She realized early on that dog training classes at your average pet store chain were not cutting it to develop a clear and consistent communication system to shape a happy and balanced dog out of Harvey.
Maria has expanded her knowledge through a shadow mentorship with Kim Erickson of The Canine Republic, Justin Rigney’s K9 Services Unlimited bite-work and remote collar workshop, Oregon Tails "The Jentle Method" workshop, Faansie Basson of Elfa Dogs sheepdog clinic, Scott Glen of Alta-Pete Stock Dogs clinic, Tyler Muto’s “Consider the Dog” online courses, Method K9’s online fundamental courses, and Sean O’shea’s The Good Dog Way training series courses.
In addition to these programs and continued education, Maria has a passion for sheepdog training and is savvy with many herding breeds. She and her dogs are award winning sheepdog competitors in AKC herding with many titles. Prior to working with dogs, she brings her coaching and serious but fun training experience from the California Motorcyclist Safety Program as a certified motorcycle safety instructor for 5 years.
