The Compassionate Canine
Because they are part of the family
Our Story
About Us
Welcome to The Compassionate Canine, where ethical dog training meets passion and expertise! We specialise in positive reinforcement-based training, a scientifically grounded method that rewards appropriate behaviours. By helping your dog associate their actions with positive outcomes, they learn that good things come from working with us, ensuring their best interests are always at heart. Our training approach is effective for a wide range of behaviours—from setting puppies up for the best start in life to helping dogs with big emotions learn to cope. We are committed to providing a well-rounded training experience tailored to your dog’s unique needs.
Puppy Training
Positive Reinforcement
When it comes to puppies, we focus on building strong foundational skills for later in life. Our training encompasses basic obedience, recall, confidence building, guest protocol, and troubleshooting common puppy behaviours, such as mouthing and over-excitement. We do this not only through hands-on training but also by explaining your puppy’s psychology and offering an empathetic perspective of their worldview. Our goal is to arm you with the tools you’ll need as your puppy grows.
Reactive Dog Training
Positive Reinforcement
For reactive dogs, we take a comprehensive approach to address their specific challenges. As a positive reinforcement trainer, I focus on several key areas:
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Addressing Behaviour: We’ll build strong, positive behaviours that counteract existing ones, enhancing engagement, calmness, and lead skills.
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Building Confidence: We work on building your dog’s confidence away from their triggers, gradually exposing them to those triggers in a safe and controlled manner, helping to reframe their responses.
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Breed Knowledge: While I won’t delve into breed-specific examples, I will emphasise the importance of understanding your dog’s inherent behaviours and offering them appropriate outlets. This includes incorporating activities that provide an outlet for their natural instincts.
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Support for You: I recognise that dealing with reactive behaviours can be challenging. I’m here to support you throughout the training journey, addressing any feelings of concern, guilt, or frustration you may have. My goal is to equip you with the guidance and confidence you need to handle previously challenging situations.
About Me
Hello! I’m Maria, the founder of The Compassionate Canine. My journey into the world of dog training began with a heartfelt mission: to understand and advocate for our four-legged friends. Witnessing the profound impact that an empathetic and non-judgmental trainer can have on a dog’s quality of life—and their family’s—ignited my passion for this work.
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My adventure in canine care started at the age of 17 when my family adopted Frasier, a lively lurcher from Dogs Trust. We were initially unprepared for his strong prey drive and reactivity, leaving us uncertain about how to integrate him into our lives while meeting his needs. Fortunately, we encountered a wonderful trainer who guided us through the process, transforming what felt like a daunting challenge into an enlightening experience. Today, Frasier is 7 years old and enjoys a well-rounded, enriched life, complete with the freedom and healthy outlets he needs.
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While studying Psychology at university, I took on a role as a professional dog walker for a London-based company. This opportunity allowed me to expand my understanding of canine behaviour and work with a diverse range of dogs and owners, further nurturing my passion for dog training. This experience became the catalyst for founding The Compassionate Canine, where the lessons I learned continue to inform our ethical approach and commitment to safeguarding.
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Since relocating to The New Forest, I’ve pursued formal training with the Modern Institute of Dog Trainers (IMDT), participating in various courses to deepen my knowledge and skills. Ultimately passing the trainer program with Merit.
I am continuing to further my education with The Dog Training College specialist courses on scent work and reactivity. A topic I plan to study for the rest of my life.
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I’ve also been fortunate to volunteer at Dogs Trust’s puppy school, learning from some of the best trainers in the field and refining my expertise. Simultaneously, I’ve been working with Karuna Canine in the New Forest, conducting one-on-one training walks and assisting dogs with various needs, including reactive dogs.
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At The Compassionate Canine, I’m dedicated to helping you and your dog navigate the training journey together. Let’s embark on this rewarding adventure!
Education
2017-2020
2:1 Psychology Degree
Univeristy of Liverpool
I hold a 2:1 Psychology Degree from the University of Liverpool, which enhances my understanding of canine behaviour and the human-animal bond. This academic background allows me to approach dog training with a deeper insight into the psychological principles that influence behaviour, ensuring that my methods are not only effective but also empathetic. It also helps me understand the fear, guilt, and frustration that dog owners may experience, enabling me to provide tailored support and guidance as we work together to foster positive relationships between you and your dog.
2024
IMDT Qualified Dog trainer
OCN Level 3 principle in Dog training
I am an IMDT Qualified Dog Trainer, having successfully completed a range of courses that equip me with a solid foundation in canine behaviour and training. My qualifications include the OCN Level 3 Principles in Dog Training, as well as specialised training in Separation Anxiety, the Perfect Puppy Course, and Aggression and Rehabilitation. This is particularly important because dog training is unregulated in the UK, and my commitment to ongoing education ensures that my teaching is up to standard and based on the latest evidence-based practices.
Ongoing
Completed and additional qualfications
I’m continually expanding my knowledge through various ongoing qualifications, including a Herding Breeds and Reactivity Webinar with Wildaheart and specialist courses in scent work and reactivity with the Dog Training College. I’m also excited to pursue a Master’s in Applied Animal Behaviour in the coming year, further enhancing my expertise in canine behaviour. This commitment to learning ensures that I provide the best training experience for you and your dog!
Don't Just Take My Word For It!
Certified Dog Trainer
Dog training is an unregulated industry in the UK. However, there are boards established to give you, the consumer, peace of mind. The IMDT (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers) is one such board that is based on positive reinforcement, and science-based dog training. I am a fully Qualified member, who passed with Merit and is continuing to work closely with the organisation. ​ You can see my membership certificate here and also find me as a registered trainer on their site.
