GPR: Tell me about yourself!

Amanda: My name is Amanda Estes, and I have owned Vineyard Kennels for the past four years. I live in Paso Robles with my two boys, Joshua (13) and Dominic (9).

GPR: How did you arrive at this vocation?

Amanda: My background with animals spans more than two decades. I graduated from the Exotic Animal Training and Management Program in Moorpark, CA in 2003 with three degrees in animal care and training. After graduating, I worked in television and commercials with a wide variety of species, including wolves, coyotes, raccoons, and foxes. Over the years, I’ve also worked in veterinary care, dog training, and here on the Central Coast with Zoo to You, where I had the opportunity to share animal education with the community. 

GPR: What are the things that Vineyard offers? I'm so impressed by the facility and the staff!

Amanda: We offer dog boarding, doggie daycare, and professional dog training.  With an extensive background in animal care and training, our team focuses on creating a safe, structured, and enriching environment that supports each dog’s physical and emotional well-being. We prioritize thoughtful group play, clear communication, and industry-standard practices that promote positive behavior and long-term success. We also offer professional dog training, allowing dogs to continue learning and building good habits while they’re with us. Above all, we treat every dog as if they were our own, and we’re honored by the trust our clients place in us every day. 

GPR: Tell me about any challenges you face

Amanda: The biggest has been the ongoing task of educating new clients about proper dog socialization and kennel routines. We take the extra time needed to explain our procedures, like timeouts, structured playgroups, or slow introductions. But this challenge has ultimately helped us grow. By staying consistent, transparent, and focused on each dog’s well-being, we’ve built stronger trust with our clients and created a more confident, knowledgeable community of dog owners. It has shaped us into a more communication-driven, education-focused business, and it’s one of the reasons we continue to see happier, more well-adjusted dogs in our care.

GPR: What's your vision for the future? 

Amanda: One of our biggest additions will be a new exercise package designed specifically for higher-energy dogs. We’re also thrilled to be opening our training yard and dog pool for private playtime bookings, giving owners the opportunity to enjoy a safe, private space where their dogs can run, train, swim, or simply have fun one-on-one with their families. These new offerings reflect our vision for the future: expanding opportunities for enrichment, strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners, and continuing to create a facility where every dog can thrive.

GPR: Given your professional expertise, what advice can you offer the residents and dog owners in Paso?

Amanda: Invest in consistency, both in routine and communication, with your dog. Dogs thrive when they understand what’s expected of them, and even small daily habits can make a big difference in their behavior, confidence, and overall well-being. Prioritize early socialization and positive training. Building a foundation of trust and structure not only helps prevent future behavioral issues but also strengthens the bond you share with your dog. Choose care providers you trust. Look for facilities that focus on safety, enrichment, and individualized attention, not just convenience. The right support system can make your dog’s life happier, healthier, and more fulfilling. At the end of the day, your dog doesn’t need perfection ... just patience, guidance, and a whole lot of love.

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