Meet Sonia Doak | Dog Trainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sonia Doak and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sonia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wanted to start my own business in order to provide more accessible dog training options for disabled individuals like myself, as well as further my passion for behavior modification such as severe anxiety and aggression by offering a one-of-a-kind, in-home training program.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My passion for animals started as a child, I was always interested in the world of veterinary medicine and was enrolled in veterinary school when my health took a turn, and I began looking into the possibility of obtaining a service dog. As I began my service dog journey, I fell in love with the art of dog training and quickly changed career paths. I began studying other trainers, researching training methods and practicing with any and every dog I could until I developed my own, personal style and skill of training. Along the way I discovered that I particularly enjoyed rehabilitating aggressive and fearful dogs more than anything else. I think these cases speak to me most because they need someone to take a chance and help instead of being afraid or shunning them. Working with dogs is never easy, especially when working with aggressive dogs but training is something that has taught me how to remain calm under extreme pressure, always take the time to think clearly and develop a plan of action and remain humble at all times. I love what I do. I love helping people and their dogs, whether it’s training the family pet, a service dog or rehabilitating an aggressive/anxious dog into a happy, confident member of the family.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a friend were coming to visit, I would definitely take them to the Kimbell Art Museum, the Sid Richardson Museum as well as the Fort Worth Zoo, Water Gardens, Japanese Garden and Botanic Gardens. Then of course my favorite place to work with my service dog clients; Six Flags!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to thank every one of my clients who have trusted me with their furbabies and who have become like family to me. I would also like to thank my mentor, Carlos Mendez for always helping me grow and expand my knowledge. As well as my girlfriend, who graciously allows me to fill the house to the brim with dogs and is always willing to help me with anything that I need.

Instagram: Doak Dog Training