Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason And Kellie Tonkin.
Hi Jason and Kellie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Jason Tonkin has been training dogs and their people for over 27 years. His journey becoming a dog trainer started because he struggled to connect with people so was always drawn to animals. He always wanted them to like him so he wanted to figure out how to get them to like him. Through animals he found connection. What prompted him to go down the path of dog training seriously was he was given a wolf hybrid dog. He was outgunned, didn’t know what he was doing, so he ended up finding someone who had experience with wolfdogs. Because of that he felt like he gave up and failed. Which sent him on a path on trying to find information on training. He eventually got a dog named Emma, and trained her himself with what he knew. He then had a dream about becoming a dog trainer– back before the internet was prolific. He ended up finding a guy who trained dogs for a living, and for 6 to 9 months he called the guy weekly to try and get a spot as an apprentice in his program. He finally earned his place, with his dog Emma. He worked there for 3.5 years gaining experience. He then started meeting more trainers through this experience and getting insight how other people train dogs for all different types of things. From that point on he moved to many places including Maine and Colorado. He attended working dog clubs watching, and learning how to be a decoy–wearing bite suits, learning to be a decoy in French Ring Sport and Schutzhund. He worked as an electrician until 2008, but due to the downturn in the economy he lost his job. He then decided if he has to start over, he might as well start over with something he loves doing. That is when his first dog training business was born–Paw and Hand K9. He moved to the Salem, Oregon area in 2010, and Paw and Hand K9 grew substantially. Then in 2018 branched off on his own and created System of a Dog.
Kellie started her training journey after moving to Florida 20 years ago, and meeting a local trainer there. She became an apprentice for that trainer and learned how training dogs is all about energy, body language, and proper handling. She started working with clients through this trainer and gained experience with all types of dogs and people. After moving back to Oregon in 2010, she continued working with clients one on one. Jason and Kellie met at a local dog training seminar, in 2012, becoming friends and sharing dog training experiences. In 2013, Kellie decided to give her German Shepherd, Hugo, to Jason as they had a unique bond that suited each other best. In 2015, Jason reciprocated and gave Kellie a puppy, Zyla, from a litter sired by the same dog she gave him. In 2019, Kellie and Jason became a team, running System of a Dog together with Hugo and Zyla in tow, and also eventually getting married. They have served the community together with System of a Dog for 7 years.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For Jason, talking to people didn’t come naturally and it was hard for him. So he decided to take college classes in public speaking and interpersonal communications. Starting a dog training business at the time he began, internet and social media was not prolific, everything was in person, handing out business cards, going to veterinarians, word of mouth, rescue groups. Dog training clients can come in waves, where sometimes business is booming and sometimes it lulls. He remembers sleeping with the oven door open to stay warm because bills couldn’t be paid (early on)–gaining a client base takes time. But perseverance paid off. He helped rehabilitate rescue dogs, dogs on craigslist, you name it. Soon his name was becoming well known and word of mouth helped it build. The physical damage endured by dogs from injuries caused by dogs and the training through various dog sports. Another struggle is the emotional bond we make with dogs that we work with, and the losses of those pets over the years. And proudly, Last year, System of a Dog won Best of the Mid-Valley Community Choice Awards, which was HUGE, and really made us thankful for how far we have come. The journey, the literal blood, sweat, and tears, all have helped us both become the people who stand before our community and help numerous dogs and their people every single day.
We’ve been impressed with System of a Dog LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We train dogs, but primarily we train PEOPLE. Our slogan is “Train yourself, Train Your Dog.” The training really is people training for dogs. We go to people’s homes and help coach and train them there with lessons and homework. We also do pick up and drop off training programs. Mountain Bound Hounds where we take 4-5 dogs everyday out hiking as a pack, learning proper social etiquette and off leash reliability. SOAD School is another mobile program focused on basic training, socialization with safe dogs, and exposure to all sorts of environments around the city. We also offer board and train where we only will do 1 or 2 dogs at a time to make sure they get that one on one time with us. That dog gets to participate in our other programs as well as receiving their own focused training and exposure as well. Puppies, adults, all breeds, we can help with almost all issues owners struggle with–from behavioral concerns to obedience exercises. In addition, we offer group classes for our clients for FREE two times a month to give owners the much needed practice around others. It is a great opportunity for them to ask us questions and keep building. We really just value helping dogs and helping people gain the picture they want with their dogs. It is so rewarding for us to see people take an active role, becoming their dog’s trainer and gaining skill, confidence, and getting excited at their own progress. We train people so that they eventually don’t need us anymore. Luckily, we still have those who love to attend our free classes just so we can keep that community with them! So it is fun to see that community grow and we strive to be there as a resource for their owners, for the lifetime of the dog as we and they are able.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, Jason was pretty quiet and introverted believe it or not! (Those who know him now would attest otherwise, he is a very talkative and passionate guy now, but I think that is just how he is about things he is passionate about!) He was an artist since he could hold a crayon. He could get lost all day drawing. An only child until he was 11, and hew as used to doing things on his own. He was always surrrounded by dogs in the family. He had horses, really enjoyed those as well as fish, birds, he loved them all. He has enjoyed and mastered MANY hobbies, from the sport of schutzhund, martial arts, rock climbing, bike-joring with his malinois, hiking, cooking (went to culinary school even!), building anything and everything with wood (its impressive what he can make), rode motorcycles (even built one), being an impressive artist (drawing–even designed his own tattoo), running and training for spartan races, archery, and continues his love of learning new things by trying out new hobbies all throughout his life. But animals, dogs especially, have always been involved one way or another.
Kellie was a very shy child, and did not relate to people all that well growing up. One very select close friend was about it. Her animals were her also her best friends. Dogs, horses, fish, cats, rodents, rabbits, birds, you name it…she probably had it. Always did well in school, and related best to her teachers rather than her peers. Her interests always hovered around nature and animals. Discovery channel, and nature or animal themed books–Nothing interested her more. Her original career paths were either a forest ranger or a veterinary technician. Dog training didn’t even really register as an option until life exposed it! Riding bikes, hiking and exploring new places, going to the beach, all were fun past-times growing up and still are now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.systemofadog.com
- Instagram: @systemofadogtrainer
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14ndeBnZAVR/
- Youtube: @systemofadogtraineroregon
