s natural drives and motivation with structure and consistent cues, we create confident, reliable, and motivated dogs. Training extends beyond formal sessions, using everyday moments to reinforce behavior. The result is a well-rounded, adaptable dog and a handler who acts as a coach, not a dictator. Simply put, training should look like real life and feel like play.
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Contact us to schedule an in-person or online evaluation
About Hodge Canine
Our Values
Communication
We are transparent about how we work and why we do what we do. We prioritize clear communication between trainer and owner, and we help owners develop clear, effective communication with their dogs. When communication improves, confusion and reactivity decrease.
Quality over quantity
We choose depth over volume. By intentionally limiting the number of dogs we work with at one time, we are able to provide individualized attention, thoughtful training plans, and a calmer environment — which is especially important for reactive dogs and families who have run out of options.
Empathy
We believe empathy is a skill, not a sentiment. By understanding the human experience and the dog’s emotional state, we design training plans that respect both sides of the relationship. This dual perspective allows us to reduce conflict, improve communication, and support long-term behavioral change.
Continued Education
We believe great training starts with great education. Our methods are shaped by ongoing learning, research, and professional development. We prioritize educating owners on the why behind each training decision. When people understand the process, progress becomes more effective and sustainable.
Joe grew up always having a dog in the house, but his first real experience working with dogs came during his time in the military. As a former Army Ranger in the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, he worked closely with numerous K9s and progressed to serving as an Army K9 handler before being medically discharged in 2016.
While transitioning out of the military, Joe’s wife Emily brought home an 8-week-old lab mix named Porter as a wedding gift — a moment that sparked a deeper passion for dog training. What began as weekend training sessions evolved into a full-time vocation rooted in helping dogs and their families communicate more effectively.
Over time, Joe’s work has increasingly focused on reactive dogs — cases that require patience, clarity, and a deeper understanding of behavior. This specialization has shaped both his training philosophy and Hodge Canine’s commitment to education, communication, and owner empowerment.
Joe has been mentored and coached by some of the most respected trainers in the industry and continues his professional development through advanced education. He holds certifications from Animal Behavior College, American K-9 Interdiction, and the NePoPo® System Gold School. In addition to working directly with clients, Joe collaborates with other leading canine professionals to develop online educational courses, teaches seminars across the United States, and helps train and mentor other dog trainers — reflecting a commitment not just to training dogs, but to elevating standards within the profession. He has competed and titled multiple dogs in AKC Obedience, AKC Scent Work, and IGP.
Joe brings over a decade of canine experience to every case. He is a member of the East Valley Working Dog Club and the Arizona Malinois Club. He currently competes in IGP with his dog Lucky, and lives in Chandler, Arizona with his wife Emily and their two daughters.
Hodge Canine Services
Private Lessons
Private lessons offer individualized, hands-on training tailored to your dog and your home environment. We work one-on-one with owners to provide clear guidance, practical skills, and personalized training plans. In-home sessions are available throughout the East Valley Phoenix metro area.
Board and Train
Our Board & Train program offers an immersive training experience where your dog lives and trains in our home in a structured, intentional environment. During their 2, 4, or 6 week long stay, dogs receive individualized training and care. Following the program, owners participate in transfer lessons where we teach you the skills and concepts your dog has learned, ensuring a smooth transition back into your home.
Custom Training
Every dog and every family has a unique story. Custom Training allows us to design a personalized plan that aligns with your goals, your lifestyle, and your dog’s specific needs. This service may include online training, advanced public access training, or other specialty programs as appropriate.
Why We Specialize in Reactive Dogs
We are best known for our work with reactive dogs and our education-first approach to training.
Reactive dogs are often misunderstood. Their behavior is frequently labeled as disobedience or stubbornness, when in reality it is a response to stress, fear, or unmet needs. These cases require more than surface-level obedience — they require patience, clarity, and a deeper understanding of behavior.
Over time, our work has naturally shifted toward supporting reactive dogs and the people who live with them. We’ve found that lasting progress comes not from suppressing behavior, but from educating owners, adjusting environments, and teaching skills that help dogs navigate the world more confidently.
This specialization has shaped our training philosophy, our commitment to education, and the way we structure our programs. By focusing on reactive dogs, we are able to provide thoughtful, individualized training and help create calmer homes, clearer communication, and stronger relationships.
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Ignite Your Training System
This course is for students ready to dive deep into maximizing power and attitude in their training system. Rev up your food reward systems, learn how to 'play in prey' and build cornerstone behaviors into your training culture.
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