Tonya Schaeffer
Professional Dog Trainer | TLC Canine CoachingHelping You Build Structure, Confidence, and Lasting Obedience
With over 19 years of professional dog training experience, Tonya specializes in structured obedience, behavior modification, and working breed development throughout Utah.
Hi, I’m Tonya. For nearly two decades, I’ve dedicated my life to helping dogs and their owners build clear communication, strong leadership, and reliable behavior that lasts.
My Story
Tonya began her professional training career at Triple Crown Dog Academy, studying under some of the most respected trainers in the United States. During her time there, she trained extensively in clicker training, behavior modification, aggression cases, agility, competition obedience, therapy dog certification, and Canine Good Citizen evaluation.
After completing her training, she returned to Utah and immediately immersed herself in hands-on experience. She volunteered her time, worked in kennels throughout the valley, and applied advanced training principles in real-world environments to strengthen both her technical and practical skills.
After four years of refining her craft and building client relationships, Tonya founded TLC Canine Coaching in November 2007. The name “TLC” comes from her childhood nickname, Tonya Lynn Crawford. But it also reflects her philosophy: structured training delivered with clarity, consistency, and accountability.
My Values & Beliefs
Training Is Communication
A well-behaved dog begins with clear communication between handler and dog. Coaching the human is just as important as training the canine.
Structure Creates Confidence
Dogs thrive on consistency and leadership. Structure reduces anxiety and builds calm, predictable behavior.
Real-World Reliability Matters
Training should hold up outside the classroom. Public proofing and environmental exposure are critical.
Education Never Stops
Tonya continually expands her knowledge, studies evolving training methodologies, and trains alongside top handlers and decoys in the working dog community.
My Approach
Tonya regularly competes with her own dogs in competitive obedience, conformation, and French Ring protection sports. She actively trains with experienced handlers and high-level working dog trainers, continuously refining her skill set.
She currently owns multiple Cane Corso Italian Mastiffs and has extensive experience working with powerful, high-drive breeds. That hands-on working experience directly informs her training programs for family dogs, working breeds, and behavior cases.
At TLC Canine Coaching, the goal is not just short-term obedience. The goal is long-term reliability, handler confidence, and a dog that responds calmly in everyday life.
