CREDENTIALS


I have been actively participating in the world of dogs since I was twelve years old. I began volunteering with Pet Network rescue in Saratoga CA as a dog walker during adoption fairs. Later I became a short term foster home and also webmaster, I am still a member of Pet Network rescue!

I discovered my love of dog training and dog sports when I was introduced to a group of dog trainers who worked with studio animals (animals trained for films, tv and print ads). These dog trainers taught me many different methods and styles of dog training, but most importantly, how to communicate with dogs. I practiced AKC obedience with them every Friday nights, went to agility and fly ball classes on the weekends from the time I was thirteen to eighteen.

My first job (in between college classes) was as a dog bather at The Pet Spa in Los Gatos CA. I also volunteered at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley as their only groomer. I worked at the PetCo in both Los Gatos and Saratoga CA as their dog trainer, later I moved full time to Saratoga PetCo’s Doggy Day Camp where I worked for many years! After PetCo closed their Day Camps I moved on to the Pet Villa Pet Boarding kennel in Santa Clara CA where I served as dog trainer, daycare and kennel attendant.

In February 2004 I joined the Newfoundland Club of Northern California. I volunteered to be a steward at my first club draft test event where I completely became submerged in the world of working dogs! I steward at several other draft and water tests before getting my first Newfoundland, Lex in June 2005. In April 2007 Lex and I entered our first draft test where we earned our first working title. Four short years later Lex, Flint (my second Newf) and I would go on to earn over a dozen more new titles and requalifications including two Draft Dog titles, two Water Dog and two Water Rescue Dog titles, one Water Rescue Dog Excellent, two Team Draft Dog titles, an AKC Companion Dog and Companion Dog Excellent title, a specialty High In trial, numerous first place placements at all-breed obedience trials, an AKC conformation Championship, the NCA Working Achievement award, Lex was ranked #10 obedience dog in 2008 and top regional obedience dog in 2011!

My philosophy is that every dog should be given the opportunity to do the job it was bred for. After all, form and function go hand-in-hand and if a dog has correct structure, soundness and temperament there is no reason why it cannot excel in both the show ring and as a working dog! It is a beautiful thing when a show dog can pull a cart and tow a boat.

I currently serve as the Working Dog committee chair for the NCNC. I am also a member of the Newfoundland Club of America since 2007.

-Dana Kuo