MEET THE OWNER
Hi, I'm Bonnie, owner, founder, and head trainer at SLO DOG ADVENTURES. I've been in business here on the Central Coast since 2016. I am licensed, insured & bonded through Business Insurers of the Carolinas, CPR certified, and I am a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. I have learned everything I know about dogs because of my hands on learning approach and my urge to better communicate and understand animals. I have attended and participated in many training classes, workshops and seminars, and shadow programs/mentorships such as:
- Oregon Tails "Student of the Dog" Scapoose OR 2019
-Brandon Fouche "The Fouche Way" Virtual Seminar 2019
-Tactical Explosive Detection K9-Shadow Program- Vandenberg AFB 2020
-Jay Jack "Play is the Way" Pasadena CA 2021
-Jonas Black- Shadow Program. Santa Barbara CA 2021
-Oregon Tails "Fundamentals" Templeton CA 2021
-Larry Krohn, Joel Silverman, Jay Jack. Irvine CA 2021
-Cheri Wulff Lucas "Learn to Lead" Templeton CA 2022
-Brian Agnew "Understanding Drives" Oakley UT 2022
-Brian Agnew Mentorship Program. Oakley UT 2022
-Dogtastic Training- Intro to Nosework, Intro to Odor, Continuing Odor 2022.
-The Service Dog Connection- Pre Public Access Skills Seminar 2022
-Jay Jack Seminar @Canis Ranch Santa Clarita CA 2022
-Pete Stevens/Lily Strassberg The Scentsable K9- "Canine Cognition Assessment" Seminar. San Luis Obispo CA 2023
-Buck Brannaman "Horsemanship 1", Santa Ynez CA 2023
-Kellie Connell "Switch to Play", "Engagement and Obedience", "Performance Workshop", Gilroy CA 2023.
-The Biokinetic K9 "Fitness and Conditioning" Seminar, San Jose CA 3023
-Oregon Tails Fundamentals, Scappoose OR 2023
-Mike Chappell "Groundwork/ Horsemanship" Workshop Alfalfa OR 2023
-Pete Stevens the Scentsable K9- 4 Element Live Coaching. Paso Robles CA
Because dog training is my passion and not just a "job" for me, I will always make it a priority to stay open minded, and to keep learning how to effectively use new techniques, ideologies, and tools to better help my clients and their dogs.
I was born and raised in Arroyo Grande, CA. I have always been an animal lover and a lover of the outdoors. Growing up I had many family dogs, and a wide variety of other pets that I adored and loved, ranging from birds, rodents, reptiles, horses, pigs, even critters I found in our yard like caterpillars and butterflies. My hobbies include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and basically anything that includes a good workout, animals, and being outside in nature. I started this business so that I could ditch my office job, and truly enjoy what I do for work. Better yet, actually make a difference in peoples lives, by providing a service that so many people need.
I want everyone to have a dog that is enjoyable and easy to get along with in the home, as well as when you are out on the town or in nature. This means your dog must learn to be calm, and eager to work for you, while respecting boundaries and responding to social cues. With consistency in our programs, and follow through from the owner, we can create a happy, balanced and functional dog together.
MEET THE TEAM
JADE
Jade is a 8 year-old mini Aussie. She was adopted at 9 months old, after being relinquished by her previous owner for behavioral issues. We knew that she was just misunderstood, and needed more leadership in order to flourish. She has been a very sweet, eager to please, and loyal companion ever since. She is called the "assistant trainer" by many because she is always at the ready to help teach and assist any/every dog in our program. When she isn't working, she loves to be right by moms side in the outdoors, or sunbathing.
PEPPER
Pepper is a 4 year old mini long haired dachshund. We adopted her when she was 1 year old from a family in our area who could no longer care for her. Today she is an important part of our pack. She assists in training adult dogs and puppies alike and showing that little dogs need to be given space and respect too. She is quite the little firecracker and has been kindly nicknamed "Pepper Spray" because of it. She loves to train and learn new tricks, or join the big dogs in whatever activity were doing with ease. She is also the sweetest and most cuddly dog you'll ever meet and she loves nothing more than to curl up with you after a long day of work.
WILLIE
Willie is a 1.5 yr old German Shepherd/Husky who is goofy, playful, kind, and happy go lucky as can be. We adopted him when he was 8 weeks old from a local rescue (Second Chance at Love in Templeton). He is our main Demo dog for training sessions and group classes because he is down for anything and loves to work. His favorite things to do are go on mountain bike rides with mom, run full speed through the waves at the beach, or play tug with mom. He's a joy to have around and to know him is to love him.
NATALIE
Natalie is our lead handler at our day camp, she also assists with caring for our boarding dogs, and teams up with Bonnie to work with training clients from time to time.
Natalie graduated from Cal Poly in animal science where she played horse polo and discovered her interest in working with animals, and eventually dog training. She's trained service dogs, including Kahlua (pictured here), who is her medical alert dog. Outside of work Natalies favorite things still all involve dogs like hiking, going to the beach, and competing in dog sports. She hopes to attend grad school in animal behavior next fall.
MORGAN
Morgan is our office assistant. She's the first person youll talk to when you submit a contact form or send us an email. Shes got a friendly and bright personality that you'll be sure to enjoy as she helps get you set up for success and on our schedule.
Morgan is a dedicated animal lover who enjoys traveling to new destinations, savoring quality time with their fiance in Arroyo Grande, and unwinding on the beach. She loves spending her weekends doing yoga and hanging with her two cats Fuego and Fumo. She is excited about being a part of the Slo Dog Adventures team.