Dr. Justin James brings a unique perspective to the world of dog training—blending years of hands-on K9 experience with a professional background in sports medicine and human performance. As a former member of the 3rd Special Forces Group, Dr. James understands the importance of discipline, trust, and communication—principles that are at the heart of his training philosophy.

Now a lead trainer at Allegiance Canine, he specializes in developing high-performing working dogs while helping families build lasting, positive relationships with their pets. With a strong foundation in positive reinforcement and family-focused methods, Dr. James believes that great dogs start with great leadership and clear communication.

Beyond the field, he serves as the team physician for the University of Memphis Athletic Department and a clinical instructor at Southern California University of Health Sciences, where he teaches future clinicians how to optimize performance and recovery.

At home, he and his wife are raising five children and four dogs—two working K9s and two loyal companions. Whether training elite working dogs or guiding new owners, Dr. James leads with purpose, patience, and a passion for creating unbreakable bonds between humans and their dogs.

After graduation in 2007 from The University of Tennessee, Chattanooga with a degree in Entrepreneurship, he founded his company, Barking Pals Consulting, Inc. DBA Allegiance Canine. Allegiance Canine has a 17-year track record of applying simplistic, modern, balanced, and effective approaches to dog training for clients from all walks of life, with varied goals. Services offered by Allegiance Canine include basic and advanced obedience training, working dog training including sport, personal protection, and guard dog components, boarding, and a fitness-inspired dog daycare. In 2021, Jacque became one of the first individuals to successfully certify as a decoy for K9 Street League, the nation’s first professional working dog sport.

Jacque currently partners with the Shelby County Division of Corrections & the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County on the Pawsitive Training Program, an initiative that pairs shelter dogs with inmates during a 6 week intensive training program. This program aims to increase the likelihood of dogs being adopted due to having a basic obedience foundation, while also teaching a new skill to the participants that combines accountability, responsibility, & time management factors.

Jacque previously served as a board member and the service dog trainer for The Paul Oliver Foundation, a nonprofit with the mission of providing service dogs for veterans with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury.

Barking Pals Consulting, Inc. dba Allegiance Canine has helped 4600+ basic obedience clients with an 88% basic obedience program completion rate; 1200+ advanced obedience clients, with a 79% completion rate; and 700+ working dogs trained or assisted.