About Dog Zone:

Dog Zone is all about the dogs. We want to see everyone grow and reach new heights. Nothing is more rewarding that watching a dog go beyond what was originally thought as his limits. At Dog Zone they all have that potential!

Dog Zone is also active in helping local 4H clubs succeed and train with their dogs. Offering speaking engagements on what children should do when confronted with an aggressive dog and helping to overcome a fear of dogs. We encourage children to get active with their dogs, take classes together and go the extra step to compete with their faithful friend.

We help local dog rescue groups by offering to train rescues that will help them become more adoptable. We also offer discounts to newly rescued dogs for obedience classes that will help them fit in more quickly to their new forever homes, certain restrictions may apply.

The Dog Zone is active in the CHU and C-Wags dog sports competitions with the emphasis on teamwork, traditional and rally obedience where the handler is allowed to interact with their dog in a more natural manner.

We are also the home of Ruff Troops Training Club! Ruff Troops is a 45-level program with classes for owners and pets, including dog training in agility, biking, camping and hiking. It's like boy scouts for dogs. We encourage family participation.

About our head trainer, Donna:

Donna J. Zaj is a certified Canine Behavior and Training Specialist. She earned her certification in 1984, through Master Trainers and apprenticing for several years. She is not a member of the Council Certified Pet Dog Trainers. Donna is an AKC CGC and S.T.A.R. Puppy Program Evaluator, a C-Wags Rally Obedience Judge/Advocate and a C.H.U. Rally Obedience and Traditional Obedience Judge and founder of the Ruff Troops Dog Training Club.

Specializing in aggression management and obedience for nearly thirty years, Donna began her career training dogs, horses, and parrots. She has volunteered and worked with several local animal control officers helping to re-home abused, abandoned, injured and lost dogs. Her unique approach includes a system that she has developed through years of research and personal experience, believing in positive reinforcement as a humane training method. Donna has a gift for connecting with animals. They respond to her almost immediately. She will teach you what you need to know to do the same for your animal, making sure you have a chance to apply what you are learning throughout the process.

Donna has been featured on the front page of the Macomb Daily's Saturday edition, March 15, 2008; www.macombdaily.com "Dog team ready to put on the Green". She has also been featured three times in : The Sentinel - The Official Publication of the White German Shepherd Dog Club of America. Donna J. Zaj, owner and trainer has volunteered and worked with several local animal control officers helping to re-home abused, abandoned, injured and lost dogs. The latest listing was in January 2009's article: "White German Shepherds make their mark at Parade Time." Her Walk Your Dog company was voted #1 at WDIV's www.clickondetroit.com contest for 2008. Be sure to check out the testimonials at their website.

Credentials:
Certified Trainer Counselor CTC
Certified Professional Dog Trainer CPDT
Associated Pet Dog Trainer APDT CATT Certified American Treibball Trainer, Level 3, Regional

Certifications:
Certified Canine Counselor
Certified Dog Behavioral Consultant
Evaluator for American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen
Evaluator for American Kennel Club S.T.A.R. Puppy Program
C-Wags Rally and Obedience Advocate and Judge
Founder of Ruff Troops Training Club
Founder of Walk Your Dog L.L.C.
Founder of Canine and Humans United L.L.C.