Maria started her dog training journey over 17 years ago with her own dog Carli as a Red Cross Volunteer team for wounded warriors in El Paso, TX.

When she moved to Maryland in 2009, she began training at PetSmart, became a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge and Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA) and Tricks Dog Evaluator.

For seven years, she worked at the Maryland SPCA as their lead trainer where she taught a variety of classes, webinars and expanded the training program. She refined and grew a robust Reactive Rover curriculum to help people with dogs who displayed fear, anxiety & aggression (dogs with big feelings).

As a private trainer, her biggest focus is to teach people how to build a strong and trusting relationship with their dog(s). She helps people learn how to understand what their dog is trying to communicate. This understanding prevents unwanted behavior and helps strengthen the human-animal bond.

She is committed to continuing education and improving her expertise with humane, evidence-based methods.

Additional professional development and affiliations:

• Certificate of completion, Master course in dog aggression.

• Certificate of completion, Karen Pryor National Training Center: The Ranch Experience.

• Enrolled in PetPro & Enhanced behavior consult mentorship program, Pet Harmony Enrichment and Training for Pet Professionals.

• Professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT).

• Supporting member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).

• Member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG).

• Certificate of completion - FEAR FREE SHELTERS.

She currently resides in Aberdeen and continues to volunteer with shelter organizations.