Meet Antonio
Antonio grew up in upstate New York and began his journey in canine training by enlisting in the Marine Corps in 2004. A year later, he graduated from the Military Working Dog Handler Course. Stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Antonio deployed to Iraq three times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He later transferred to Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, where he applied his experience to train new working dogs and handlers. His exceptional skills in communication and instruction- teaching both untrained dogs and novice trainers- quickly set him apart. This led to his selection as a Master Trainer, placing him in the top 10% of dog trainers across the Department of Defense. After nine years of dedicated active service, Antonio received an Honorable Discharge.
Transitioning his talents to civilian roles, Antonio joined the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) as a canine trainer in Front Royal, Virginia. There, he served as an instructor at the National Canine Academy, teaching new dogs and handlers from various Department of Justice agencies, as well as state and local law enforcement. He was also a team member of the National Odor Recognition Testing (NORT) program, traveling nationwide to train and collaborate with over 500 federal, state, local, and military canine teams each year. Antonio then relocated to San Antonio, Texas to work for the Department of Homeland Security, where he trained and evaluated dogs to bolster security at airports throughout the United States.
Eventually, Antonio moved to Kentucky and became a police officer with the Louisville Metro Police Department. After two years, he chose to pursue his true passion full-time: helping dogs and their owners thrive. This inspired him to found Derby City Canine Academy, where he brings his extensive military, federal, and law enforcement experience to everyday pet training. At Derby City Canine Academy, Antonio combines proven techniques with a compassionate approach to create confident, well-behaved dogs and empowered owners. Whether you're dealing with basic obedience, behavioral challenges, or advanced skills, Antonio's background ensures tailored, effective training that builds lasting bonds.
