Dawn grew up in a home full of dogs. At a young age she helped her mother show, breed and train collies. She has a B.S. in Animal Science from Penn State and 2 years of Animal Nutrition graduate level at Virginia Tech.
Dawn spent 7 years working in a NC county shelter. During that time she became involved with fostering and rehabilitating for the shelter. She worked with large and small dogs that had behavioral and physical challenges. In 2008, while at the shelter, Dawn met Shannon and started also fostering for German Shepherd Rescue as well, and has continued to do so. If she had the room and there was a rescue dog in need, she volunteered for it.
At the end of 7 long years at the shelter, she was worn down by all she experienced and needed a change. She spent the next 2 years as a supervisor at a busy doggie day care. She worked to improve the social challenges inherent with putting large groups of dogs together (who have never met before) and having them get along and play together peacefully. She enjoyed meeting and getting to know all the pampered pooches but felt the call to rehabilitate again.
During her “shelter time” she built up a balanced pack of her own. She has 6 dogs that range in age and are of various mixed breeds and sizes. For years, her pack has helped loads of rescue and shelter dogs achieve balance, home manners and happiness. The older ones (Quincey and Ashley) are steady and very good at teaching dog-on-dog manners and etiquette calmly. The others (Danny, Liam and Abbey) welcome the energy of younger dogs and love to play! It takes a village, no?
Dawns’ home is obviously set up for doggie comfort. There are multiple dog beds in just about every room and crates for all sizes! Structure and relaxing are the rules in the house. Play and exercise are for outside. Dawn has a large wooded, fenced backyard full of toys and room to run. It’s great for getting the running in that some breeds need, in the shade of large oak trees. A doggie pool magically appears every summer for hot days! Dawn loves a home full of dogs (obviously!) and knows how to balance the energy.
Dawn joined the Dog Training Camp team in 2014 and is using her experience to help people balance their dogs’ behavior and energy. Trainees will accompany Dawn on outings and group classes. Dawn loves to take dogs in public and teach them to relax and have manners.
Dog Training Camp 