Hi, I'm Maria!

I'm your dog’s new favourite certified dog trainer. I'm a 30-something year old ADHD mom with a real passion for helping people and their dogs. I'm an IAABC-ADT certified trainer and a current student of The Academy for Dog Trainers.

In 2020, I acquired my first Border Collie, Bodhi, the happiest guy I know, despite his health issues. In 2021, we added our second Border Collie, Sonny, our sensitive soul and the driving force for my continuous learning about how to be a better trainer (and a better person, really).

Unlike many trainers, I work a full-time job at Dalhousie University, where I do something completely different, but still work with people, teaching them how to navigate difficult things and how to take a whole lot of complex pieces and make them fit. I've worked with students with disabilities for over 14 years and really enjoy bringing all of my skills together to help people with their dogs.

I live with chronic back pain, I have ADHD, I'm a mother (to both humans and dogs!), I work full time, and I'm a military spouse (so I'm often doing it all alone!). So, I know what it's like to have limited time and energy to put into modifying complex behaviours, and I’m confident I can help you live a better life with your dog.

Because of the reasons outlined above, I do have very limited availability, but I hope we can find something that works!

the light of my life.

He came barreling into my life in September 2020 and changed our lives forever.

From day one, he was a social, happy, wildly enthusiastic guy.  I quickly learned I was in over my head, but I rolled with the punches and figured things out as we went, it was truly a joy.

Around 7 months of age, Bodhi became reactive towards people and dogs. I wasn't prepared for it, but I was committed and fortunate to have a great relationship with my dog. We put the work in and it wasn't long before I had the dog I wanted back.

Now, Bodhi isn't what I would call a dog social dog - and that's OK.  He doesn't want to play with other dogs or have them invade his immediate space.  He'll mind his own business if they mind theirs. Truth be told, I'm a bit selective about who I surround myself with, too!

Bodhi is, however, typically very human social.  He especially loves kids; they're so fun!

We started suspecting some pain for Bodhi when he was around two years old.  We followed our vet's advice, did the diagnostics, and were left with no answers.  Until 2025.  When I continued pursuing what I believed to be pain, we found hip dysplasia, and tethered cord syndrome. Which undoubtedly contributes to his social preferences!

Bodhi's journey is to be continued, as we explore treatment for his conditions and continue to ensure his quality of life is top notch!

the sensitive soul.

we went to a farm to see their puppies. Sonny was the puppy hiding behind the water bowl as all the others bit at our bootstraps.

Of course, with my naive, best intentions, I decided Yes, give me the fearful one!

Our first year was filled with tears and trying.  He was beyond fearful of people.  I protected him, gave him positive experiences and hoped for the best.  Thankfully things worked out, and Sonny mostly just ignores people these days. But the goal there was achieved, he's not fearful of people anymore.

However, I quickly learned that fearful puppies turn into fearful adults. But, it can present in such a wide variety of ways. We've overcome so many things in his life. Fear of being alone (separation anxiety), fear of the car, noise phobia, aggression towards Bodhi, the list goes on.

Sonny taught me to be a good, thoughtful trainer. If not for him, I would never be as educated as I am in canine learning and behaviour.  When you have a sensitive dog, your ability to 'wing it' in training quickly disappears.

Like most sensitive dogs when they feel safe in their home, they love just as much as they fear.  He is the biggest mama's boy, always just happy to be included in everyday activities, and makes us laugh more than any dog I've ever met.