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

Hi Dwayne, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was involved in Dock Diving and working events in the Pacific NW from 2012-2017. After the 2017 season was completed I was ready to move from the PNW to the Southwest United States and start my own dock diving facility. My first choice was my home town of Las Vegas, NV. My intent was to open my own Dock Diving facility. Due to the regulations in NV, Las Vegas was impossible. I bought property in Tonopah, AZ. in 2018. The first paying client of Tonopaws K9 Swim Center & Dock Diving Facility was on March 16, 2019. I have just started my 5th year in business and could not be happier. Tonopaws was needed in this part of the country and I have put smiles on many faces over the last 4 years. This is my passion.

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.
Previously, I was an Organized Retail Crime Investigator. I was doing that job which I absolutely loved and doing Dock Diving events on the side. I quickly realized what my calling was. I have never been happier in my life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As my 100% focus for the last 4 years has been building the Tonopaws brand I have not had the opportunity to do much. I would recommend they visit the Grand Canyon of course. More importantly I would have them plan their trip around a NADD sanctioned event, I have 8 a year at Tonopaws. It is 3 days of fun if you like dogs and great people. If you don’t like dogs then I probably don’t know you.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
North America Diving Dogs (NADD) is my sanctioning body. ALL of my clients and competitors deserve a shout out. I couldn’t do what I do without their continued support.
Eric Christenson has been my right hand guy for over 3 years. He helps with everything related to Tonopaws.

The Allen family with, NW X-Treme Air Dogs.
The Allen Family and their dock diving organization is where I got my start in dock diving and learning about running events.
Tonopaws wouldn’t exist without the knowledge I gained from my time (2012-2017) with NW X-Treme Air Dogs.

Website: www.tonopaws.com

Instagram: @tonopaws

Facebook: Tonopaws K9 Swim Center & Dock Diving Facility

Youtube: Tonopaws,,,, a work in progress

Image Credits
Jessica Stricker, Strictly Canine, Llc Gloria Anderson, Go Dog Photo

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