Hi! I’m Maria

I am a Certified Dog Trainer and Fear Free Certified Professional. My passion is supporting clients with their training goals. It’s simple, I want to help others enjoy their dogs as much as I enjoy mine. 

I first got the dog training bug in 2001 with my puppy Echo. We started obedience training with a highly recommended trainer who used aversive techniques. Training this way was never comfortable for me, and I’m sure Echo didn’t enjoy it either. After 6-months, we started an agility class which used positive reinforcement methods. What a difference it made! Not only did my dog learn faster but he also relished any opportunity for training. Training quickly became a joyful experience for both of us, which included trust, communication, and a healthy dose of fun.

Fast forward over 20 years and I have now expanded and formalized my training expertise. As a professional dog trainer, I love helping my clients experience joy and trust with their dogs. 

In addition to my dog training background, I bring experience from my previous career as an Army Emergency physician. There, I learned how important it is to truly listen to the needs of my patients and those I work with. Also, I am able to transfer my science and biology background to understanding how and why dogs do what they do. Today, I utilize this knowledge for my clients and their dogs as well.

Get in touch for experienced, compassionate and knowledgeable training for you and your dog.