Trusted Trainers
Discover Our Journey At Tropical K9 Academy
About Us
At Tropical K9 Academy, we are a veteran and family-owned dog training company with a genuine passion for helping owners and their dogs build strong, lasting bonds.
Our mission is to create balanced, well-behaved dogs through clear communication, routine, and patience. Whether you’re raising a playful puppy or working with a reactive older dog, we tailor our training approach to meet your dog’s unique needs.
We understand that training is more than just commands—it’s about creating a harmonious relationship where both you and your dog thrive as a team. Our programs are designed to not only train dogs but also empower owners with the knowledge and skills to maintain that bond long after our training together ends.
At Tropical K9 Academy, we believe dog training should feel like a tropical paradise—rewarding and fulfilling, even if the journey requires dedication and effort to reach that perfect destination. We are committed to providing you with a personalized training experience that makes both you and your dog feel confident and successful.
Join us in creating a lifelong, balanced relationship with your dog, where communication is clear, behaviors are manageable, and both you and your dog are set up for long-term success.
The Meaning Behind The Logo
We get a lot of compliments on our logo, so let me tell you a little bit about it! The Tropical K9 Academy logo is actually inspired by a real photo of Joseph’s first Military Working Dog, Bubba.
Joseph and Bubba worked together in Bahrain, an island in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Saudi Arabia. The photo was taken as they were riding back from an explosive search on a ship with the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Divers.
Bubba was not only a seasoned and highly skilled dog, but she was also an excellent teacher—to Joseph and to her fellow handlers and instructors. Together, Joseph and Bubba were a force to be reckoned with, leading the way in training and operations.
After a distinguished career, Bubba retired with her last handler, where she was able to enjoy a well-earned and truly unforgettable retirement.
Are you Ready to get started?
From Distractions to Focused Attention, We’ll Help Your Dog Thrive in Any Environment with Positive, Consistent Training.
The People behind the scene
Meet Our Team
Joseph Adames
Founder & Lead Trainer
Joseph’s love for dogs began at an early age, growing up with German Shepherds and developing a deep fascination with canine behavior. His passion for dogs led him to join the U.S. Navy as a Master at Arms (Military Police). In 2014, he seized the opportunity to attend the Military Working Dog (MWD) Handler course, which ignited his professional training career.
As an MWD handler, Joseph worked with explosive, narcotic, and dual-purpose dogs at NSA Bahrain and NAF Atsugi, Japan, where he also served as a kennel trainer, coordinating joint branch operations and ensuring effective training for both daily and deployment needs.
After his military career, Joseph transitioned to civilian dog training, where he further honed his skills and knowledge. He has worked with top professionals across various sectors of the dog training world, from pet training to dog sports, police dogs and even government contracts. His extensive experience allowed him to develop a balanced training approach that combines practical, hands-on techniques with science-backed methods.
This approach is now the foundation of Tropical K9 Academy, where Joseph provides customized training solutions for dogs and owners. His ability to connect with both dogs and their owners has made him a trusted authority in the community. At Tropical K9 Academy, Joseph continues to share his knowledge, ensuring that every dog gets the training and support they need to thrive.
Ingrid Adames
Founder & Director of Operations
From a young age, Ingrid had a deep fascination with the way animals think and interact with the world. Her passion for animals led her to volunteer at her local animal shelter during her undergraduate years, where she worked closely with dogs and cats, fostering bonds and preparing them for adoption. Ingrid graduated with honors in Business Management, blending her love for animals with her professional expertise.
Ingrid’s journey into the world of working dogs was sparked by Joseph’s first dog, Bubba, who played an integral role in introducing her to the value working dogs bring to community safety. As she deepened her knowledge of the military working dog world alongside Joseph, Ingrid became increasingly captivated by how specialized training techniques could transform dogs’ behavior and performance.
Ingrid’s passion for dog training continued to grow as she learned how a combination of techniques from working dogs, dog sports, and pet training could create a unique, effective training experience. Raising Suki, their own pet dog, from puppyhood to adulthood provided Ingrid with hands-on experience in every stage of a dog’s development.
Over the years, dog training has become not just a skill, but a way of life for Ingrid. In addition to her work as a trainer, Ingrid also manages the business operations and website for Tropical K9 Academy, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
Discover diverse training options
Build Lasting Bonds With Our Guidance
Board & Train Case Study
American-Bully Mix: Wilow
The Issue: At just 2 years old, Wilow was facing several challenges that made everyday interactions difficult. He was reactive to other dogs, which led to him being kicked out of doggy daycare. On walks, he was extremely distracted, pulling constantly, and exhibiting excessive jumping. These behaviors were not only frustrating for his owners but also created anxiety in social situations, making it difficult for Wilow to enjoy public outings.
How We Helped:
- In-depth behavior work: Our Board & Train program provided the structure and consistency Wilow needed to improve his behaviors.
- On-leash success: By the end of training, Wilow was able to confidently behave on leash in various settings.
- Reduced reactivity: Wilow became much less reactive to other dogs in public, often showing no reaction at all.
- Clear communication: Wilow developed a strong understanding of his commands and learned to listen to his owners, regardless of the situation or environment.
Got Questions About Training?
Let’s talk and figure out what works best for you and your dog!