The world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog.

Welcome to The DogFather, where passion, expertise, and a commitment to making a difference come together. Meet John Helmes, a dedicated husband, devoted father, and a true advocate for the transformative power of canine companionship.

For the past seven years, John has honed his skills as a stay-at-home dad, nurturing his two beautiful daughters and fostering a loving home. During this time, he discovered his talent for coaching others to achieve greatness, serving as a business coach for high-level competitive gamers. Prior to that, John ventured into the world of martial arts, owning a karate business and sharing his expertise with aspiring students. His journey began long before that, working in various karate studios and gymnastics facilities, touching the lives of countless children through his teaching.

John's driving force has always been his passion for educating and making a positive impact on others. Guided by the mantra, "100 years from now it won't matter how big my house is, or what kind of car I drove, but that I've made a difference in people's lives," he embraces each opportunity to uplift and empower those around him.

Dogs have held a special place in John's heart from an early age. Growing up with German Shepherds and experiencing the unwavering loyalty and emotional support they offered, he realized the profound value of a dog's unconditional love. At the tender age of three, he welcomed his own canine companion, Mandy, a Dalmatian who became his steadfast source of comfort during challenging times. Mandy's intuitive understanding of his emotions solidified John's belief in the extraordinary bond between humans and their four-legged friends.

Driven by determination and an entrepreneurial spirit, John's passion led him to start a dog walking business at just eight years old. Drawing from his lifelong experience with dogs and the wisdom imparted by his grandmother, who had worked with German Shepherds in law enforcement, John quickly grasped the art of handling and training dogs. Teaching dogs to walk calmly by his side and delighting in teaching tricks like "Sit" and "Shake," he began to shape his understanding of obedience training.

As life took him from Palm Beach, Florida to Hickory, North Carolina, John's journey intersected with the world of martial arts. Starting karate at the age of ten, he rapidly progressed, attaining his first black belt before his teenage years. Teaching became his true calling, and he dedicated himself to sharing the art and discipline of karate with students. Climbing the ranks to a third-degree black belt by the age of 18, John's dedication and skill earned him a world championship in the sport of Breaking in 2009.

Fueling his entrepreneurial aspirations, John pursued a college degree in entrepreneurship, determined to make teaching his lifelong career. Establishing his own karate business, he experienced initial success before encountering the challenges of attracting new students. Although the business ultimately concluded, John emerged with invaluable lessons and an unwavering passion for learning and personal growth.

Driven by an insatiable curiosity for science and psychology, John continued to deepen his knowledge of dog training throughout his twenties. What initially started as a hobby evolved into a fervent pursuit of understanding every aspect of dog training, from obedience and behavioral modification to specialized fields like service work, scent work, tracking, and protection training. Immersing himself in books, videos, online courses, and hands-on experiences, John accumulated over a thousand hours of self-education, honing his skills to an exceptional level.

Today, armed with extensive knowledge and hands-on experience, John stands ready to share his expertise with the world. With The DogFather as his platform, he aims to transform the lives of dogs and their owners.

Looking toward the future, he has set his sights on a remarkable goal: establishing a non-profit organization dedicated to raising and training service poodles to support individuals facing psychiatric challenges such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Drawing from his personal experience with severe ADHD, which shaped his early years and fueled his intense focus and love for learning, John is determined to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

His journey began with the introduction of Kuma, a standard poodle, into his family in February 2023. John has embraced the role of Kuma's devoted trainer, diligently preparing him for service work while also nurturing their bond through various competitions such as conformation, obedience, and rally. Together, they embark on a shared journey of growth, paving the way for future accomplishments.

With a clear vision in mind, John plans to expand his four-legged family by adding a female standard poodle from a reputable breeder. Once she reaches maturity, around two years old, they will breed her to continue the noble mission of raising and training service poodles. Each step brings him closer to the day when these remarkable canines will find their forever homes and provide invaluable support to those in need.

While John recognizes that it will take time to achieve his goals, he approaches each day with enthusiasm, eager to make a difference in the lives of both his family and the broader community. By blending his expertise in dog training, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his unwavering dedication to helping others, John envisions a future where his non-profit organization uplifts lives and inspires positive change.

As John continues to grow as a devoted father, husband, trainer, and educator, his commitment to excellence remains unwavering. The DogFather serves as a testament to his unwavering passion, expertise, and desire to create a meaningful impact, one dog and one person at a time. With John at the helm, the future is bright, promising a world where the bond between humans and dogs flourishes, transforming lives in ways beyond imagination.