ABOUT ME

My name is Toni Walton, and I was born and raised in South Africa. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to live in South Africa, the United Kingdom, Australia, and, for the past 16 years, New York. In March 2026, my husband and I made the move to Jersey City, New Jersey.

Growing up in South Africa, I was fortunate to have incredible access to wildlife and to share my childhood with some of the best dogs in the world—Shandy, Trixie, and Xaro. Those early experiences fostered a lifelong love of animals and ultimately inspired me to pursue what I consider to be the best job in the world: working with dogs.

I began my professional journey in the dog industry as a dog walker in Manhattan, where I worked from 2012 through January 2017. During that time, I quickly recognized that many city dogs would benefit from proper socialization, training, and guidance to help them navigate urban life and enjoy a happier, more fulfilling life with their families.

In March 2014, I enrolled in the Dog Training program at Animal Behavior College. As part of my education, I was placed with a professional dog trainer in New York City, whom I shadowed from late 2014 through June 2016. I completed my certification in 2015. My mentor, Kate, and her team were an incredible source of knowledge and inspiration and played an important role in shaping my approach to dog training.

In June 2016, I joined Unleashed and completed their dog training program, further expanding my education and experience in the ever-evolving field of canine behavior and training.

In October 2017, I earned my CPDT-KA credential through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) by successfully passing the Knowledge Assessed examination. I subsequently recertified in 2020. In July 2018, I also became an AKC-approved Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator and remain current with my registration.

I have continued to pursue education and professional development throughout my career. In August 2020, I completed an Aggression in Dogs Master Course, and in April 2022, I completed the Fear Free Animal Trainer Program.

I am currently a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), and I maintain my professional certification through the CCPDT. I am committed to continuing my education and staying current with science-based, humane, and effective approaches to dog training and behavior.

Dogs have also been a central part of my personal life. Since 2017, my husband and I have shared our home with three Korean K9 Rescue dogs: Astro (2017–2025), Lyra (2018), and Nova (2025). They have each brought something unique and meaningful to our lives and continue to remind me why I am so passionate about helping dogs and the people who love them.