About Us
Tina
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
AKC Temperament Test Evaluator
AKC Fit Dog Instructor
Stop the 77 Bite Prevention Presenter
I’ve been a self-proclaimed dog nerd my entire life. Yes, I will be the one at a party in the kitchen talking to the dog instead of socializing with the humans.
In addition to the three years I spent working the front desk at the Shelter, I spent seven years as a foster home for Siberian Husky rescue. Every few weeks I brought home a new dog, nearly 100 in those seven years, and all of them needed training. I have also spent several years as a member and instructor for a local training club.
Currently, I am an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Temperament Test Evaluator and Fit Dog Instructor. I am certified in pet first aid and CPR, and I train and compete in a number of sports with my dogs.
I want to help you and your dog communicate better. It is my goal for you to have a dog that you can live with so that it does not end up in a shelter or foster care.
Falcon
Southpawz Falcon at the Portal, DCAT, SWN, SCA, SIA
Falcon didn't have a very good start in life. But after living his first six months in an extreme neglect situation, he's ready to put it all behind him and has agreed to join our team.
Right now Falcon is living the good life and learning what it means to be in a home, but pretty soon he will take over for Brogan as my assistant. He's also learning about different dog sports and has found his calling in Scent Work.
Be on the lookout for Falcon in some of our upcoming classes as he learns what it means to be a well behaved dog.
Scout
Southpawz Haints Be Careful of Scout, FCAT2, TKN, SCN, SIN, CA
Scout arrived at the shelter needing a little extra TLC and some help working on her socialization. We knew we could help her out so she came home with me as a foster dog. Pretty soon she was the "foster dog" and shortly thereafter she became a permanent resident.
This sassy little girl has been both a pleasure and a challenge to train. Every dog comes into our life for a reason and Scout's reason is to help me sharpen my training skills and share them with our students. Rest assured, whatever puppy challenges you face, there's a pretty good chance I've dealt with the same thanks to this little spitfire.
Scout is also an up and coming sports dog having earned her first title in her first three competitions. This girl sure has a bright future ahead of her!
Gremlin
Southpawz Fed Her After Midnight, BCAT, FTN
Never judge a book by its cover; this "angry older dog" that came into the shelter turned out to actually be a very scared puppy. If you go the shelter looking for a dog, be sure to visit with the scared and shy ones, you might just find a diamond in the rough!
Gremlin is most definitely a project dog-unsocialized, fearful, and no manners at all. Starting out as a foster dog, she soon integrated herself into the pack and is now the bratty kid sister to the rest of the gang. She is still scared of most people, and unfamiliar dogs, but she's starting to understand that the whole world isn't out to get her.
This girl has so much potential, it's an honor to help her on her journey to becoming the dog she was always meant to be.
The OGs
If it weren’t for these three stooges, I don’t know where I would be today. They drew me into the world of dog training and kept me sane (and a little crazy) for over 15 years. They may be gone, but they will never be forgotten.
Avery (2008-2023)
Southpawz Elf Queen, CGC, TDI, RN, RATN, PKD-N, TKN, AKC Achiever Dog
Brogan (2010-2025)
Southpawz Mystery Man, CGC, TDI, PKD-T, TKN
Fenway (2010-2020)
Southpawz 4 Yawkey Way, RN, CGC, RATN, PKD-N, PKD1-FF, TKN, CA, AKC Achiever Dog