SEMPER AMICI CANINE TRAINING
(Owner, Training Director, & Instructor)
With over 20 years of dog handling and training experience plus education, Jose began his career with dogs in 2006 after joining the U.S. Marine Corps the year prior, and was chosen to serve as a Military Working Dog Handler. During his enlistment, Jose completed two tours of duty in Iraq in 2007 and 2008 alongside his Patrol & Explosives Detection Military Working Dog, Gris (The face on our logo!).
In 2010 Jose completed his active duty service. Thereafter he continued to pursue a career in dog handling and training. He worked as a K9 handler and instructor on a private security contract in Indonesia, then later as an explosives detection canine handler for the Department of Homeland Security, before diving further into the world of pet training.
Jose has attended Starmark Academy, School for Dog Trainers, where he earned his certification as a Canine Training & Behavior Specialist. After a year of working at a reputable dog training facility in Houston where he held the position of Training Director, Jose ventured off on his own to fulfill his dream of owning and operating his own dog training business. He has continued to attend educational workshops and seminars, and most recently he has completed training and received his certification in NePoPo®, a world renowned dog training system.
Jose is committed to Semper Amici’s mission which is the proper development, care, and enrichment of dogs as well as the enlightenment and education of their dedicated owners. Through this mission Jose’s goal is to keep as many dogs from being unnecessarily abandoned, re-homed, and/or euthanized while educating and guiding owners on the best ways to live and communicate with their fur-legged family members.
(Co-Owner & Operations Manager)
Patty runs Semper Amici Canine Training alongside Jose, her husband and partner of 15+ years. Her background in communication sciences and disorders, case management, education, and coaching parents gives her a unique look at behavior…which can be shockingly parallel to dog training!
Certified in Pet CPR and First Aid, Patty and her experienced team genuinely have your and your pup’s backs. For Patty, nothing beats watching those relationships flourish. She always says: if you think you and your dog are besties now, just wait until you start training. It completely changes the game and takes your bond to a whole new level once you’re both on the exact same wavelength.
When she isn’t working you can find her at home hanging out with her own beloved pack: Whinston, Whillow, Ricky Bobby, and Odo.
(Training Team)
Justin began his dog training journey after leaving the kitchen during COVID. He enjoys meeting new pups and building fun and meaningful relationships with them.
His favorite part of the job is shaping new behaviors and watching dogs discover new skills. He is certified in Pet First Aid and CPR, an AKC CGC Evaluator, and has completed the NePoPo® New Silver School Program.
At home, he has three animals: two cats, Annabelle and Melvin, and a Staffordshire mix named Captain Winston “The Pig” Rehs-Smith. He also competes in the World Championship BBQ Cookoff in Houston every year.
(Training Team)
Jessie’s passion for dogs began early and grew into a career helping owners build stronger relationships with their pets. At Semper Amici, she enjoys working with each dog’s unique personality and leading enrichment walks.
Jessie is Pet CPR certified, a CGC Evaluator, and holds certifications from Animal Behavior College and NePoPo® New Silver School program. At home, her dogs Saphira (lab mix), Bella (shar pei) and Aiba (mini australian shepherd) continue to inspire her passion, and outside of work she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.
(Senior Caretaker & Enrichment Assistant)
Andrea began her animal care career in 2012, gaining valuable experience as a kennel technician, adoption counselor, and veterinary assistant before joining Semper Amici.
Certified in Pet CPR and First Aid, she blends her deep knowledge and intuition to create enriching, bonded experiences for every dog training in our program. She dedicates quality time to each dog to ensure they have a safe, fulfilling experience while they work toward graduation.
At home, Andrea is a proud mom to her two children, Adrian and Kennya, and loves snuggling with her two cats, Pumpkin and Kiri, while keeping the memory of her beloved past pets close to her heart.
(Canine Care Team)
Karla grew up with dogs and has loved dogs her whole life. She has 3 pups of her own, Honey- 7 year old pitbull mix , Daisy- 5 year old pitbull mix and King- 5 year old pitbull mix.
Karla first started her journey working with pups at the Houston SPCA as a kennel tech, and after that became a caretaker at Semper Amici where she became Pet CPR certified. Her favorite thing about working at Semper Amici is meeting all the different dogs and getting to know their personalities.
She loves to go out in the yard with them and play and give them belly rubs. On Karla’s free time she likes to practice baking (although she is far from a professional) and spend time with her family.
