Justin Runco, Certified Master Dog Trainer
I served in the U.S. Army and was medically retired. I went into dog training because I like seeing behavior change - and because too many dogs end up in shelters, or are put down, for things that can be helped. Board & Train is where I can make the biggest difference: one dog, living in my home, with the time and structure it takes to build habits that last. I also do my best not to rely on training tools - and when one is needed, I build the plan so you can lean your dog off it over time, as long as what you practice at home stays consistent with the plan I leave you.
Who you work with
Justin founded Reinforcement & Reward Canine Training and runs every evaluation and training program personally. Reinforcement & Reward is veteran-owned and serves Gainesville and the surrounding area.
I served in the U.S. Army and was medically retired. I went into dog training because I like seeing behavior change - and because too many dogs end up in shelters, or are put down, for things that can be helped. Board & Train is where I can make the biggest difference: one dog, living in my home, with the time and structure it takes to build habits that last. I also do my best not to rely on training tools - and when one is needed, I build the plan so you can lean your dog off it over time, as long as what you practice at home stays consistent with the plan I leave you.
One dog at a time
Your dog is the only dog in training — never one of a kennel full. Every session, walk, and outing is one-on-one with Justin.
A home, not a kennel
Your dog lives in Justin's home on a household routine — doors, guests, meals, downtime — so what it learns is what it will actually face at your house.
Tools are a last resort
Justin does his best to train without a prong or e-collar. If one is needed, it is never put on your dog until you have talked it through and agreed — and the plan is built so your dog can lean off it over time.
Honest scope
We tell you what two weeks can and cannot do, and we don’t promise a "100% reliable" dog in a month. What we do promise is a trained dog, a written plan, and enough lessons to keep it.
Twenty-four weeks, hands-on, at a 50-acre campus in Harmony, North Carolina. Here’s what that covered.
Certification
Master Dog Trainer
Graduate of Highland Canine Training, awarded Dec 15, 2023.
School
Highland's School for Dog Trainers
Harmony, North Carolina — 50-acre campus, GI Bill / VA-approved.
Program
24-week full-time hands-on program
4 specialty tracks.
Twenty-four weeks, hands-on, at a 50-acre campus in Harmony, North Carolina. Here’s what that covered.
- On/off-leash obedience
- Problem-behavior rehabilitation
- Canine body language and learning theory
- Aggression and reactivity
- Service dog training
- Detection and scent work
- Tracking and trailing
- Bitework fundamentals
- Business management
I served in the U.S. Army and was medically retired. I went into dog training because I like seeing behavior change - and because too many dogs end up in shelters, or are put down, for things that can be helped. Board & Train is where I can make the biggest difference: one dog, living in my home, with the time and structure it takes to build habits that last. I also do my best not to rely on training tools - and when one is needed, I build the plan so you can lean your dog off it over time, as long as what you practice at home stays consistent with the plan I leave you.
How working with Justin actually goes
See the full step-by-step process01
A free hour, first.
Justin runs every evaluation himself. An hour with you and your dog, no charge, before anything is booked.
02
A written plan.
Goals, a cue list, house rules, and a guide and video for every skill. Yours to keep.
03
The handover.
Training that stays in Justin's house isn't training. You learn to run it yourself, then you get him on the phone when it wobbles.
Veteran-owned
U.S. Army, medically retired. Reinforcement & Reward is veteran-owned and run by one person — the same one who answers the phone, runs your evaluation, and trains your dog.
Start with a free hour
Every evaluation is run by Justin — not handed off, not a sales call. An hour with you and your dog, then an honest recommendation about what your dog actually needs.
Or call (352) 665-2204 · Mon–Fri, 7:00 AM–8:00 PM EST