Operation New LeashTrain the dog. Equip the veteran.Built from service, recovery, dog training, and the need for a real next mission.
Founder Scott Sexton understands that leaving the military is not simply a job change. ONL was created to give veterans meaningful work, trusted community, and a practical path to owning what comes next.
Experience behind the mission
Scott is a retired U.S. Army combat engineer and military K9 handler who has trained dogs since 2006. His military experience, lived recovery, professional dog-training work, and understanding of veteran transition shape the ONL model.
He saw that dog training could offer much more than technical skill. It can restore structure, confidence, responsibility, connection, and the feeling that someone is counting on you again. Stable employment, a real team, and continuing support can turn those gains into a long-term civilian future.
U.S. ArmyRetired combat engineer and military K9 handler
Dog training since 2006Hands-on military and civilian canine experience
National visionONL employee teams connected by one mission and one professional standard
Scott's story
This KSN feature introduces the military experience, dog-training work, and recovery journey that became the foundation for Operation New Leash.
Explore the veteran pathwayVeterans and military spouses need more than a certificate
They need work that matters. Dogs and clients depend on the trainer showing up with patience, discipline, and care.
They need real employment. An ONL job creates responsibility, income, professional growth, and a future built inside a mission-driven organization.
They need a team that stays. Supervisors, peers, mentors, shared systems, and continuing education keep employees connected and supported.