Meet the Trainers

Tina Marie began following her passion for dogs at a young age. She began competing with her first German Shepherd Dog in a variety of dog sports including American Kennel Club trials, and the sport of Schutzhund. In 2010 Tina Marie actively pursued professional certifications in the canine related field. Graduating from Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage becoming skilled in bodywork. Studying and extensive testing earned her a national certification as a Professional Dog Trainer through Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. Desiring to take her knowledge to the next level she applied, was accepted into and graduated from the University of Washington’s Applied Animal Behavior Program. Additional certifications include Trick Dog Instructor, and American Kennel Club Evaluator for the Canine Good Citizen program. Tina Marie’s commitment to companion animals include volunteer and first responder for FL SARC ( Florida Small Animal Response Coalition), a statewide organization involved in animal rescue and their sheltering and care during natural and man made disasters as well as decoy work for TSA Bomb Detection Dogs.

Credentials: CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer Knowledge Assessed), UW-AAB (University Washington Applied Animal Behavior, CSMT (Canine Sports Massage Therapist).

Donetta began her love for Dogs as most of us do, as a child! Since then she has always had a dog by her side. She became fascinated by the Siberian Husky and finally got her 1st one after moving to Florida. This love affair continued for over 25 years. After breeding a few litters, she decided to change to a herding breed and quickly fell in love with the Belgian Tervuren. After purchasing her 1st “Terv”, she took a Puppy Class from the local pet chain store which the instructor conveyed that she should “hang on to her Hat” because this breed needed to be kept busy. The instructor suggested learning Agility, herding, obedience, rally, etc. to keep him busy. Donetta fell in love with agility and rally. She and her dog competed in DACOF (Dog Competition of Florida) as well as several other National agility and Rally organizations.

After taking early retirement from her corporate Job, she turned her passion into a new career by becoming an instructor three years ago. She has recently become a certified instructor and a AKC Evaluator for STAR Puppy, Trick Dog, Canine Good Citizen, and Urban Dog.

Donetta volunteers with our local 4-H Club, the Trailblazers where she coaches agility as well as volunteering for regional and state 4-H.