Meet Taniyah Parker | Canine Behavior Specialist

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

Hi Taniyah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The idea for 6 Paws Training Camp came from seeing a common challenge among dog owners. I often noticed that many dogs behaved well at home, but once they were taken out into public spaces they became reactive and seemed to forget the obedience commands they performed so well in a familiar setting. That often limited the activities owners felt comfortable doing with their dogs, because many didn’t want to deal with the stress or embarrassment of unpredictable behavior. My goal was to create a program that helped guide dog owners past that training barrier, so they can experience more freedom and confidence with their dogs, while also gaining a deeper understanding of the natural world around them.

What should our readers know about your business?
6 Paws Training Camp is unique in that blends obedience training and outdoor adventure under one brand. Our focus is on quality of training and experience rather than speed or volume. The training programs are designed to provide lasting results, meaningful support and build confidence for both dogs and their owners, whether at home or exploring the outdoors, while also educating them about the nature around them.

What excites me most about the business is our Adventure Trails program. This unique experience allows dog owners to join trainer-guided hikes around Tucson to practice their obedience skills, learn about the surrounding environment and connect with like-minded dog owners who share a passion for being outdoors.

My journey to this point has been anything but straight. Before returning to my childhood passion for training dogs and obtaining my CPDT-KA dog training certification, I worked across a wide range of industries, some of which included environmental science, veterinary care, zoological industry, wildlife rehabilitation, laboratory animal science, and animal protection. Each experience taught me something unique, and I’ve woven all those lessons into a business that truly serves people, animals, and the natural world.

Along the way, I faced plenty of challenges, but two stand out: learning to confidently interact with people, especially when educating them about their pets, and mastering public speaking. As an introvert, I always felt more comfortable with animals than people. I was shy, and lacking confidence, but I had an innate ability to read and interpret animal behavior.

Working in the zoo industry changed everything. As a former zookeeper, I didn’t just care for and train threatened and endangered species; I educated the public about them. That role enabled me to step completely out of my introvert comfort zone and embrace the challenge of connecting with people to save animals.

Yet God didn’t stop growing me there. Later, I had to learn how to navigate difficult work environments, and stand my ground with challenging co-workers and supervisors. I was trained, stretched, and pushed mentally, spiritually, and physically, sometimes to the point of tears, but through every trial, I persevered.

Through it all, the lessons I’ve carried with me are clear: your mindset shapes the path of your life, meaningful connections with others are very important, and discernment is an invaluable skill that can keep you out of trouble.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This did in fact occur. When my best friend visited Arizona for the first time, we decided to hit the road and see as much as possible. Our adventure began in Phoenix, where she got a first-hand taste of the true desert heat in the sweltering August sun. From there, we drove north to the charming, red-rock town of Sedona, exploring its stunning landscapes and even stepping back in time at Montezuma Castle, an ancient cliffside dwelling that left us in awe.

Next, we headed to Flagstaff, where we spent the day at Bearizona Animal Park, marveling at wildlife up close, and then embraced our inner thrill-seekers with a ride at Canyon Coaster Adventure Park. But the real highlight awaited further north in Page, Arizona, at the breathtaking Antelope Canyon. Walking through its smooth, flowing canyon walls and narrow, winding passages carved by water felt euphoric. While in Page, we also visited Horseshoe Bend, a natural wonder that offered jaw-dropping views.

Our journey concluded in Tucson, my beloved hometown, and it felt like coming full circle. Our first stop was Mt. Lemmon in the Catalina Mountains, where we watched a one-of-a-kind sunset paint the sky in brilliant shades of pink, purple, and blue, an unforgettable moment. And of course, no Tucson trip would be complete without indulging in a refreshing smoothie from Eegee’s! To top it all off, I took her to my favorite Mexican restaurant, Guadalajara, to savor authentic cuisine and stellar margaritas, a perfect ending to an unforgettable road trip.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I’d like to give thanks to God for never allowing my love for dogs to fade and for guiding me in turning a childhood dream into a reality. I’d also like to give a special thanks to my sister, Tiara whose example encouraged me to think creatively and take bold chances. Finally, I want to thank my parents for modeling entrepreneurship and instilling in me the belief that anything is possible.

Website: https://www.6pawstrainingcamp.com/

Instagram: @6pawstrainingcamp

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6pawstrainingcamp/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/6pawstrainingcamp