As a child, Joey grew up in a household with a stringent “no pets allowed” policy, fueling his fervent desire for canine companionship. Determined to fill the void, he sought out neighborhood dogs for play and interaction.

Venturing into the demanding realm of the food service industry as an adult, Joey’s irregular and lengthy work hours made dog ownership impractical. Undeterred, he immersed himself in animal welfare by volunteering at local shelters and eagerly accepting opportunities to pet-sit for friends and colleagues.

His professional journey led him through the intricate world of coffee education, where he honed his skills by training numerous baristas for a burgeoning specialty coffee chain. Transitioning to the culinary scene, Joey traversed kitchens in bustling metropolises like New York, Los Angeles, Rome, and even China. Despite his globe-trotting adventures, he often quipped about his lifelong aspiration: to carve out enough free time for a faithful canine companion.

Finally realizing his dream, Joey swapped his chef’s whites for a dog training vest and welcomed Rila into his life—an exuberant Malinois. Instantly recognizing his newfound calling, he embarked on a journey that transcended mere hobbyism, evolving into a profound career and passion.

His formal training commenced with enrollment in the rigorous Immersion Program at Michael Ellis School, where he not only gained invaluable knowledge but also acquired his second Malinois. Joey further honed his skills through apprenticeships with seasoned colleagues in the dog training community.

Competing in Mondioring with his dog Elmo, Certified as a Level 1 Mondioring Decoy, and competing in Schutzhund/IGP with his dog Rila, Joey’s dedication to his craft knows no bounds. Yet, amidst his training endeavors and exhilarating hikes, he finds solace in visiting his parents’ senior dogs, relishing the tranquility of a slower-paced life.