Behind the Bark: Our Methodology and Background
Philosophy & Approach
Dealing with a dog experiencing behavioral challenges, deep-seated anxieties, or aggression is exhausting. It strains your home life, impacts your daily routines, and creates constant stress for the entire family. That burden requires more than surface level management—it requires a systematic solution.
We do not look at your dog as a simple problem just to be “fixed”. True behavioral rehabilitation requires looking at the whole picture—evaluating the household as one connected system.
By looking closely at the physical environment, daily routines, and family communication styles, we pinpoint the root causes of the behavior. Your dog receives the rehabilitation, while your family is provided with the guidance and tools necessary for long-term success.
Our mission isn’t just to manage behavior—it’s to restore peace, safety, and harmony to your home.
Meet the Founder:
Justin Croom
Canine Background
My Story
Beginning in 2018, I was fortunate to be a part of the unique and life-changing experience of working with dogs at a large boarding and daycare facility. I became captivated by canine behavior while managing a pack of 20 dogs daily—handling over 1,000 dogs during my tenure. I quickly became the go-to specialist whenever a dog arrived with severe aggression, anxiety, fear, or intense reactivity. Working with these packs taught me the group dynamics, what drives behavior, and most importantly, how to communicate with them calmly and confidently.
I have worked with dogs from a multitude of backgrounds—from world-champion show dogs to former fighting dogs, extreme trauma, and severe aggression. I have successfully broken up chaotic pack fights as well as numerous dog-on-dog altercations. When an emergency occurred in the facility, I was called to de-escalate the situation and restore order.
Rehab & Shelter Work
Following my time at the facility, I volunteered at local shelters rehabilitating dogs to increase their adoption rates and prevent returns. This work was immensely fulfilling and taught me a core truth: most dogs do not have inherently flawed personalities. They are simply misunderstood, often living in stressful environments where their physical, emotional, and psychological needs are not being met.
Driven by this realization, I dedicated myself to helping as many dogs and families as possible. Over the last 8 years, I have successfully rehabilitated countless dogs—resolving complex dog-on-dog aggression, severe fears and anxieties, and dog-on-human aggression. I have saved several dogs from behaviorally recommended euthanasia and rewired others whose anxieties were totally paralyzing. I have yet to meet a dog I could not help, and I pride myself on maintaining zero background, breed, or size restrictions.
Academic and Professional Background
Military & University
After graduating from high school, I joined the U.S. Navy and served as a Hospital Corpsman. Following my military service, I pursued my passion for the sciences, attending the University of North Texas where I double-majored in Physics and Mathematics. During my undergraduate studies, I was honored as a Ronald E. McNair Scholar, a National Science Foundation FOCUS Scholar, a member of the Honors College, and graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Continuing my academic career in graduate school, I pursued a Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering and was selected as the only graduate teaching assistant without an undergraduate background in biomedical engineering.
Athletic & Professional Endeavors
Alongside my academic pursuits, I spent ten years training and competing in Muay Thai and close-quarters combat. Immersing myself in the sport built a physical, emotional, and mental skillset rooted in discipline, physical fitness, and focus. I bring this calm, regulated mindset into every behavioral case I take on.
Finally, during my time in graduate school, I was presented with the unique opportunity to build and run my own professional options trading firm, which I operated successfully for five years. This venture taught me high-level risk management, systematic business operations, and deep quantitative analysis.
These diverse disciplines are integrated daily into our behavioral practice. Combining the data-driven critical thinking of physics, the composure of military medicine, and strict tactical risk management, I provide a unique, highly effective approach to safety and rehabilitation.
Ready to take the next step?