Sacramento Dog Training - El Dorado K9 Training

Kristin Minnie is a dog behaviorist, as well as founder of El Dorado K9 Training. Kristin attended the University of California Los Angeles, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. In 1998, she trained while working in the industry and immediately began her career as a professional dog behaviorist. After working for a large training company in San Jose, she moved to Shingle Springs and launched El Dorado K9 Training, Incorporated in 2001. Kristin's primary responsibilities include managing business operations, strengthening customer relations, and overseeing dog training. Her training expertise and her ability to effectively educate clients has helped El Dorado K9 Training grow tremendously. The company has quickly become a leader in the industry within the region. Kristin is the mother of three young children, and loves to play, learn and explore with the kids. She also enjoys riding her Arabian horses when time allows. Kristin's hobbies include reading and movies, and she cherishes opportunities to nurture her friendships by making time for dinner and golf lessons with close friends.

Mark earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from California State University at Sacramento in 1995, and founded MinnieByte Consulting in 1997. Over the last ten years, Mark has worked as an independent computer software consultant for many middle sized companies. Dogs have been a part of Mark's life since his first basset hound Snuffy, which he had at the age of 10. Mark has always loved dogs, but did not consider a full-time career in the dog industry until he became involved with El Dorado K9. Now a career in the dog industry is the path Mark is taking...and loving! Mark is involved with the day to day operations of El Dorado K9 Training including customer service, IT management, finances, and...everything else! Mark was a starting player on the Sacramento State University Division I golf team and continued his golf career by playing professionally on the California Golden State Tour and the Canadian Golf Tour. In his free time, Mark enjoys spending time with his three kids and playing golf.

Lara Arino began working at El Dorado K9 Training in 2004. She graduated from Triple Crown Dog Training Academy in 2008 and is now one of the primary trainers on staff. Lara was born and raised in northern California and loves to explore the local hidden treasures of the area. She is a strict vegetarian and loves to cook up tasty meat-free delights! She is devoted to rescuing and fostering one or two litters of kittens per year, and is known for her ability to bring the sick ones back to good health. Her pack include Vanya, a young Borzoi (she prides herself in training the un-trainable!), as well as a rescued English Shepherd named Bobby McGee, also known as "Bobby", and of course, a few kitties as well!

Basil, a Labrador retriever, has worked right alongside Kristin for almost 10 years. Basil's love of retrieving absolutely anything has kept her interested and driven regardless of heat or length of the work-day. She serves as both a demonstration for clients, as well as a distraction during training lessons. Her ability to practically read Kristin's mind during training lessons has developed through years of a wonderful partnership. Basil is beginning to show signs of her age, but don't tell her that--she'll be devastated to be left out of the action.

Our resident greeter, Dory is the classic sweet, goofy, lovable Lab. Around here, she's known as the "marshmallow." She is low-energy and loves to lounge at your feet. She flops in a heartbeat if there's even the slightest chance of a belly-rub. She's been 'mom' to two fantastic litters of puppies. Currently, two of her 'kids' are destined for service-dog greatness! Dory is much loved around here, but if all dogs were like Dory, we would not be in business!

Our newest team-member at El Dorado K9 Training is a German shepherd pup named Goose. Goose is currently exploring his new dog-filled life at El Dorado K9 with all the energy of a young pup. At ten weeks of age, he still explores the world with his mouth, so we have all learned to grab the nearest toy for Goose, in the interest of saving our fingers and toes. His days are filled with fun and play for now, but Goose will soon begin his training in hopes of one day being a lead demonstration dog for the team.

Bobby McGee was found at approximately one year of age roaming a field in Texas. The shelter presumes that he was a ranch dog in his former life, and we do concur, as he thoroughly enjoys herding Lara's goats in his spare time. Bobby thrives to work, and excels with clicker training. You will recognize Bobby as the blur running by you and during his rare moments of stillness, his endearing crossed eyes!

Vanya is a purebred Borzoi attained at two months of age. She was lucky enough to travel with Lara to Texas and attend dog training school right along with her. Vanya is best motivated by toys, so Lara has channeled her play-drive to motivate her to work. She's known around here as the "princess," as she'd much prefer lounging around to actually being made to "work!" She has taught Lara the important quality of patience when it comes to training dogs, as she still tries to take advantage of any opportunity she gets to slack off!