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.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We have had a great time training with Dog Adventures Northwest. They have formed a strong bond with our pup, Rufus! Although they said he was smart and well-behaved, he didn't really pay that much attention to training. But the advice, games, and tips they gave us are helping our girls interact with Rufus in a positive way. Thank you Dog Adventures Northwest!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ These guys rule! We have been using them since we moved to Portland a couple months ago. Jamie has been hiking our buddy Dingo once a week and he always comes back worn out and happy. She sends us lots of photos of him having fun on the trail with other dogs and provides a report for how he did. Is it grade inflation when he always gets A's? Nah, I think he is just that good. They do overnight dog sitting as well, and Jamie has taken Dingo when we are both out of town. We trust her completely with him!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We LOVE Dog Adventures Northwest and all of the services they provide! We, like most folks, have busy, full lives so we knew when we got our Goldendoodle as a puppy we'd need some support to make sure she was safe and had a great time, even while we are traveling or had long days at work. When she was a puppy with skills to learn, she did Board and Learn while we went on vacation, and learned how to better walk on a leash (she was a big puller!) Our trainer not only greatly reduced the pulling, but also suggested the PERFECT harness and helpful training tools we could continue to implement at home. Now that she's older, she goes on one scheduled adventure a week with Cyrus and gets to romp and play with a small group (1-3) of other dogs. I love that Dog Adventures Northwest is careful to pair dogs with complimentary personalities and play styles! Safety is an obvious priority for them. She always comes home SO happy and tired. When her adventure leader comes to pick her up, you can tell it's her best friend in the whole world! Thinking about it actually makes me tear up - she just loves him and their adventures so much. We also use the house/pet sitting service when we travel; it's wonderful and SO convenient! The people at DANW that we've interacted with are all 100% trustworthy, professional and dog-loving folks. We honestly couldn't ask for more and couldn't have our beloved fur baby without them!