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
Because dog training is my passion and not just a "job" for me, I will always make it a priority 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 fan 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, archery, horseback riding, kayak fishing, 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 the pack, and follow through from the owner, we can create a balanced dog together, that can be enjoyed and trusted whether it be on a hike, at a restaurant patio, the beach, park, or just relaxing at home.
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 plays a key role in helping regulate energy and maintain structure at day camp. She also assists with client private training sessions. She is a top hand. When she isn't working, she loves hiking, running along side a mountain bike, sunbathing, or cuddling her family.
PEPPER
Pepper is a 3 year old mini long haired dachshund. We rescued her when she was 1 year old from a family who could no longer care for her. At a year old, she wasn't potty trained, didn't have an understanding of the leash, kennel, basic obedience or socialization. Today she is a balanced dog, well trained, and 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 loves greeting clients when they come to our property for a training session or to drop their dog off for boarding. She is full of personality and joins us for camping trips, restaurant outings, hikes, etc with confidence. She loves life and is down for any adventure!
WILLIE
Willie is a 9 month old German Shepherd/Husky who is goofy, playful, kind and happy go lucky as can be. He loves to play and get exercise with his pack. When he grows up he will be able to assist in training sessions and group classes but for now were letting him learn all about life and have fun and grow!
TAYLOR
Taylor is our office assistant. If you send us an email or a contact form, she's the first to assist you! Taylor is a native Texan, but is currently based in SLO. When she’s not sitting behind a computer, you can find her walking and hiking with her pup, Cody, and boyfriend, Tarek! She’s also an avid reader and coffee-drinker.
