About Bonafide Dog Academy
Our History
Where Bonafide Began and How It Became Omaha’s Gold Standard
Bonafide Dog Academy has been part of Omaha’s dog-loving scene since 2006. What began as a small, visionary training space founded by Jeff and Dawn Antoniak-Mitchell grew into one of the region’s most trusted canine education centers.
In February 2019, Susan and her late husband Andy purchased Bonafide, continuing the legacy with renewed energy, a new facility, expanded programs. We operate with a strong belief that dogs (and humans) deserve training that feels positive, fun, and enriching.
What this means for you
Proven longevity. Nearly two decades of serving Omaha’s dogs and humans.
Rooted in trust. A business built on respect, relationships and excellent customer service
Changing Lives. We want to unleash the potential in every dog so they can change people’s lives.
Our People & Trainers
The Most Certified Trainers in Nebraska — All Under One Roof
Your experience at Bonafide is shaped by the humans who guide you and your dog. Our trainers are CPDT-KA, ABCDT, and sport-certified professionals who are relentlessly devoted to modern, science-based, positive reinforcement methods. We are members of the Association for Professional Pet Dog Training International and adhere to their standards of practice and code of ethics.
They’re not just “good with dogs.” They are coaches, cheerleaders, and canine translators. Every team member is skilled at tailoring training and management to each dog’s personality and your goals.
What this means for you
More certified trainers than any other facility in the area.
Instruction rooted in positive reinforcement and behavioral science.
Small class sizes and personalized attention.
A warm, supportive environment where teams learn together.
Our Facility
Nebraska’s Largest Dog Training & Daycare Space
Bonafide offers the state’s largest indoor training and daycare environment that is bright, spacious, and designed for safety, learning, and enrichment. However, we do not try to fill every inch with dogs and kennels. We cap our daycare at 25 dogs even though we have the space to handle 50 dogs. Multiple training rings, controlled play and enrichment areas, specialized flooring, and flexible setups allow dogs to thrive and have plenty of space whether they’re taking Puppy Life Skills 1 or navigating a scent-work maze.
What this means for you
Space to succeed. Large rooms help dogs focus, move, and explore.
Cleaner, safer, calmer environments. Epoxy floors, 60 foot ceilings, sport training mats keep dogs safe and
Dedicated enrichment areas. Perfect for specialized training, sport classes, and Day Academy 1:1 sessions.
A professional, boutique atmosphere that elevates your training experience.
Our Team of Trainers
Meet Dominique - CPDT-KA
Dominique brings a decade of experience to the table. She has immersed herself in various dog sports, from Agility to Disc to Herding and beyond, showcasing her expertise. With nine years of industry experience, including stints at dog daycares, veterinary clinics, and training companies, Dominique is well-rounded in her knowledge.
Dominique holds an Associate’s degree in science and is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), reflecting her dedication to the field.
Aside from her love for dogs, Dominique enjoys weightlifting and long walks – she even conquered a half marathon! Living with three loyal dogs, Marcy, Coyote, and Lavish, Dominique’s passion lies in strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners through positive reinforcement and game-based training.
Meet Ashley - ABCDT
Ashley is a professional dog trainer certified with an ABCDT degree from Animal Behavior College. She specializes in positive reinforcement methods that focus on confidence building and strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners.
Ashley is passionate about teaching owners how to better understand their dogs’ behavior, communicate effectively and creating a training experience that is both rewarding and sustainable. She draws inspiration from her own dogs- a bloodhound named Tucker and an old English sheepdog named Bambi as well as her 3 energetic kids.
Meet Amanda
Amanda is a passionate trainer with a strong educational foundation in Zoology, holding a B.S. from the University of Wyoming. Her journey in animal training commenced at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, where she worked with a diverse array of creatures, including Orangutans, Gorillas, California Sea Lions, and Harbor Seals.
Nearly two years ago, she transitioned into a full-time role at the Bonafide Dog Academy, where her passion for dog training shines. Amanda loves helping dog owners gain confidence in their communication with their furry companions. Outside of her professional life, she shares her home with three fur family members: Max, a 10-year-old Border Collie, Charlie, a 7-year-old Shiba Inu, and Ryder, her 3-year-old cat. Amanda’s adventurous spirit extends beyond the animal kingdom; she’s an avid rock climber and even spent her college summers as a high ropes course instructor.
Meet John - CPDT-KA
John has 3 decades of training humans (much harder than dogs) and over 2 decades of training dogs. He competes in dog agility with his 3 dogs: Dakota, a 10 year old Border Collie, Skye, an 8 year old deaf Border Collie, and his rescue Frida who is a mix of rat terrier, Italian greyhound and chihuahua plus 3 other breeds. His Border Collie Dakota has earned her Champion Agility title in CPE (C-ATCH) and is working on her AKC MACH title.
John is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), and is constantly learning the newest positive training methods with a focus on European training methodologies..