Fina Garcia- Blanco
Certifications: Certified Behavior Consultant Canine (CBCC-KA); Virginia Stilwell Academy Certified Dog Trainer (VSA-CDT); Licensed Family Dog Mediator, Sheltering Division (LFDM-S); Family Paws Pet Educator (FPPE); Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP); Trauma Informed Pet Professional (ABK Learn)
Memberships: Association of Professional Dog Trainers; Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest
Fina's training philosophy is rooted in empathy, science, and relationship-centered education. She believes dogs aren't giving pet pawrents a hard time... they’re having a hard time. This is why she focuses on empathy, patience, positive reinforcement, and trust as the foundations for lasting change.
By taking dogs on adventures with Dog Adventures Northwest, Fina provides opportunities for Atlanta-area dogs to express natural behaviors like sniffing, running, jumping, splashing, digging, and exploring. Because when dogs are given the freedom to be dogs, they not only live more enriching lives, they also become calmer, happier, and more connected companions at home.
Whether a pawrent is welcoming a new puppy, navigating big feelings with an adolescent dog, or supporting a rescue as they settle into their home, Fina will create a plan that feels realistic, compassionate, and tailored to their family’s unique rhythm.
When not on the trail with Dog Adventures Northwest, Fina is a dog mom to Coco and Riley, a longtime shelter volunteer and a trainer/educator.
Fina uses she/her pronouns.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Our Mastiff has been spending his mornings with Dog Adventures Northwest three times a week since he was 9-weeks-old. He started out with a puppy nanny and then moved to adventure walks. They have helped him socialize and kept him exercised for that entire time. Our vet has commented on his health and we don't have to put up with a bored puppy too much. Baugi gets excited every time Peter comes to pick him up and waits eagerly by the door. The small groups are a lot easier on him than playing in big groups and he loves to get out in the water. We also get a ton of great photos of our doofus having fun. Raising a giant puppy has been a lot easier with the help of Dog Adventures Northwest.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We love Peter! Our dogs get so excited to see him each week. Peter sends the best pictures of them hiking, swimming, and playing with all their doggy friends. Dog Adventures NW even has property to take the pups where they won't run into unknown dogs. Most importantly, we trust Peter to always take wonderful care of our dogs. When we go on vacation, they go to his house and he treats them like family. Peter is obviously very passionate about what he does, and we couldn't be happier that he loves our dogs, too.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ My dog has spent time with three different Dog Adventures NW trainers since he was 12 weeks old. (Jess Lara, Jessica Vellella, and Taylor Snead!) The difference all of these trainers made in his life can't even be quantified. My dog is a great dog but they helped make him an even better, more well behaved dog. My dog didn't have food drive, they helped him learn it. He didn't love training and lacked focus and they helped him learn how to focus on his handler. Dog Adventures Northwest is the only place I trust with my dog because I know they are very knowledgeable and responsible and communicative. It's an extreme help to know that I can leave my dog with a trainer that will teach my dog and provide a safe space and proper socialization at any time. I highly recommend Dog Adventures Northwest, its worth every dollar.