Meet the Founder: Justus Joseph

CPDT-KA | LLA | IAABC | APDT | THRIVE Member

I’m what happens when you mix Sailor Moon, Glinda the Good Witch, and Snow White — if they were also deeply obsessed with dogs.

Originally from the wild and forested beauty of British Columbia, I grew up surrounded by animals, trees, and a steady stack of books. My lifelong passion for animals and storytelling has taken me from Canada to Japan to the United States, where I now live in Chicago with my husband, six dogs, two cats, and a rotating crew of foster animals.

I’m a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA), with advanced studies in behaviour and learning through Dr. Susan Friedman’s Living & Learning with Animals (LLA). I’m also a member of the IAABC, APDT, and THRIVE, and I’ve worked with hundreds of dogs across ages, breeds, and behaviour challenges.

But my work is more than credentials — it’s rooted in empathy, creativity, and a deep belief that training should feel like communication, not correction.

I specialize in helping guardians understand their dogs — and themselves — through science-based, soul-centred training. That includes working with reactive dogs, disabled dogs, sensitive souls, and the people who love them.

Outside of training, I’m a published author, figurative sculptor, and lifelong artist. I hold a BA and MFA, and studied classical drawing and painting at Gage Academy, Ravenswood Atelier, and Palette & Chisel in Chicago. Whether I’m writing, sculpting, or training, my work lives at the intersection of storytelling, emotion, and observation — the same foundations I bring to every client relationship.

I created Lineage of Love because I believe training can be more than effective — it can be beautiful.

When we shift the way we relate to dogs, we shift the way we relate to ourselves.
And that changes everything.

Feel like we’d be a good fit?
Let’s begin your journey together.

Book your intake →

✨ The Lineage of love Experience

Where dog training becomes relationship, ritual, and legacy.

At Lineage of Love, we believe training is more than teaching behaviors — it’s a conversation, a practice, and a way of seeing each other clearly. This isn’t about controlling your dog. It’s about learning to co-create safety, trust, and understanding between species — with curiosity, care, and compassion.

We’re a woman-run, science-led, heart-forward business offering trauma-informed training for dogs and the people who love them. Whether you’re raising a puppy, supporting a disabled or sensitive dog, or navigating reactivity, you’ll find deeply personalized support here — grounded in behavioral science, intuitive observation, and emotional connection.

The Lineage Experience is about:

Professional training that centers consent, communication, and clarity
Creative practices that nurture reflection, healing, and joy
A sanctuary in the making — a future retreat space where dogs and guardians can rest, reconnect, and rebuild their bond in nature
Community that holds space for complexity, celebrates softness, and believes learning should feel like love

This is more than dog training.
It’s a transformation. A partnership. A legacy.
And you’re part of it.

This is more than training. It’s transformation.
Let’s take the first step together.

Start your journey →

Lineage of Love

line·age of love (noun)

The deep, intuitive bond you form with your first dog — the kind of connection that shapes how you love, listen to, and learn from every dog that follows.
A soul-level understanding shared with another being — one that expands your awareness, brings meaning to your life, and leaves an imprint on your heart forever.

Those of us who seek better solutions for our dogs — who want to make their world safer, softer, and more joyful — are always becoming. Always learning. Always reaching for something kinder.

And that is what creating a lineage of love truly means.
It’s the choice to be on a lifelong journey — one rooted in care, curiosity, and deep respect for the amazing canines who walk beside us.

Whether you're here to take better care of your dog, understand their needs more fully, or deepen your communication and connection, your lineage of love starts here.