How We Ended Up Here…
We don’t just love animals; they are our passion. Working with animals isn’t just “playing with dogs”; it’s a lot of work, round the clock, making sure they are healthy, happy, and safe. Oh, and picking up poo. Lots of poo! Only people with a passion for animals find joy in every aspect of the job!
Management Team:
Daniel Tambourine – Owner
I learned a great deal about dogs at an early age because my family bred and showed dogs. As a kid, I raised rabbits and many other critters and was a member of the 4H club. I took on my first “dog training” client when I was 17. Admittedly, it was a bit of a “fake it till you make it” endeavor but I was committed to learn all I could and made it a point to meet and study with the best in the industry. I spent many years learning about behavior and mastering the mechanical skill of training. I am proud that I can now call many of these pioneers and world-class trainers, friends. Over the years, I have trained not only dogs and cats, but chickens, wolves, bears, and other exotics.
As owner of Crossroads and the head of “Best Behavior” training program, I care about educating my staff and pet owners and I love sharing what I know. I now specialize in dogs and cases involving aggression and/or fears and I am often the “last stop” for owners who have sought help elsewhere with no success. But I still love the opportunity to work with (and cuddle) a puppy and get it off to a great start!
I am a member of many behavior and training organizations, including a founding member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), the International Association of Canine Professionals, the International Boarding and Pet Services Association (IBPSA), and the Association of Behavior Analysts. I regularly consult with the top national and international behaviorists and trainers so that both I and my trainers stay abreast of the latest, most advanced techniques.
I am an Orange County native and currently reside in Long Beach, CA. I have a border-collie mix named Truman, a goofy boxer named Kofta, and a lovable pittie named #MissGingerGurl. Many of my dogs were relinquished by their owners for behavior problems and I couldn’t let them go to a shelter. They are now the best of friends and well-adjusted (most of the time!!).
Laura Renk – General Manager
One dog….that was how many I had before I came to work at Crossroads. Now I have three! Like everyone else here, I LOVE dogs. I’m a softie, which is why I now have three dogs. Jake, my Maltese, is the original love of my life. Then along came Abby, a little Malti-poo, whose owners (clients of ours) passed away, and then Charlie, a JRT, who was found as a young pup, wandering the street, flea infested and very scared. Three little bundles of joy!
I started at Crossroads in 2009 as the bookkeeper but if you know me you will know I’m never content to just do one thing. So, as I learned more about both dogs and the company, I started doing more. Now I work hard to keep everything (and everyone) in order. I love meeting and working with our wonderful clients and their dogs and I’m always available for employee support and guidance.
I am originally from Canada (eh!) but moved to California when I was 25 to warm up! I’ve worked in several different industries but found my home with the dogs. Crossroads, our clients, staff and the dogs are like family to me. If you have questions or concerns about anything I will be happy to assist you!
Trainers:
Maryanne Dell, CPDT-KA
Maryanne teaches our agility, therapy dog and nose work classes. She completed an apprenticeship under Dan Tambourine in 1999. Maryanne is also heavily involved in rescue work, working with the non-profit Shamrock Foundation, and has been instrumental in not only saving the lives of many dogs lost in the shelter system, but also arranging medical treatment for some of the worst cases.