About Awesome Critters

A training and trial center in Thonotosassa

Awesome Critters is a dog training, fitness and trial center at 10701 Taylor Rd. in Thonotosassa, welcoming teams from across Hillsborough County, including Tampa, Seffner, Brandon, Valrico, Riverview and Plant City. Its mission honors Ileana Nadal, founder of the former Cool Critters, and the team says it brings decades of combined experience in dog training, trial coordination and canine sports.

The team

Founder and co-owner Julie Burroughs competes in agility with her Australian Shepherd Rocky and carries on the training of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Tino, who earned his NATCH-2, Versatility NATCH-2 and first TACh in 2025. Her style blends positive reinforcement, clarity and thoughtful progression. Co-owner Henry Burroughs runs operations, Training Director Tiffanie Ivins has competed in agility since 2010 and teaches with positive, reward-based training, and Pat Sanders coordinates trials.

Classes and trials

Programs run from puppy foundations through obedience, fitness, tricks and agility from beginner to expert. Obedience classes also teach owners how to support lessons at home, and the center hosts agility trials and organized dog walks.

What owners say

Client Dawn B. wrote that everyone is encouraging, helpful and genuinely friendly, and that the classes are fun and welcoming.

What to ask

Ask about class schedules and fees at (813) 364-2924.