Raleigh, NC
Mary's Angels Dog Training
Mary grew up training dogs, and her experience shows in her natural communication with dogs and their owners.
Mary became a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner in May 2018. The Karen Pryor Academy is a rigorous 6 month course that includes instruction in the science of learning as well as hands-on experience teaching people and multiple species of animals.
From February 2015 to August 2017, Mary worked as a Receptionist and Veterinary Assistant at a veterinary hospital in San Anselmo. There, she learned about animal behavior as it pertains to health and safety, and gained invaluable experience.
Mary earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Biology from the University of California, Davis, in 2014. While at Davis, she interned with the late Dr. Sophia Yin, a pioneer in animal behavior and training. Mary credits Dr. Yin as the mentor who changed her focus from veterinary medicine to dog training and helped her realize her talent.
From the ages of 12 to 18, Mary volunteered at Marin Humane as a Dog Training Assistant, among various other positions. She has always had a passion for helping animals in need, and is thrilled to put that passion to use in her work.
Training Philosophy
Mary's Angels Dog Training specializes in bringing shy, anxious, and fearful dogs out of their shells. Our compassionate training builds confidence, and allows your dog to explore their environment on their terms.
Services
Mary's Angels Dog Training offers a variety of group classes at our location in San Rafael. All of our classes are small groups, with a maximum of 4 dogs per class, giving class a semi-private feel and helping you and your dog get the most out of your training.
Mary's Angels offers personalized Private Training in your home, where you and your dog are most comfortable.
Your training plan will be tailored to meet your needs and schedule so that you and your dog can start living the life you imagined.
Mary's Angels will train your dog for you! The Day Training option is perfect for busy professionals who need some help turning their dog into the well-behaved angel they were meant to be.
Day Training comes with regular check-ins and transfer sessions so that you always know where your dog's training stands.
Private Training
Mary's Angels Dog Training will make a personalized training plan to fit the needs of both you and your dog.
Behavior Consults
This is the first step on your journey to a better life with your dog. The initial 1.5 hour Behavior Consult consists of an assessment, a training plan, and a hands-on training session with you and your dog. The consult will lay the ground work for future training, and a personalized plan will be generated to ensure your dog gets the training they need.
Existing clients may also choose this option for as-needed refresher courses.
1.5 Hour Behavior Consult - $190
Coached Training
Private Training is composed of 1 hour sessions where the trainer teaches you to train your dog. This option requires that you keep up with daily homework, working to prepare your dog for the next session.
Private Training is recommended for first-time dog owners and for owners unfamiliar with positive reinforcement-based training. It is best to have 2 Private Training sessions per week.
Packages
4 week package - $140 per hour
8 week package - $135 per hour
12 week package - $130 per hour
Day Training
Day Training is composed of 1 hour sessions where the trainer trains the dog without you present, and transfers the already trained behaviors to you once weekly or every other week.
This option is perfect for owners with hectic schedules who have difficulty maintaining daily homework sessions. It is best to have 3 Day Training sessions per week.
Packages
4 week package - $140 per hour
8 week package - $135 per hour
12 week package - $130 per hour
Group Classes
Shy Dog Class
Does your dog retreat and bark at guests from a distance?
Are they fearful when they encounter something 'strange' on a walk?
Are they hard to walk because they are so nervous?
This class was designed for your dog. During this class, Mary will guide you through exercises and socialization protocols that will help your dog build confidence so you can live a happier, more relaxed life together!
8 week class
$560
Overcoming Distractions
Has your dog completed a Teenage Manners or Adult Dog Manners class, and now you are looking for the next step?
This class is for you! In this class, we help dogs learn to focus and respond to cues, even with BIG distractions around. Distractions may include food, toys, people or other dogs.
Join Mary and level up your dogs skills!
6 week class
$420
Grooming & Vet Handling
This is a class for dogs who struggle at the groomer or the veterinarian.
If your dog requires regular grooming but they hate being brushed, this class may be for you!
If your dog has short fur but hates being picked up or handled by the vet, this class may be for you!
Mary will help you and your dog work through fears and anxieties associated with brushing, clipping, nail trims, and more.
This class is appropriate for dogs and puppies who struggle with body handling and grooming (growling, showing teeth, shaking, avoidance) but have not actually bitten.
6 week class
$420
Certifications
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner
Specializations
Shy, anxious, and fearful dogs
Training Methods
Positive reinforcement-based training
Customer Reviews
Ellen formerly from Terra Linda
I adopted Vito, and he was shy, scared, and lacked confidence. Over the course of our training, Vito blossomed into a different dog. He gained in personality, confidence, and happiness! Mary's ALL about positive, and being truly supportive. I could not have chosen a better trainer for US. Vito continues to be happy, obedient, and thrive since Mary helped bring out his true personality. If you're needing The Best trainer, she's it! I'm forever grateful.
Rick from Novato
Mary is a very knowledgeable dog handler & trainer, always positive in her training. Our dog Rusty is a highly distractible, curious Red & White Irish Setter. Mary helped us to help Rusty stay focused so he would take enjoyable walks, respond to commands, and overall channel his curiosity into a positive strength rather than a distraction. Highly recommend!
Jen from Novato
Mary is literally amazing. Our Boston came to us without socialization with humans and seems to be scared of basically everything. Mary has taught our little Reese to interact with us and she just keeps blossoming after each session we have. Thank you so much for helping us to see our puppy for who she is and to help her excel. Thank you!! We are looking forward to the future and are thrilled to know Reese is happy and thriving with your continued assistance.
Jean from San Anselmo
We couldn't be more pleased! Mary literally made it possible for us to keep Chinook, a rescue dog that had been in 5 homes in 6 weeks. She saved his life.
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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. Our 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 our 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.
