AMS Canine Services

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Over the last eight years I have been working to establish a place in the canine security market. Whether it was working for a local trainer or improving my knowledge though training class’s,  I eventually gravitated toward the detection environment. In July of 2024 I started with a Germain Shorthair Pointer puppy who I name “Jhonny Cash.”  He became the catalyst of my obsession with the explosive detection world. While working with a local trainer we exposed Cash to several odors, eventually ending up in an advanced handler’s class with a well-known company in Northern California.   During this course it was apparent that Cash was not at the level needed to immediately go to work and additional time was needed for him to mature into his job requirements. Cash is still with me, and we are working on getting him a place in the detection world.  

After building my basic handler skills with Jhonny Cash, I acquired Thanos from a handler in Chicago, Illinois, and we immediately began training together as a team. Despite his ominous name and the breed’s high-drive reputation, Thanos has developed into a dedicated, thoughtful, and responsive canine partner. Today, we provide explosive detection services for a wide range of events, including high-profile venues throughout the western states. Thanos loves working and performs at his best in operational environments, bringing focus, discipline, and strong search drive to every assignment.

When Thanos is not working, he enjoys training, playing with his little sisters at home, and, of course, playing fetch at our local park. Working together has allowed us to strengthen his natural intelligence and powerful detection drive. Through that partnership, Thanos has become not only my trusted working partner, but also my best friend in one of today’s most important service roles.

Over the past 30 years, I have continually sought opportunities to learn, grow, and better serve my community. Early in my career, I put myself through an open-enrollment Probation Academy at my local junior college. That training led to an opportunity to work with juvenile probationers in both correctional and field settings, giving me firsthand experience with an important part of the law enforcement community.

As budgets decreased, I was transferred to our local Sheriff’s Department, where the traditions, honor, and pride of serving in a Sheriff’s Office strengthened my commitment to public service. During this time, I gained experience in several areas of corrections, including line work and service as a Training Officer.
 

Wanting to broaden my experience, I applied for and was selected as a Canine Deputy. After years of training dogs, I finally entered the working-dog arena with my German Shepherd, Kenzo. This role challenged me personally and professionally as I learned to manage a high-drive apprehension dog—training as a decoy and taking repeated bites to controlling Kenzo during suspect apprehensions, working odor on tracks, and locating evidence during article searches.

I was promoted to Sergeant and later to Lieutenant during the remainder of my career. Serving in both field and administrative roles gave me valuable perspective on goal alignment, resource and budget management, process improvement, and staff development. That experience helps me perform more effectively as a handler and navigate the subcontractor arena with a clear understanding of the big picture.

I enjoy traveling throughout the western states with my canine partner, Thanos, providing professional security and detection services for a wide range of events and venues. Each assignment offers a new opportunity to support public safety, assist event staff, and help create a secure environment for guests, participants, and the surrounding community. I value the experience and growth gained through our work at concerts, major sporting events, conventions, and local community debates.
 

I take pride in being reliable, prepared, and easy to work with, whether serving as a subcontractor or as the primary provider for your event. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience, professionalism, and commitment to service can support your next event. 

If you are interested in local dog training, I would be happy to discuss your dog’s individual needs and help create a plan that fits both the dog and the owner. I offer basic obedience training, guidance with manners and structure, and support for dogs that need help building confidence in new or challenging environments. This can be especially helpful for rescue dogs or dogs with environmental sensitivities that may need patience, consistency, and clear communication to succeed. My goal is to help each dog become more confident, manageable, and enjoyable to live with, while also giving owners practical tools they can use every day.
 

My experience with dogs began at age 13, when I showed a Welsh Corgi, and it has continued throughout my life through formal training at an Academy of Canine Training, work with my own pets, and later employment with a trainer near my home in Ramona after retirement. That background has given me a strong appreciation for the importance of trust, patience, and balanced expectations when working with dogs of different ages, backgrounds, and temperaments.