Our mission is to provide premium, personalized, professional training and pet care services, which enrich the lives of companion animals and their humans.
Whether your goal is earning your next sport title, completing relaxed grooming/vet care procedures, or knowing your dog can comfortably rest at home alone, we will work together to get from where you currently are to achieving realistic training goals. Training services emphasize positive reinforcement for the human learner as well as a positive, low-stress experience for the pet. We want to set both the pet and guardian up for success in real-world scenarios, improving your day-to-day relationship with your pet through short productive training sessions and ongoing support between sessions.
To ensure the safety and comfort of your pet, we use low-stress and fear-free handling techniques, always using the least intrusive, minimally aversive (LIMA) methods to achieve the desired training goal. We are passionate supporters of science-based, positive reinforcement training techniques, which means rewarding your pet with praise, treats, and/or toys. This keeps our training session and walks fun and fulfilling for your pet!
Training services are available both online and/or in-person, you can even choose a combination of the two. During the Initial Consult, we can discuss what would be the best arrangement for you and your pet.
Certifications & Memberships
About Maria Adams
CTC, CTDI, FFCP
Maria has over a decade of experience working professionally with animals. Committed to providing her clients both, human and pet, the best care possible Maria keeps her education and certifications up to date. She also sends clear, easy-to-follow training plans and customized notes as well as being available for follow-ups and questions, so clients can proceed with training safely and confidently. When not busy assisting her clients, Maria enjoys spending time with her two Nova Scotia Duck Tollers, Penny, and Nemo. Maria and her dogs practice cooperative care and life skills training, as well as participate in dog sports such as Rally Obedience, Musical Freestyle, and Tricks.
Maria’s Current Dogs
Penny is 11 years old, loves cuddles, hiking in the woods, and learning new tricks. She has earned her Canine Good Neighbour certification, as well as her Novice, Advanced, Excellent, Versatility, Working Rookie Class I, Working Class Individual 1, and Novice Team titles in CARO Rally-O. Penny also earned her Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Excellent Trick Dog titles.
Nemo is 7 years old. He struggles with generalized anxiety disorder but has made huge strides since joining Maria’s family. Nemo is a playful, sweet dog, who requires a little extra care and attention. Nemo has earned his Novice, Advanced, and Novice Team titles in CARO Rally-O.
Education & Experience
As a lifelong learner, Maria eagerly seeks out and maximizes opportunities to expand her knowledge of pet care, animal behaviour, and dog training. She enjoys listening to animal training podcasts, reading about science-based animal behaviour and training techniques, attending courses and seminars, as well as learning from the amazing trainers and veterinary behaviourists who generously offer to share their time and expertise. Below is a quick summary of Maria’s most recent professional education adventures. For a detailed list of all conferences, seminars, and courses attended go here.
July 16, 2022 – “Dogs with Big Feelings!” – Attended the one-day online seminar hosted by the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy. Topics included pattern games, multiple marker systems, underlying causes for over-arousal in dogs, antecedent arrangement for staying under threshold, and calming games.
Feb 13, 2022 – Fear Free Animal Trainer Certification
The Fear Free mission is to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets by inspiring and educating the people who care for them. Empowering owners to provide care and grooming with the lowest possible level of fear, anxiety, and stress for their pets is a passion of mine. Through the Fear Free program, I’ve gained further knowledge and experience which enables me to provide even more resources to clients.
Feb 11-13, 2022 – The Lemonade Conference III
This exciting educational extravaganza was hosted by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and Fenzi Dog Sport Academy (FDSA). Delighted to learn from over 40 amazing presenters from around the world, who are leaders in dog training and pet behaviour. Over the course of the 3 days, I managed to participate in 21 live stream presentations, mainly focusing on ethology, husbandry, and enrichment. In addition, I am super excited to have access to recordings of all other sessions, which I will be watching over the next few months.
Jan 2022 – Clicker Expo Live
Positive and informative Karen Pryor Academy conference. Over the course of the 3 days, I managed to participate in 15 live stream presentations, mainly focusing on husbandry, ethology, clicker train, and cue discrimination. In addition, I am super excited to have access to recordings of all other sessions, which I will be watching over the next few months.