Our Staff
RJ Carland, Owner & Lead Trainer, K9 Masters Dog Academy, LLC
RJ Carland is the owner and lead trainer of K9 Masters Dog Academy, LLC, where his mission is to empower dog owners to build deep, meaningful relationships with their pets. With a belief that every dog has a purpose, RJ combines his passion for canine behavior with over a decade of experience in public service, offering a unique and empathetic approach to dog training.
Raised in a small town in Northern Colorado, RJ was instilled with the values of hard work, trust, and community from an early age. These values laid the foundation for his career as a first responder, where he dedicated his talents to law enforcement, firefighting, and EMS. Throughout his career, RJ earned several certifications in areas such as defensive tactics, crime scene investigation, impairment enforcement, and trauma response. These experiences not only sharpened his problem-solving and leadership skills but also deepened his understanding of human behavior in high-stress environments.
During his time in public service, RJ developed a passion for mental health advocacy and trauma recovery. Before the pandemic RJ had started working with a small start up managing a ketamine clinic. Through the connections he made there, RJ gained insight into the healing power of therapeutic relationships, both for humans and animals. As the pandemic closed the doors of the clinic for good, RJ’s interest in the human-animal bond grew, inspiring him to pursue a career in dog training.
After purchasing K9 Masters from Jim Caraway in 2020. RJ began to integrate his background in psychology with his extensive experience in crisis management and leadership to offer a balanced, results-driven training approach. Today, RJ is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Clinical Counseling at Colorado Christian University, further strengthening his ability to connect with both dogs and owners. RJ's training methods focus on building trust and clear communication, creating lasting, positive changes for dogs and their handlers.
Specializing in basic obedience, behavior modification, and PTSD service dog training, RJ believes that the path to success lies in understanding each dog’s unique personality and needs. His approach is rooted in empathy, respect, and proven techniques that foster lasting bonds between owners and their pets. For RJ, dog training isn’t just about teaching commands—it’s about creating relationships that are built on mutual respect and understanding, empowering owners to unlock their dog’s true potential.
Outside of his work at K9 Masters, RJ is a proud husband and father. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and their three dogs: a playful black Labrador, an intelligent Border Collie/Lab mix; and a determined German Shepherd/Lab mix. These dogs are a daily reminder to RJ of the joy, healing, and personal growth that comes from a strong human-canine bond.
Through K9 Masters, RJ is dedicated to helping dog owners build partnerships with their pets that are rooted in trust, respect, and shared purpose—whether it’s for basic obedience or specialized service dog training.
Liz Carland, Trainer/Curriculum Development
Educator, Dog Lover, and Essential Team Member of K-9 Masters
Liz Carland plays an integral role in the success of K-9 Masters. With a strong background in education and a passion for helping both people and their canine companions, Liz brings a unique blend of expertise and empathy to the team.
Liz holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Mathematics Education from Colorado Mesa University and a Master’s in Curriculum and Development from the University of Texas at Arlington. For over a decade, she taught high school mathematics, honing her skills in communication and problem-solving—abilities that seamlessly translate to her work with clients and their dogs.
Liz’s journey into dog training began in 2020, when she and her husband RJ took ownership of K-9 Masters. Initially drawn in by RJ’s enthusiasm, Liz quickly discovered a love for helping people overcome challenges with their dogs. Her teaching background has proven invaluable, enabling her to connect with clients, simplify complex concepts, and empower them to succeed.
Specializing in basic obedience and behavior modification, Liz also works closely with women who feel timid or unsure about their dogs. Her balanced training philosophy focuses on meeting each dog-owner team where they are, using proven behavior modification techniques to create lasting change.
While Liz has stepped back from full-time training to focus on her family, she continues to contribute behind the scenes by keeping K-9 Masters’ training content fresh and effective. On a case-by-case basis, she works directly with female clients, helping them build confidence and achieve their goals.
Liz’s favorite part of her role? Watching clients succeed—especially those who’ve struggled with other programs—while building stronger bonds with their dogs. She shares her life with RJ and their two daughters, who keep her inspired and grounded, as well as their three dogs: a black Labrador, a Border Collie/Lab mix, and a German Shepherd/Lab mix.
Liz Carland