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 detailed list of conferences, seminars, and courses attended.
- “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. (July 16, 2022)
- Fear Free Animal Trainer Certification – Completed the comprehensive training program which focuses on skills and knowledge to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress and improve an animal’s emotional wellbeing during veterinary care and home care. (Feb 2022)
- The Lemonade Conference – Attended all 3 days of the online IAABC conference. (Feb 2022)
- Clicker Expo Live 2022 – Attended all 3 days of the Karen Pryor Academy conference. (Jan 2022)
- The Academy for Dog Trainers – Completed a two-year, in-depth, comprehensive training program and practicum in dog training and behavioural counselling. (Mar 2020-Nov 2021)
- The Lemonade Conference – Attended all 3 days of the online IAABC conference. (May 2021)
- Do More With Your Dog – Completed the Certified Trick Dog Instructor program (Dec 2020)
- The Lemonade Conference – Attended all 3 days of the online IAABC conference. (May 2020)
- The University of Edinburgh – The Truth About Cats & Dogs (Mar – Apr 2020)
- The University of Edinburgh – Animal Behaviour and Welfare (Feb – Mar 2020)
- Clicker Expo – Attended all 3 days of the Karen Pryor Academy conference. (Jan 2020)
- Dogsafe Canine First Aid, level 1 & 2 certification renewal (Jan 2020)
- Karen Pryor Academy – Dog Trainer Foundations course (Aug 2019 – Sept 2019)
- “Canine First Aid and CPR” a training session by Laurie McPhee (Feb 2016)
- “Preventing and Dealing with Compassion Fatigue, Vicarious Trauma, and Burn-Out” a seminar by James Sullivan and Mandy Cunnington, RP. (Jun 2016)
- Dogsafe Canine First Aid, level 1 & 2 certification (May 2013)
- “Helping Fearful Dogs” seminar by Nicole Wilde (Jun 2013)
- “Separation Anxiety” seminar by Nicole Wilde (Jun 2013)
- “Dynamic Dog-Dog Play” seminar by Nicole Wilde (Jun 2013)