Meet the Choc-Paw Team!
Royia Hope - Owner & Trainer
My favorite breed is the German Shepherd, although I've had a variety of breeds including pit bulls, labs, a boxer, a chow and just some good ol' mutts.
I hold a degree in poultry science and have done extensive animal research, in the "field" as well as in the laboratory. My experience also includes working as a veterinary technician, in a boarding facility and grooming dogs. The choice to pursue dog boarding is founded in my love for animals.
I live with my husband and two sons in Flowery Branch, Ga. I currently train one working German Shepherd in the sport of Schutzhud, which has three phases (obedience, protection and tracking), and another strictly in scent work. Schutzhud has taught me how to read and communicate with dogs more effectively, which makes the dogs so happy, because I can understand them.
I love my dogs, they are family and I'm honored to love yours, in the same way, when they stay here with us!
Skylar Dontje - Trainer
My favorite breeds are Dutch Shepherds and Belgian Malinois. Although my family have five Golden Retrievers - including my own dog - I've always had a special love for the sleek working dogs.
I graduated from West Hall High School in 2023, and since then my life has been all about dogs. In February 2024, one of our girls became pregnant. She had her puppies in March and I helped welp and raise the litter. She had her second litter, which I also helped welp and raise!
I've worked in multiple dog kennels with a wide variety of breeds, including Great Pyrenees, Great Danes, Cane Corso, German Shepherds and more. Through that experience, I've learned how to read dogs - their body language, their preferences, and what makes them feel comfortable. That's my favorite part: watching dogs grow from scared to confident.
Overall, I love having a best friend who understands me without saying a word. I'm excited to take care of your dogs with the same love and attention I give my own!