Meet the Team

Rob
Manager / K9 HandlerThe love and affection that Rob shows to his dogs are beyond impressive. There is no better example of what a good clear-headed obedient sport dog is if you were to meet his beloved Ado. Rob has always had a love of dogs and this drew him into the K9 world. He is a good handler and takes the time to travel the country to attend as many seminars as he can to continue learning different techniques and current training methods to keep his dogs on their toes. Competing in Protection Competitions has become a passion for Rob and his dogs. Rob served an honorable 4 years in the Army as Military Police. following that Rob served an additional 3 years in the civilian law enforcement sector.

Bryan
Operations ManagerBryan is a Native of Oklahoma but has spent most of his life in Northwest Arkansas. Over approximately 4years with Joint Forces K9, Bryan has worked his way through the ranks and earned the title of Team Lead / AdministrationAssistant. Bryan has over 500 trained dogs under his belt, and the number continues to grow rapidly. From high profile clients/dogs to the most basic puppy needs, Bryan always surpasses expectations on training and continuously strives to learn new innovative techniques to better his success with each dog. His determination to succeed is beyond reproach, and he tirelessly does whatever is necessary to create a happy, healthy, and long-lasting relationship between person and pet.

Michael
Dog TrainerMy name is Michael Manere. I was born in Bangor, Maine, and raised in Connecticut. Growing up around many dogs I found a passion for animals early on. After high school, I joined the U.S. Marines where I would get my very own dog. While still in the marines I began fostering dogs for local shelters and shortly after finishing my service I began training privately in my hometown along with working at a local kennel. With my experience handling breeds of all shapes, sizes, and temperaments you can be confident that your dog will return a happy, healthy and obedient best friend.

Brianna
Canine Behavior SpecialistBrianna Bandera was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She has had a lifelong relationship with animals, and her passion began as soon as she could walk. As a young girl she would watch the neighborhood cats play for hours, and even managed to tame some of the feral kittens to help them find homes forever. As Brianna got older and was allowed to leave the block her house was on, she began catching and bringing home the lost dogs in the neighborhood. She was fearless and determined regardless of size and breed, and quickly learned she had a talent for being able to read a dog’s body language and understand what they were trying to communicate. At 16 years old Brianna started working with many foster organizations, and would mainly foster bully breed dogs in her home from the city’s high kill shelter. Many came to her with little to no training, as well as behavioral problems, but she managed to ensure they learned proper manners to find their forever homes. She fostered and saved over 50 dogs while working with the rescue. When she didn’t have a foster to care for she worked as a dog walker and in-home dog sitter. She always knew her true calling and passion were with dogs.

Hailey
Dog TrainerHailey is a native of Arizona but has spent time in Nevada, Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri and is now ready to start her journey in Arkansas. She’s always loved animals and has been around them her whole life, from family dogs and living on a farm to owning her very own dogs. Hailey started as a groomer, but after getting her German Shepherd, Sebas, she decided she wanted to know more about dog behavior and how to properly raise the newest member of her family. She and her new furry companion decided to attend Kennelwood Academy together, where she and Sebas bonded and learned. During the program, she also welcomed Nyx, another German Shepherd, to her pack. After completing Kennelwood, her journey for knowledge led her to Joint Forces. Hailey looks forward to helping you and your dog learn to communicate and set healthy boundaries through training!

Brandon
Lead Kennel TechnicianHello, my name is Brandon Shull and I am 28 years old. I am a Kennel Tech here at Joint Forces K9, but look forward to growing and expanding my knowledge for all different breeds of dogs! I was born in Joplin, MO and was raised in Missouri for most of my childhood. When I was about 10 years old my family moved from Missouri to Oklahoma to work at a poultry farm. My first pet dog was introduced to me when we moved to the farm. Ever since then I have always had a love for dogs!

Nick
Kennel TechnicianMy name is Nick Sisk, I was born in Connecticut. My whole life I’ve been around animals, I had a dog growing up that I always loved to come home to. I am here to make sure your dog is thoroughly taken care of and safely watched over. I love dogs, and I’m excited to work for Joint Forces K9.

Autumn
Dog TrainerAutumn Bandera is from Chicago, Illinois. Her family always owned a dog growing up, as well as fostered for local rescues, so she understands the care and love that goes into keeping a dog happy. She rescued her own Australian Cattle Dog, who had some behavior issues, which led to Autumn’s interest in training. After high school, she worked as a kennel attendant at a dog training facility, which gave her experience handling dogs of all types. She came to Joint Forces K9 to expand her knowledge on dog training and behavior.

Danny
Kennel TechnicianDanny is from Arkansas, before he became a kennel tech he worked in manufacturing and sales. He has a background in graphic design and music but has recently found a passion for working with dogs. Danny’s goal is to become a trainer and specialize in Service Dogs. He has a dog named Echo. He found Echo after he was dumped and rescued. Danny truly believes that every dog deserves A chance. With this belief, he hopes to succeed in becoming a trainer so that every dog he works with will have an opportunity to show and live their best life.