About Me

Hi my name is Mary Pedersen

I spent 17 years working in the education field and have over ten years experience working with dogs of all ages, temperaments and breeds.

I began my journey to full time dog trainer by volunteering with dog rescues, which included fostering many dogs, plus coordinating and participating in many large rescue events. I especially enjoyed transporting hard to adopt dogs to professional dog trainers then working with these dogs and their teachers to help them learn to be better canine citizens. It was then I first saw how training can make all the difference in finding and keeping a dog in a loving forever home. I learned numerous dog training styles and experienced how the dogs responded to many training methods. 

I was offered an internship program with a trainer running a successful training and boarding facility and haven't looked back since. I left my full time job and followed my passion into the world of dog training. During my internship, I logged hundreds of hours supporting and eventually running off-leash adult and puppy socialization groups as well as assisting in Behavior Modification classes geared specifically for dogs with behavioral issues (anxiety, aggression, fear, etc.). Additionally, I managed the daycare socialization room which consisted of behaviorally challenged dogs. Other classes I had the joy of teaching included Purely Positive Puppy, Basic Obedience 1, and Basic Obedience 2.  I continue to attend seminars, hands on workshops and review webinars, videos, and books from top trainers to expand my knowledge about how dogs learn to the importance of relationships with our dogs.

My training philosophy prioritizes and enhances your relationship with your dog to achieve optimal results in a way that does not overwhelm or put too much pressure on our canine companions.

I am a certified dog trainer through International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP)

Memberships

• International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) 
• Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
• AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator

2022 Canine Behavior and Training Academy

              6 Day Academy with  Pat Miller, CPDT-KA, CDBC 

2021 E-Collar Workshop w Monks of New Skete and Marc Goldberg 

• 5 day workshop 

Training Between the Ears (TBTE)

• Loose Leash Walking - Online 
• Resolving Conflict in Human/Canine Relationships- 3 day workshop
• Reactivity Camp- 3 day workshop

Tecla’s K9 Academy

• Employee and Intern Level 1 and Level 2
• Instructed Purely Positive Puppy; Basic Obedience 1: Loose Leash Walking 101; Basic Obedience 2: Beyond the Leash classes.
• Over 2 years in an Internship Program. Included one on one with Tecla Walton with countless hours in behavioral sessions with clients. Assisted in hundreds of hours during Behavior Modification class and Pack to Basics Socialization class. Successfully learned and trained board and train dogs. Many hours running the daycare room for the more challenging dogs.
• Rally 1-Hands on Class
• Rally 2-Hands on Class

Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)

• Introduction to Learning Theory 101- Certificate Course
• Clicker Training 101-Certificate Course
• Fear Free: Be the Change-Webinar
• Natural Methods to Positive Behavior-Webinar
• Thinking Outside the Box: Add Another Tool to Your Toolbox-Webinar
• Calm Focus 24/7-Webinar

Peaceable Paws Dog and Puppy Training

• Basic Good Manners- Hands on class
• The Magic of Games- Hands on class