Head Trainer — Joel Ryals
I’m Joel Ryals—professional dog trainer, combat veteran, and father. For me, training protection dogs isn’t just a career—it’s a mission.
I specialize in developing Executive and Family Protection Dogs that bring real peace of mind to the people who rely on them. Every dog I train is built to perform under pressure, but more importantly, to live safely and confidently as part of your family.
What drives me is knowing that when the world feels uncertain, you can sleep soundly—because the dog at your side has been trained to protect, respond, and stay steady when it matters most.
Teaching clients how to handle their dogs and navigate real-world, high-stress situations isn’t just what I do—it’s what I’m built for.
Learn MoreDog Trainer, Combat Veteran, Father
Like you, I’m always learning. Over the years, I’ve seen “success” defined in countless ways—money, status, recognition. But through my 15 years of Army service across active duty, National Guard, and Reserves, I came to understand success differently.
Success is peace of mind.
It’s knowing your family is protected. It’s the confidence that comes from having a loyal, capable dog by your side—a dog trained to perform when it counts and stay calm when it doesn’t.
As a father of eight, I understand the balance between protection and peace in a busy home. That’s why every Fortress K9 dog is trained to be both safe and stable—protective when needed, gentle with children and guests, and confident in any environment.
If this is your first time here, I want to personally welcome you. Take a moment to explore this site—watch our dogs in action on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, and read our latest updates on the blog.
My focus is simple:
-
To help you secure your family with a real, reliable protector
-
To ensure your dog is safe and trustworthy in every situation
-
To give you the ongoing training and support you need to succeed
If you’re ready to take the next step toward peace of mind and true security, I invite you to schedule a consultation or reach out directly. I read every message personally and respond promptly.
I look forward to helping you build a safer, stronger future—one dog at a time.
– Joel Ryals
Founder & Head Trainer, Fortress K9
If You're New Here
Welcome to Fortress K9—where real protection begins with trust, training, and partnership.
I personally invite you to explore the site, watch our dogs in action, and see the difference for yourself. You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and through our blog—all linked in the footer below. Each video and story you’ll see represents years of experience, countless hours of training, and a single mission: keeping families like yours safe.
My focus is simple:
-
To help you secure your family with confidence and peace of mind
-
To ensure your dog is safe, stable, and reliable in every environment
-
To give you the ongoing training and support you need to get the most from your investment
If you have questions about your specific needs or concerns, I encourage you to reach out directly. I personally read and respond to every message because every family’s situation—and every dog—is unique.
When you’re ready to take the next step toward lasting security and peace of mind, I’ll be here to help you make it happen.
