Candidate readiness
A structured application and review confirms motivation, references, hands-on animal experience, health readiness when applicable, home safety, transportation, and capacity.
Veteran-owned dog training with a national missionNow serving Wichita & South Central Kansas316-854-1786
Operation New LeashTrain the dog. Equip the veteran.The Operation New Leash veteran trainer program
Learn the craft. Build the business. Own the next mission.
ONL is not a short-term placement program. It is a structured path that prepares qualified veterans to become professional trainers and launch locally owned dog-training businesses with national support behind them.
Why dog training
Purpose becomes practical when the work matters every day
Working with dogs demands patience, timing, communication, responsibility, and emotional control. Building a business adds leadership, ownership, community connection, and a future the veteran can shape.
Professional trainer educationBusiness ownership preparationContinuing national support
The full pathway
From veteran candidate to local owner
The first launches will be completed in Kansas so ONL can test, document, improve, and responsibly prepare for national expansion.
Professional education
Veterans learn canine behavior, handling, obedience, safety, client communication, owner coaching, documentation, and the standards behind the ONL training experience.
Business preparation
Classes and coaching cover business planning, local setup, budgeting, taxes, insurance, scheduling, customer service, marketing, technology, and responsible decision-making.
Local launch
ONL supports an approved veteran through the steps required to establish a local legal business, prepare operations, build a launch plan, and enter the market under the shared ONL system.
Ongoing network support
The veteran owner stays connected to national coaching, technology, marketing, peer support, quality standards, and a mission designed to prepare the next veteran.
Candidate requirements
Ownership starts with readiness
The work involves live animals, client trust, residential care, transportation, long days, and responsible business decisions. The review process protects the veteran, the dogs, the owners, and the ONL mission.
Ask about becoming a trainer- 01
A personal letter explaining why professional dog training and business ownership are the right next mission.
- 02
When currently under the care of a mental-health professional or primary-care provider, a statement that the candidate can safely meet the physical and mental demands of the work.
- 03
At least 20 documented volunteer hours with a humane society, animal shelter, or rescue organization.
- 04
Two reference letters from people who are not relatives.
- 05
A list of all animals in the home with current vaccination records.
- 06
A video walk-through of the home, fenced yard, dog-care areas, and transportation setup.
- 07
A safe home environment, reliable transportation, and dog-housing capacity approved by ONL before launch.
What ONL provides
Support before, during, and after launch
The local veteran owns the work. The network keeps that owner connected to proven systems and people who understand the mission.
Education
Canine training, client transfer, safety, business operations, financial habits, and local-market preparation.
Brand and demand
A national story, shared marketing, local lead generation, launch materials, and a location profile built to be found.
Operating systems
Technology, scheduling, client records, training documentation, business templates, and quality expectations.
Mentorship and peer network
Continuing coaching, problem-solving, performance review, and connection with other veteran owners.
“We are not giving veterans busy work. We are helping them build something they can own.”Operation New Leash program philosophy
Choose your next step