MEET THE OWNER
Lefty, my 17yr old Appaloosa gelding.
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, a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals, and a registered AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator. I have learned everything I know about dogs through my hands on learning approach and my urge to better communicate with and understand animals. I have attended and participated in many training classes, workshops and seminars, and shadow programs/mentorships such as:
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- 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
-Simon Prins ACT! 2 Day Odor imprinting, 2 Day Odor Recognition, and 2 Day "How To Become A Better Trainer" masterclass. San Diego CA 2024
-Ivan Balbanov "Make Your Dog Somebody" Turlock CA 2024
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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.
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A little about me:
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, and pigs to 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 in nature. I started this business so that I could ditch my office job and truly enjoy what I do for work. Better yet, so I could make a difference in people's 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 yet eager to work for you, while respecting boundaries and responding to social cues. With consistency in our programs, and follow through from owners, we can create a happy, balanced, and functional dog together.
MEET THE TEAM
ALISSA
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Alissa is our Office Assistant. She is the first person you'll talk to when you submit a contact form or send us an email. She is more than happy to take the time to answer any questions you may have and loves to see our clients and their dogs become success stories.
Alissa has been an animal lover since birth, and grew up with dogs, cats, horses, rats, hamsters, birds, snakes, fish, and even frogs. She connected with Bonnie when she adopted a Bully breed mix puppy named Hayley and sought training for her. Fast forward to now, Hayley is a thriving member of the SLO Dog Adventures' pack and Alissa is part of the team!
Bonnie, Willie, Alissa & Hayley
WILLIE
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Willie is a 1.5 year old German Shepherd/Husky who is goofy, playful, kind, and as 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 mountain biking, running full speed through the waves at the beach, or playing tug with mom. He's a joy to have around and to know him is to love him.
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JADE
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Jade is an 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 mom's side in the outdoors, or sunbathing on the porch.
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PEPPER
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Pepper is a 4 year old mini long haired dachshund. We adopted her when she was a 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 shows 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 they're 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.
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