Who We Are
Lead the Way Dog Training is a dog training company with purpose and a mission to build strong, foundational communication between dogs and their owner.
We enabling each client to lead with confidence, correct behavior with clarity, and cultivate a lifetime bond based on respect and understanding.
Our Training Philosophy
Develop Foundational Skills in Communication
Teach dog owners the core principles of effective communication, ensuring they understand how to convey expectations clearly to their dogs.
Empower Owners to Correct Behavioral Issues
Equip owners with tools and knowledge to address and prevent undesired behaviors in a constructive and practical manner.
Build Confident, Lead-Ready Dog Owners
Through targeted training, help dog owners build their leadership skills, fostering a healthy, balanced relationship with their dog.
Foster Lasting Dog-Owner Bonds
Create an environment where trust and mutual respect can thrive, solidifying a lifetime bond between owner and dog.
Accommodate All Breeds and
Behavioral Challenges
Tailor training methods to the individual needs of every dog, regardless of breed, size, or behavioral background, emphasizing that no dog is untrainable.
Training Team
Russ Norcross - Founder & Master of Curriculum at Lead The Way Dog Training
Lead The Way Dog Training was founded by retired Law Enforcement K-9 Sergeant Russ Norcross, who brings over 20 years of specialized canine experience to the civilian world. After working with more than 1,000 K-9 teams and launching the first-ever Bloodhound Academy during his law enforcement career, Norcross established Lead The Way Dog Training in 2019 to bridge the gap between professional K-9 training and everyday pet ownership in New Jersey.
Born and raised in Cape May County, Russ is a proud graduate of Lower Cape May Regional High School. His commitment to our community extends beyond dog training through his service as a Volunteer Firefighter, demonstrating his dedication to making our "Local" area of New Jersey a better place.
Professional Background:
20+ years as Law Enforcement K-9 Sergeant, Former K-9 Unit Supervisor at Cape May County Sheriff's Office, Lead K-9 Academy Instructor, Certified Police K-9 Trainer, developer of the "Working Obedience with Drive" training method.
At Lead the Way Dog Training, we focus on building a strong bond between dogs and their people by improving communication and education.
Training that goes beyond obedience
We incorporate Enrichment Activities to Satisfy the Natural Drive of your Dog, ensuring a well-rounded approach that promotes overall
Well-Being and Happiness.
Our Training Center
Where Natural Drives Meet Enrichment
At our Ocean View training center, we've created an environment specifically designed to work with your dog's natural drives. Unlike a typical training facility or daycare, our center provides purposeful spaces and activities that aim to tap into your dog's innate abilities and instincts.
Our Training Environment Includes:
Structured training areas designed to minimize distractions while building focus, enrichment zones where dogs can safely explore and problem-solve, specialized equipment designed to help channel prey drive into positive activities, controlled spaces for proper socialization and pack drive development.
What Makes Our Center Different:
Life at Lead The Way Dog Training dog's engage in purposeful activities. Each area is designed with specific purposes in our training approach. Your dog can experience scent-based activities that engage exploration, drive opportunities to practice impulse control, focused training games, and supervised social interactions. Each dog's experience is careful curated to match the dog's temperament, history and ability.
Is Located At:
2724 N Route 9
Ocean View, NJ 08230
Getting Started Is Easy
Complete the Form Below or Schedule a Call
By providing your phone number, you agree to receive text messages from Lead the Way Dog Training. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies
If you're thinking about training, what are you waiting for?
Schedule a free call with a specialist
or
complete the form above
and expect a call back.
We look forward to answering your questions.
FOLLOW US
Address:
2724 N Route 9
Ocean View, New Jersey 08230
Phone: 609-780-9390
COMPANY
LEGAL
Leaders Don't Follow and Followers Don't Lead
Copyright 2025. LEAD THE WAY DOG TRAINING. AFull Widthll Rights Reserved.