Why Force-Free, Positive Reinforcement Dog Training and Teaching?
Dog training is an unregulated industry, with no oversight or requirement for education, certification, or professional standards. This leaves dog guardians sifting through different methodologies and approaches to training, including those that are outdated and unscientific.
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Modern behavioral science demonstrates that training with coercion, force, and aversives often elicits aggression and anxiety as a side effect. Science also tells us that fear and pain inhibit learning. The case for force-free, reward-based, positive reinforcement training is overwhelming.
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Collaborations with Dr. Marc Bekoff featured in
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Should Dogs Be Shocked, Choked, or Pronged?
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Dog Training Offers Valuable Lessons in Humane Education
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Dogs in Gilded Cages: Surviving, but Not Thriving
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Pandemic Puppy Pandemonium Requires Lots of Time and Love
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Dog Training: Blending Science with Individual Personalities
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The Perils of Mislabeling Dog-Appropriate Behavior
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The Use of Shock Collars on Dogs
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Is a "Bad Dog" Really a "Bad Dog?"
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There's No Room for Tough Love with Dogs
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Getting a Second Dog Doesn't Always Double the Fun
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Dog Talk: Why Not Say "Jelly" Instead of Yelling "No!"
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Making Dog Training Enriching, Fun, and Positive
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Consent Training Shows Dogs We Respect Their Points of View
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Good Dog, Bad Dog, Happy Dog, Sad Dog: The Limits of Labels​
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Coexisting With Wolves: Lessons From Force-Free Dog Training
More on How to Choose a Dog Trainer
Meet Mary (she/her)
B.S., CTC, CPDT-KA, CSAP-BC
My name is Mary, and it's wonderful to meet you!
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I'm passionate about ethical, force-free, evidence-based animal training and streamlining the training process. I work with all aspects of dog behavior and training, but I specialize in behaviors related to fear, anxiety, reactivity, and aggression. I want to help people connect with their dogs on a deeper level by looking at the big picture of dog behavior and how that impacts training and well-being.
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I have well over a decade of professional experience dedicated to social impact, animal advocacy, and animal behavior and health. My passion for helping dogs, keeping them in their homes, and improving their relationships with their families has been demonstrated in a number of capacities.
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VCA Brookline Animal Hospital
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Veterinary Technician
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The Humane Society of the United States
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Legislative Assistant for the Massachusetts​ State Director
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Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA)
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Animal Care and Adoption Counselor
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Adoption Center Supervisor
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Humane Society of Boulder Valley's Training and Behavior Center
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Training and Behavior Consultant​
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American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)​
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Professional Behavior Responder​
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When I am not working privately with clients, which I've been doing since 2015, you might find me serving as a board member for the Humane Alliance of Rescue Trainers.
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I live in Boulder County with my partner, Jon, and our goofy adopted senior dog, Buster, and regal adopted senior cat, Neji. In my free time, I enjoy skiing, running, soccer, climbing, and taking Buster on hikes in beautiful Colorado.
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In the media:
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BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY AND BIOLOGY
I received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Biology from Northeastern University, with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis, where I also ran NCAA Division I Track & Field.
CERTIFIED DOG TRAINER (CTC, CPDT-KA, CSAP-BC)
I graduated from The Academy for Dog Trainers, where I earned a Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC). I am also a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) with the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and a Certified Separation Anxiety Pro Behavior Consultant (CSAP-BC).
MEMBER OF THE PET PROFESSIONAL GUILD
I am a proud member of the Pet Professional Guild, whose mission is to support pet professionals who are committed to force-free, science-based ethical training and pet care.
