We had the good fortune of connecting with Stacy Shubunka and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stacy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own business meant I could have the flexibility in my career that created a balance between my passion and my family. After years of working with a variety of animals, I knew I could take that knowledge and experience to help owners and their pets.

I founded OC Paws Dog Training because I wanted to enhance the relationship of pets and their owners. I knew that my work as an animal care professional working in zoos and aquariums gave me a unique perspective.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
From an early age I was always fascinated with animals. My animal training career began by attending Moorpark College’s Exotic Animal Training and Management program. Upon completion in 2005, I began a career working with marine mammals at SeaWorld San Diego and Sea Life Park Hawaii. I had the pleasure of training dolphins, sea lions, seals, and penguins. I performed shows, interactions, education presentations and even trained medical behaviors. While working at these facilities, I had the opportunity to master the art of animal behavior and training. To further my understanding of behavior, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from California Coast University.

After working with marine mammals for many years, I focused on my passion of working with dogs. I began working for Birds and Animals Unlimited, one of the largest animal film production companies. Here I trained dogs, cats, birds, pigs, rats, and raccoons for the Universal Studios Animal Actors show and for film.

After having so much success with dogs, I decided that I wanted to help pet owners learn to train their own dogs. I knew I could take my years of experience and make a difference for owners and their dogs. In 2013, OC Paws Dog Training was established and has been a great venture, teaching many dogs and owners.

Being an animal care and training professional is something I find extremely rewarding. I know that I make a positive impact in the lives of the animals I train. I enjoy teaching and educating other people on how to better care for, train and help preserve all species of animals. In fact, I also was the behavior & training zookeeper at the Santa Ana Zoo. During my time at the zoo, I helped establish a formal training program and trained many animals. This improved their wellbeing and daily care.

Training is a way for caretaker and animal to better understand one another. The goal of training should always come from a place to better the animals day to day care and overall welfare. Starting OC Paws Dog Training came from a place of passion and desire to improve the human-animal bond.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Enjoy breakfast at Sugar Shack on Main Street. Take the dogs out for a walk around Central Park. Go check out the shops at Pacific City (dog friendly!). Head out to the Huntington Beach Pier in the evening to watch the sunset. Grab a glass of wine at Main Street Wine Company, then have some delicious sushi at Sushi on Fire.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My rescue dog, Nai’a. While working for the Universal Studios Animal Actors Show, I rescued a shepherd-mix puppy. I trained Nai’a for the live stage show at Universal Studios. She also made a few media appearances at a young age. Nai’a was a timid puppy and needed time to learn. She taught me patience and understanding. Nai’a made me a better trainer. When it was time for me to move on from the show, I adopted Nai’a as my own pet and she is still with me to this day, a retired star at the lovely age of 11.

Website: https://ocpawsdogtraining.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ocpawsdogtraining/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ocpawsdogtraining

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/oc-paws-dog-training-huntington-beach

Other: linktr.ee/ocpaws

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.