Maria Davison is a certified positive dog trainer. She first got the dog training bug in 2001 with her puppy Echo. They started obedience training with a highly recommended trainer who used aversive techniques. Training this way was never comfortable for Maria, and she's sure Echo didn't enjoy it either. After 6-months, they started an agility class which used positive reinforcement methods. What a difference it made! Not only did her dog learn faster but he also relished any opportunity for training. Training quickly became a joyful experience for both of them, which included trust, communication, and a healthy dose of fun.
Fast forward over 20 years and Maria has now expanded and formalized her training expertise. As a professional dog trainer, she loves helping her clients experience joy and trust with their dogs. In addition to her dog training background, Maria brings experience from her previous career as an Army Emergency physician. There, she learned how important it is to truly listen to the needs of her patients and those she works with. Also, she is able to transfer her science and biology background to understanding how and why dogs do what they do. Today, she utilizes this knowledge for her clients and their dogs as well.
Training Philosophy
Maria Davison specializes in solution focused training methods dogs and people love. She believes in positive reinforcement methods and wants dogs to feel secure, happy and confident. Her methods are kind, backed by science and recommended by American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. They are also customized to the individual needs of every canine.
Services
Maria Davison offers a range of training packages for puppies and adult dogs. She provides both private coaching and "We Train 4 You" options, where she trains the dog for the client. She also offers a "Dynamic Duo" hybrid program that combines both approaches. Her services include:
- Puppy Training: Housetraining, biting and mouthing, socialization, home alone training, basic manners, and navigating the teenage phase.
- Adult Dog Training: Addressing common behavior problems, introducing a new dog to the home, and a range of other training goals.
- Puppy Prep: Preparing for a new puppy, including equipment needs, safe space for puppy and family, house training, feeding, crate training, basic puppy training approach, safe toys, and other topics.
- 'New Dog' Prep: Preparing for a new dog, including equipment needs, safe space for the dog, handling the honeymoon period, feeding, crate training, basic dog training approach, safe toys, and other topics.
Maria also offers specialized packages for dogs who need to learn basic manners at home ("Good Dog") or who need to learn manners outside the home ("World Tour").
Certifications
Maria Davison is a Certified Dog Trainer and Fear Free Certified Professional. She is also a Pat Miller Certified Trainer and Affiliate with expertise in manners, behavior modification and canine cognition. She is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and maintains continuing education via dog training conferences, courses and reading.
Specializations
Puppy training, adult dog training, behavior modification, manners, socialization, housetraining, crate training, leash walking, polite greetings, leave it, drop it, pulling, jumping, and more.
Training Methods
Maria Davison uses positive reinforcement methods, which are kind, backed by science, and recommended by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. She keeps things simple, helps clients understand their dog's behavior, and teaches them how to get the best out of their dogs.
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.
Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.
Yes, they are. Trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.
Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.
Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.
All trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.
Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.
Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.
