Meet Antonio Rodriguez | Professional Canine Trainer & Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Antonio Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Antonio, how do you think about risk?
A calculated risk is a healthy approach to achieving life and professional milestones. Michelle and I place our faith in God and continuously seek his guidance.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the founder and lead instructor of Olive Branch K9, LLC. (located in Mount Pleasant, TX). I started the company in 2010 while I was still on active duty in the USAF. I was full of ambition and thought I was making all the right connections during the company’s infancy. I made the poor decision to relocate to California (for personal reasons) and found that the market in that state was very challenging. That experience taught me to understand the market and do more research. In 2014 we shelved the company, and I decided to seek other opportunities as a Private Military Contractor (PMC). I will never discount the experience I gained from this opportunity, I was able to broaden my canine training experience outside of the military, do tons of networking, and learn other critical skills within the high-threat security industry.

In 2016 I obtained employment with the Department of Homeland Security and worked briefly for the TSA canine program at the Denver, Colorado International Airport. during this period, I attached myself to some of the best trainers in the program. I learned a lot about the various training methods and challenges of training a Passenger Screening Canine (PSC). Again another Blessing of great encounters, friendships, and building relationships. In between all these moves, I eventually sold Olive Branch K9 but stayed on as a consultant.

Olive Branch K9 now provides an exclusive line of working labradors and training services for special operations, law enforcement and military professionals. Over the years I have been Blessed to work with and learn from some of the best in the canine industry. I have used that knowledge to build relationships with canine prractioneers across the industry and foster networking opportunities for other military veterans. Michelle and I are passionate about supporting veterans and law enforcement.

This passion has helped us grow and expand our apparel business that we started in 2021. Old Republic of Canine Apparel Company provides functional, and durable apparel (with a unique style), for law enforcement, special operations, and military professionals. Performance is our branding niche – under your body armor, in the gym, on the training field, on the shooting range, streets, and the battlefield.

Michelle and I will be launching ORO-K9 Service, DBA, in 2023. Services will include grooming and board & train services for Northeast Texas and East Metro Dallas, Texas.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Living in Colorado is afforded us an opportunity to meet great people and visit some great areas. In the Monument Colorado area, I would recommend the Palmer Lake Pub or Back East Bar and Grill. I also cannot forget one of the best coffee shops in Monument, Wesley Owens Coffee Shop.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to recognize my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and my beautiful wife Michelle for her continued faith and encouragement over the years.

Website: https://www.olivebranchk9.com/ https://www.oldrepublick9.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/olive_branchk9?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://instagram.com/orok9workwear?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-arod-rodriguez-0a0b704a

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olivebranchk9 https://www.facebook.com/OldRepublicK9

Image Credits
Antonio Rodriguez