Veteran-Led Excellence in Professional Dog Training
When a Daniel Island family needs their aggressive rescue rehabilitated, they don’t call just any trainer. When Mount Pleasant executives need their puppy transformed while they’re traveling for business, they demand proven expertise. When Kiawah Island residents want military-grade reliability in their family dog, they choose the team with real-world, life-or-death K9 experience.
Meet the DOG OPS team – where military precision meets family-friendly results.
Every trainer on our team brings unique expertise, but we all share one common foundation: we understand that great dog training isn’t about dominance or quick fixes. It’s about building unbreakable trust, clear communication, and reliable results that last a lifetime.
United States Air Force Veteran | Military K9 Handler | Expert Dog Training Specialist
“I have trusted every dog partner I have had with my life, and that trust was built through blood, sweat, and tears. My goal is to offer you the same trust bond I shared with all of my K9 partners.”
Kolburn’s journey began in 2016 as a Security Forces member in the United States Air Force, but his true calling emerged in 2018 when he achieved his dream of becoming a military K9 handler. For years, he worked alongside highly trained K9 partners in some of the most demanding situations imaginable.
Presidential Security Operations – Supporting three Presidential administrations with flawless K9 performance
Secretary of State Protection Details – High-stakes security missions requiring absolute reliability •
Middle East Deployment Operations – Combat zone K9 operations under extreme conditions
Critical Infrastructure Protection – Securing vital government facilities and personnel
“Pushing my K9’s limits and challenging myself as a handler/trainer has been my mission since the day I was assigned my first dog.”
In military K9 operations, there are no second chances. Commands must be executed perfectly, immediately, every single time – because lives depend on it. This is the standard Kolburn brings to every Charleston family.
“Training Progress is made through consistency. Consistent progress is made through trust.”
Kolburn’s approach combines military discipline with genuine compassion for both dogs and families. He understands that the strongest working relationships – whether with a military working dog or a family pet – are built on mutual respect, clear communication, and positive reinforcement.
“The world of dog training is a never ending cycle of learning and the application of skills learned. The thought of dedicating my life to training dogs, with the expectation of learning something new every single day is my ultimate reward.”
For Kolburn, dog training isn’t just a career – it’s a calling. Every day presents new challenges, new learning opportunities, and new chances to strengthen the bond between families and their dogs. This passion for continuous improvement drives DOG OPS to stay at the forefront of modern dog training science.
“Training dogs is not a job to me, it is my life’s goal.”
While each trainer brings unique strengths and specializations, our entire team operates under the same core principles that made Kolburn successful in military K9 operations:
Puppy Development Specialists
Our puppy trainers understand critical development periods and use age-appropriate methods to build confident, well-socialized young dogs. Military precision applied to foundation building creates puppies who grow into exceptional family companions.
Behavioral Modification Experts
Reactive dogs, aggression cases, and anxiety issues require specialized knowledge and experience. Our team uses proven dog training methods and techniques.
Advanced Obedience Trainers When Charleston families need reliable off-leash control, competition-level precision, or service dog training, our advanced trainers deliver military-standard reliability in civilian applications.
Board & Train Coordinators Our residential training specialists manage comprehensive transformation programs with the same attention to detail and systematic approach used in military K9 development.
Real-World Pressure Testing
Military K9 handlers don’t get the luxury of “practice runs” – their training must work perfectly under life-threatening conditions. This experience creates trainers who understand what truly reliable training looks like.
Crisis Management Skills
When aggressive incidents occur or behavioral emergencies arise, military-trained handlers have experience staying calm, assessing situations clearly, and implementing effective solutions immediately.
Systematic Training Approach
Military training follows proven systems and protocols. Every step has a purpose, every outcome is measurable, and every program is designed for consistent replication and success.
Leadership Under Pressure
Military handlers learn to lead confidently in stressful situations. This translates to calm, authoritative guidance that helps both dogs and families feel secure during training challenges.
Precision Without Intimidation
Military training methods focus on clear communication and positive reinforcement – the same principles that create happy family pets. We bring the reliability without the severity.
Structure That Creates Freedom
Military dogs are often the most confident dogs you’ll meet because they understand their role and trust their handlers completely. This same clarity creates peaceful family relationships.
Mission Success Mindset
In military operations, failure isn’t an option. We bring this commitment to your family’s training goals – we don’t quit until you achieve the results you need.
Specialized Training:
Continuing Education:
These aren’t just reviews – they’re transformation stories from real Charleston families who went from frustration to joy with their dogs.
What Sets Our Team Apart:
Whether you need puppy foundation training, behavioral modification, advanced obedience, or complete dog transformation through our Board & Train program, our team has the expertise and experience to deliver the results your family deserves.
Foundation Programs:
Specialized Services:
Advanced Training:
