Maree has gained her dog training experience from various sources over the past 30 years. She has invested over $65,000 in formal courses, including both international and national, in-person and online training programs. However, Maree found that many of the online courses fell short of providing what is truly needed to become a confident dog trainer. Even with her natural ability to train just about any animal she wanted formal training to give more credibility. As a result, she is reluctant to endorse any of the courses she has taken, and she has not completed many of them because she felt they lacked value.
Maree tried vet nursing but only lasted 2 weeks as it broke her heart the way people were putting their dogs to sleep because they could not control them.
Maree's greatest lesson came from working with various trainers who employed a wide range of methods. She quickly discarded some techniques, particularly when witnessing a trainer flip a dog and place their knee on its neck to enforce an "alpha hold." This approach was, to say at the least, barbaric. Many practices become outdated for good reason; we now understand that aggression is not necessary to obtain the best behavior from our dogs.
Maree spent 3 months completing a personal coaching course for business people. As she wanted a deeper understanding on how to reach people during her lessons.
Maree has owned and managed two different boarding facilities, which taught her how to handle dogs with diverse temperaments. In both lodges, she was confident enough of managing aggressive dogs and those with behavioral issues, regardless of breed.
Maree self-studied several important topics related to animal behavior and care:
1. Lodging and Bedding: Should we use the lodge's bedding, or should clients bring their own? The answer might surprise you.
2. Feeding Practices: How and what we feed the animals can significantly affect their behavior.
3. Use of Treats: She explored whether it was easier to manage animals with or without treats and how their behavior changed in each scenario. She found that it was easier without treats, as everything flowed more smoothly.
4. Breathing Exercises: It’s crucial to perform breathing exercises before working with animals. If you are feeling grumpy or ungrounded, the dogs won't feel safe and often act out.
5. Observational Learning: Maree has watched thousands of hours of pack structure dynamics, both in person and through documentaries. While her primary focus has been on domestic dogs and wolves, she has gained valuable insights from observing horses, buffalo, cows, bulls, wild and domestic cats, and many other animals. These observations have greatly enhanced her understanding of animal behavior and how to create a more harmonious environment for them.
"I have dedicated my life to helping humans with their dogs. I enjoy witnessing the dramatic transformations that occur in each lesson. Teaching people how to communicate effectively and build strong relationships with their dogs is incredibly rewarding. Now, I am eager to collaborate with other trainers to enhance their skills and expand their toolkit."
We are never too experienced to learn new things.
