JUSTIN RIE
MASTER DOG TRAINER
Marine Corps discipline. Texas-family warmth. 5,000+ dogs personally trained — and a company built on doing right by every one of them.
Justin Rie is the owner and Master Trainer of Off Leash K9 Training Houston. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran with 15+ years of professional experience, 5,000+ dogs personally trained, and 100+ trainers developed, Justin leads a Houston team rated 4.8★ across 297+ Google reviews. The company is under his ownership and management, part of the national Off Leash K9 Training network founded by Nick White.
FROM THE CORPS TO K9s
Justin's approach to dog training was forged in the United States Marine Corps, where reliability isn't a preference — it's the standard lives depend on. That mindset defines his training philosophy today: a trained dog isn't one that performs in the living room for a treat. It's one that listens off-leash, first command, around real-world distractions — because the recall that only works when it's easy isn't a recall, and the day it fails is the day your dog is running toward FM 1960 traffic.
Over 15+ years as a professional trainer, Justin has personally trained more than 5,000 dogs — 8-week-old puppies, deaf dogs, competition prospects, and the severe aggression cases other Houston trainers turned away. Along the way he has helped develop more than 100 professional trainers, with over 300 hours of hands-on instruction behind his Master Trainer title. His methodology is balanced: marker-based communication, positive reinforcement, and modern low-level e-collar conditioning — never harsh, never gimmicky. He wrote up his honest take, including when e-collars are the wrong tool, in our e-collar training guide.
THE PHILOSOPHY IN THREE RULES
TRAIN THE HOUSEHOLD
"A trained dog with an untrained family lasts about three weeks." Every program ends with an owner-transfer session because the humans, not the dog, decide whether results survive.
HONESTY BEFORE THE SALE
Some dogs need less training than owners fear; some behavioral cases need management, not miracles. That gets said at the free evaluation — never discovered after payment.
PROOF OVER PROMISES
Off-leash reliability is demonstrated, filmed, and repeated around real distractions before any dog goes home. Watch the evidence on the videos page.
WHAT HE'S BUILT IN HOUSTON
Under Justin's ownership and management, Off Leash K9 Training Houston runs from a physical training facility in NW Houston (77070) — board & train dogs live and train with professional trainers in a home environment, not in kennel runs. The program architecture reflects his standards end to end: every dog starts with a free evaluation, every graduation includes the owner-transfer session, and core Board & Train programs carry a lifetime refresher — the full commitment is written out on our guarantee page and the step-by-step client journey on our process page.
He doesn't work alone. Lead Trainer Brandon is a U.S. Air Force veteran and former Military Working Dog handler — meet the whole team on the About page. Together they've earned 4.8★ across 297+ Google reviews from Houston families whose stories run from "puppy who wouldn't stop biting the kids" to "rescue who hadn't walked calmly in four years" — read them on the testimonials page, or verify every company fact on the fact sheet.
A note on veterans: as a Marine, Justin has a soft spot for training dogs for fellow veterans — including foundation work for PTSD support dogs (see service dog training). If you served, say so when you call.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who owns Off Leash K9 Training Houston?
Off Leash K9 Training Houston is owned and operated by Justin Rie, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Master Trainer with 15+ years of experience, 5,000+ dogs personally trained, and 100+ professional trainers developed. The company is under his ownership and management as part of the national Off Leash K9 Training network founded by Nick White.
What training method does Justin Rie use?
A balanced methodology: marker-based communication, positive reinforcement, and modern low-level e-collar conditioning — built for 95% off-leash reliability around real-world distractions. Never harsh, never gimmicky. His full honest breakdown, including when e-collars are the wrong tool, is in the site's e-collar training guide.
What does 'Master Trainer' mean at Off Leash K9?
It reflects the highest training tier in the Off Leash K9 network: 300+ hours of advanced hands-on instruction plus years of documented results across thousands of dogs — including behavioral and aggression cases, not just obedience.
How experienced is the Off Leash K9 Houston team?
Justin Rie brings 15+ years and 5,000+ dogs of personal training experience; Lead Trainer Brandon is a U.S. Air Force veteran and former Military Working Dog handler. The team holds a 4.8-star rating across 297+ Google reviews.
Can I meet Justin's team before enrolling my dog?
Yes — every dog starts with a free evaluation at the NW Houston facility. You'll talk with the team, get an honest assessment of your dog, and understand the recommended program and price before spending a dollar.
TRAIN WITH JUSTIN'S TEAM
Start with a free evaluation — honest assessment, veteran standards, zero pressure.