Jose Began

With over 17 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 a U.S. Government agency, before diving further into the world of pet training. Jose attended Starmark Academy School for Dog Trainers and earned a certification as a Canine Training & Behavior Specialist. After a year of working at a reputable dog training facility in Houston where he became the Training Director, Jose decided to venture off on his own and fulfil his dream of owning and operating his own dog training business. Most recently he has completed training and received his certification in NePoPo , a world renowned dog training system developed by one of the best dog trainers in the world, Bart Bellon. Jose is committed to Semper Amici's mission which is the proper development, care, and enrichment of dogs as well as the enlightenment of their 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.