Team

Kerry Ryan

Certifications: Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) for the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers; American Red Cross Animal First Aid/CPR; VCA Animal First Aid/CPR; Dove Lewis Pet First Aid/CPR; Bachelor of Arts from Brown University

Memberships: Association of Professional Dog Trainers; Pet Sitters International; Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest

Kerry is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, an outdoor enthusiast, and the proud mama of an awesome dog named Obie. She is a Professional Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, and was voted the "Best Individual Trainer of the Northwest" by Spot Magazine for several years in a row. Kerry received a Bachelor's Degree from Brown University, and regularly attends continuing education classes in the areas of dog behavior and learning.

Kerry believes that many canine behavioral problems could easily be alleviated through proper exercise. While many dog owners often meet their dog's basic needs for food, water, love, and boundaries, the average Portland pooch is under-exercised, getting only one or two short leashed walks per day. The truth of the matter is that most dogs need much more than this. Depending on the age, breed, and health of the dog, most dogs need at least one hour of off-leash exercise every single day! To this end, Kerry started Dog Adventures Northwest to make it easier for people to meet the needs of their four-legged family members. She love dogs, has a thorough understanding of canine behavior, and is an avid adventurer, so it was a natural undertaking. Since its inception in the Summer of 2011, there have been many miles of happy trails and even more happy tails.

Kerry uses she/her pronouns.

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Becky Skye

Certifications: Certification for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT) pending; American Red Cross Pet First Aid/CPR

Memberships: Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest

Becky grew up on her grandma’s small farm. She learned her love of animals from her grandma and how to train and care for them. Now, Becky is living in Portland with a very stubborn English Bulldog/Shar-Pei mix and a Lab/Rottie mix. She volunteers with local dog rescues to foster. Becky and her dogs can often be found out on the trails searching for new adventures!

Becky uses she/her pronouns.

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Angie Johnston

Certifications: Certification for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT); American Red Cross Pet CPR & First Aid

Memberships: Professional Member of the Association for Professional Dog Trainers (APDT); Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest 

Angie has always had an incredible fervor for dogs.  Growing up in a coastal town in Maine, she learned to train Bluetick Coonhounds for hunting and spent her days exploring beaches and watching Red Sox games with her faithful Black Lab, Casey D. Dog.  After arriving in Portland, she turned her passion into a fulfilling career.

Over the past fifteen years, Angie has become a valued trainer in our community, even ranking in Spot Magazine’s Top Ten Dog Trainers. Angie has spent the last 8 + years  specializing in training young puppies and their parents through puppyhood. 

In early 2016, Angie took on a position on the Whole Dog Academy’s board of directors. The Whole Dog Academy is an education and research-based non-profit dedicated to improving the canine-human relationship through education, community outreach, and scientific research.

 
Angie uses she/her pronouns.

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Bobby MacDonald

Certifications: Victoria Stilwell Academy Certified Dog Trainer (VSA-CDT) pending; Certification for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT) pending; Red Cross Pet CPR & First Aid

Memberships: Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest

An animal lover since birth, Bobby always knew that at some point his career path would include working with and helping animals.  After becoming more involved in the rescue and fostering community, Bobby saw a desperate need for more trainers who utilize force-free, fear-free, positive training methods. Feeling a strong draw to this cause, Bobby made the decision to transition from a corporate position to a career path working with and helping animals full-time.

When not working with Dog Adventures Northwest, Bobby spends a lot of his free time out hiking and camping with his partner and their three dogs, or working on their other small business, PNW Dogwear, making custom leashes and collars.

Bobby uses he/him pronouns.

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Caroline Shriver

Certifications: America Red Cross Pet First Aid/CPR; BA in Middle Childhood Education from Wittenberg University; SHRM-CP, certified Human Resources professional

Memberships: Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest

Caroline's passion is helping dogs and their people thrive! She has experience as a positive reinforcement dog trainer working with shy, sensitive, and reactive dogs and is fascinated by dog body language and helping to advocate for dogs to keep them and people safe. She also loves walking, running, and biking and exploring the PNW as well as working as an HR professional in healthcare.

Caroline uses she/her pronouns.

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Clara Ridabock

Certifications: Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (pending); Udemy Pet First Aid/CPR

Memberships: Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest

 
Animals have always been at the center of Clara’s life. A lifelong Oregonian, Clara was raised with a deep respect for nature and all living things (by hippies, of course). Her first dog was a black Labrador Retriever named Annie, and she attributes her love and compassion for all animals to the bond they shared. 

Since 2016, Clara has been a member of the Associate Board for One Tail at a Time Portland, a local dog rescue, which allows her to advocate for animal welfare in a myriad of ways, from fundraising to fostering and rehabilitation. Working in rescue has given her the opportunity to work with and care for dogs of every size, age, and temperament. Clara has a special affinity for fearful and senior dogs. 

Clara is currently pursuing her Certification for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT) so she can continue to improve the lives of companion animals in new ways. In her free time, you can find her hiking in the woods with her two rescue pups, Cedar, a 4 year old Spaniel mix, and Junebug, a 1.5 year old Texas Heeler mix. She would love to have your pup join her crew for an Adventure!

Clara uses she/her pronouns.

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Fernando Cabrejos

Certifications: Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Foundations; Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (pending); Red Cross Pet First Aid/CPR

Memberships: Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest

As a long time pet lover, Fernando can't think of a better way to spend time than to take dogs on adventures. His childhood home often felt like a zoo, with him bringing home pets ranging from tarantulas to snakes to chinchillas and the occasional cat. He now lives with a stubborn but very sweet 75lb Olde English Bulldog named Martok, and a goofy, highly energetic, and very friendly Standard Poodle named Valentino. Fernando loves the company of dogs all shapes and sizes. Outside of dog adventuring, Fernando is an avid photographer as well as a mountain bike enthusiast and skier.

Fernando uses he/him pronouns.

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Gie Carr

Certifications: Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers; Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM) through the L.E.G.S. Applied Ethology program; Red Cross Pet First Aid/CPR

Memberships: Professional Member of the Association for Professional Dog Trainers (APDT); Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest

Gie grew up in rural Indiana raising black Labs and a variety of rescues. When her own kids reached middle school age, her family began volunteering as puppy raisers for Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB). Her background as a teacher and a coach made her a good fit as a GDB club leader, where she led group sessions and trained new raisers. In 2020, she shifted to training companion dogs. In addition to helping people and their pets, Gie enjoys making art, skating, hiking, playing table tennis, and being with family and friends.

Gie (pronounced "jee") uses she/her and they/them pronouns.

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Grant Engler

Certifications: Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Foundations; Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (pending); Red Cross Pet First Aid/CPR; BS in Forestry from the University of Wisconsin

Memberships: Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest

Raised in northern Wisconsin, Grant has a deep love of the outdoors and animals alike. He and his family currently cohabitating with a Chihuahua and a Blue Heeler. Grant appreciates dogs of all shapes and sizes and has an affinity for herders. He is excited to lead energetic dogs on enriching adventures.

Outside of work Grant can often be found cycling, skiing, bouldering, or playing soccer.

Grant uses he/him pronouns.

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Jac Lara

Certifications: Red Cross Pet First Aid/CPR

Memberships: Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest

Jac’s love for animals started at a young age, as she grew up around her Grandpa’s working German Shepherds and Labs. She was intrigued by the work he did with K9 Search and Rescue and always knew she’d love working with dogs. Jac has a 10 year old Shih Tzu mix named Mysia, who lights up her world. Mysia is an anxious and reactive pup so Jac is familiar with dogs who need a little extra patience and understanding.

Jac currently works as a nanny, and one of the perks is getting to know and love other people’s pets. She has nannied for the past 9 years and assumed the pet sitter role for many of her families as needed. Jac is the sister of Jess Lara, a trainer with DANW and the founder of J9K9. Jac helps out with her sister's three dogs often and loves learning from Jess. Jac is interested in becoming certified herself, but for now is only offering pet sitting. She looks forward to growing with Dog Adventures Northwest and getting to know your furry family members.

Jac uses she/her pronouns.

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Jackson Poling

Certifications: Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (pending); Red Cross Pet First Aid/CPR

Memberships: Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest

Jackson recently graduated from Oregon State University (go Beavs!) with degrees in Business Administration and Psychology. While studying psychology, he found that he enjoyed the concepts involved in both learning theory and behavior modification. His interest in those concepts and his absolute adoration for dogs led him to dog training! Jackson is currently on the path to getting his CPDT-KA certification through Noble Woof, and plans to be certified by Fall 2023.

Jackson uses he/him pronouns.

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Kim Freimoeller

Kim lives in Portland with her husband Peter, a certified trainer and adventure leader with Dog Adventures Northwest, and their two dogs, Taika and Remy. Kim has loved animals her whole life, but never understood the joy of having her own dog until the spring of 2019, when she got her corgi, Taika. Taika encouraged her to explore, hike, and reconnect with nature, all while the two of them learned to communicate with one another through force-free training. Shortly after, Remy the GSD/Mini Aussie came to her as a foster puppy, and quickly became a foster fail. 

Kim has a talent for administrative work, and a passion for fostering healthy connections between dogs and their humans. When she's not playing with spreadsheets in excel, Kim spends her time adventuring with her dogs, reading, and sewing.

Kim uses she/her pronouns.

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Mindy Cook

Certifications: Certification for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT) pending; Melanie Monteiro's Dog CPR, First Aid, and Safety for Pet Pros; Pet Tech, Pet CPR & First Aid

Memberships: Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest

Mindy's greatest love in life has been dogs. Fifteen years ago, Mindy adopted two rescue Golden Retriever mix littermates, along with her partner. Those sweet brothers, Chico and Bear, dealt with dog reactivity issues, and Mindy worked with them to extensively to address such a complex problem. After years of dedication and patience, they were able to adjust to the company of other dogs in a calm manner. Chico and Bear crossed the rainbow bridge last year, just months apart, at the sweet old doggy age of 16.

Mindy was heart-broken, but decided to adopt again, this time a cattle dog-herding-puppy of many breeds from Texas. She and her partner named him Japhy Ryder. Determined to socialize him at a young age, and faced with the challenges of socializing a puppy in the winter of Covid, Mindy hit the streets of her Mt. Tabor neighborhood searching for other puppies and dogs for Japhy to play with. She spent the first year of his life training, hiking, and creating puppy play groups, and realized she absolutely loved spending all day with dogs. This is how she came across Dog Adventures Northwest... and now she is so excited to finally be spending her days doing what she loves!

 
Mindy has done volunteer work with the Oregon Humane Society, The Pongo Fund, and Paw Team. She believes all dogs should be treated with love, compassion and kindness, and is focused on continuing education in science-based, positive reinforcement dog training.

Mindy uses she/her pronouns.

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Ricky Correa-Sorich

Certifications: Certification for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT); American Red Cross Pet CPR & First Aid

Memberships: Professional Member of the Association for Professional Dog Trainers (APDT); Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest

Ricky’s natural talent with dogs was discovered when he was taking his puppy to dog training classes six years ago. The trainers brought him into their team, where he immersed himself in dog training and behavior for the next few years, eventually becoming the lead trainer for the force free facility!  Ricky loves high-energy dogs, specifically finding new ways to get them tired, both mentally and physically. 

When you don’t catch Ricky working with dogs, you’ll find him running marathons and exploring the PNW with his boyfriend and their Bouvier des Flandres. 

 
Ricky uses he/him pronouns.

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Shawna Burk

Certifications: ABC Certified Dog Trainer through Animal Behavior College. ABC Pet First Aid/CPR

Memberships: Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest

Shawna is an outdoor enthusiast who spent twenty years of her life working at a ski & snowboard shop in downtown Portland. She loves hiking and spending her free time exploring new places in the PNW.

Shawna adopted her first dog Maggie nine years ago, and soon after adopted her second dog Rowdy. Shawna had the privilege of bringing her two dogs to work with her, and quickly discovered the benefits that came along with it. She realized that giving them the opportunity to leave the house for the day played a huge role in fulfilling their needs, helping them develop a healthy, happy, and well-balanced peace of mind. She decided to combine her passion for the outdoors and her love for dogs, and enrolled in school to receive her certification as a professional dog trainer.

Since graduating from the Animal Behavior College, Shawna has been hosting adventure pack hikes in the great outdoors, as well as dog walking and pet sitting in the city. She’s a strong believer of in force-free, positive reinforcement training methods. She loves giving her adventure dogs an opportunity to express themselves as individuals and allow them to experience this world through nature, the way life was intended for them.

Shawna uses she/her pronouns.

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Taylor Snead

Certifications: Accredited Dog Trainer (ADT) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants; Pet CPR and First Aid through Pet Emergency Education; Bachelor of Arts in German and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Webster University

Taylor started working with dogs at a rescue shelter in their hometown of Saint Louis, Missouri after graduating from college, and quickly found a love for working with shy, fearful, and reactive dogs. They continued to volunteer with a number of rescue groups and shelters in the area, and a few years later began teaching a variety of group classes as well as private lessons.

Throughout their career, Taylor has taken advantage of many learning opportunities, including working with other trainers and attending seminars and conferences. In addition to their interest in shy and fearful dogs, they enjoy working with families with children and being able to help them live happily with their dogs.

Taylor uses they/them pronouns.

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U.b. Kelly

Certifications: Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (pending); Red Cross Pet First Aid/CPR

Memberships: Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest

Unicorn boy, or U.b., is chalk full of magic, and has the goal to share that magic with all of our canine companions. Starting in Berkeley throughout college as a side-gig, dog care stole their heart and sent them on a new path. After a decade of walking dogs through college, then later doing leashed pack walks for another SF bay area company, it was time for U.b. to launch their own journey as Pack Daddy UB. They strive to keep their packs happy and healthy, just as any Daddy would for their own kiddos. Through positivity, love, trust, and setting our dogs up for success, U.b. knows that human/dog duos can move mountains. U.b. has seen the mountains move in the training of their own PTSD service animal, Mister Fennel Muffin. Pack Daddy UB and the Muffin Man started in California, and are excited to be following their path to gain certifications and more knowledge through working with the best crew and pups in Portland — Dog Adventures Northwest!

U.b. uses they/them pronouns.

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