Archives: Bio

Andrea Ramos

I was born and raised in Orange County and have been working with animals since 2006. I started volunteering at the local animal shelter at age 15 and later became part of the shelter staff. I learned the basics of animal body language and behavior and how to work with more difficult animals. I continued to work in several animal shelters over the years in Orange County and Northern California. I graduated from UC Davis with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and Management.

After college, I fostered a shy, undersocialized dog who became my foster fail named Butters. When I first got Butters he was too scared to even leave the driveway to go on a walk. Now he loves his daily long walks, car rides, and exploring new places. While working at the
San Francisco animal shelter, I fostered another small, fearful dog and realized I still had a lot to learn about dog training and behavior. I decided to pursue further education in dog training and got certified in Training and Behavior Consultation by the Dog Trainer Internship Academy (DTIA). Based off of the Academy of Dog Trainers, DTIA taught me the foundation of force-free, science-based, and positive-reinforcement dog training.

I started dog training with my increased knowledge and education and enjoy helping clients work through behavioral issues and/or basic training with their dogs. I feel comfortable working with all types of dogs and especially enjoy working with newly adopted dogs. I continue to work in an animal shelter and understand the transition from shelter to home and the significance of building the human-animal bond in a positive way.

I am a member of the Pet Professional Guild and enjoy learning more through attending conferences, webinars, and reading dog behavior books. In my free time, I enjoy taking Butters to the dog beach, doing yoga, and cooking new recipes.

Rachelle French

I have been working hands on with canines of all breeds, temperament and size for more than 20 years.
I have trained many dogs over the years to get their TDI, CGC and go off to provide affection, comfort and support to people in hospitals, retirement, nursing homes, hospices, etc.

In college while completing a bachelor’s degree I worked in kennels, managed dog daycares, offered pet sitting services and realized I couldn’t get away from the thing I was most passionate about – dogs. I started working side by side apprenticing with different dog trainers until I found my niche in the industry and went off to start my own dog walking business in North OC to help families with specialized dog walks with a training focus. Two years ago I moved to Lake Forest with my dog and husband; and joined the Bark to Basics team to help educate humans and dogs! I strive to help my clients and their dogs form a strong bond through clear communication and structure.

My training is mostly reward, play and structure based. Food and play are huge motivators for dogs as it drives them to want to do things we would like them to do in our lives and don’t require excessive frustration or punishment. I’m fond of clicker/marker training but don’t require you to use one. It is well known that punishment hinders the learning process, and you don’t need to be dominant or “alpha” to succeed!

When not helping clients to enjoy easier lives with their canine companions, I am busy reading, hiking, running, spending time with my pup, Rigatoni, son and husband.

I’m a new mom and recognize the great need to integrate dogs and children properly as well.

I’m also certified in Pet CPR and First Aid.