Bonnie Shaw

Bonnie was always dog-crazy as a kid, and would read every book she could get her hands on – as long as it was about a dog. She especially liked to read training books and dog behavior information.

As a minister’s daughter, Bonnie’s Father moved the family around and always lived in parsonages, so a dog was not in the works. Her parents told her – “you can have a dog, when you get a home of your own.”

It took a few years, but that dog turned out to be a wonderful Golden Retriever named Tucker. The Golden learned tricks and commands so fast, Bonnie thought she was a great trainer… until she got a second dog and found out some dogs are easier to train than others. She had a lot to learn.

Bonnie met Mary Kutulakis in 1987, and the two went to dog shows to sell dog related items and Bonnie’s dog woodcarvings. Bonnie had never been to a dog show before this, and learned about showing in the obedience ring. Mary encouraged Bonnie to take training classes and began teaching classes herself around the Carlisle area – in vet offices, kennels and the mall. Bonnie trained with Mary and helped out in some of the classes. When Mary opened Fieldwood Dog Training Center, Bonnie became one of Mary’s Puppy Kindergarten teachers. She has also taught classes in Agility, Basic Manners, Canine Cool, and Tricks and Games.

Bonnie has raised several breeds of dogs and enjoys the challenge of different types of dogs. Besides the Golden Retriever, she has had a Cocker/Setter mix, a Chow Chow, a Miniature Schnauzer, a Shetland Sheepdog, and has fostered and found homes for a few strays. She currently lives with her husband, Peter and a couple of fur-kids: “Elfin Legolas” – a Pembroke Welsh Corgi and “Monty” the Dalmatian.

Bonnie appreciates the Fieldwood philosophy of positive dog training and building a great relationship with your dog. Every-dog is an individual and the trainer must find the key that motivates their own training partner. Training a dog is more than a hobby or a one time thing. Training is a life-long activity to bond with your dog and grow a wonderful relationship. A well-trained and socialized dog is a joy to live with!

Come to Fieldwood Dog Training Center and add a little joy to you and your dog’s life!