Our Training Methods

We train with positive, rewards-based methods to help dogs develop the skills they need using treats, toys, and praise. We never use painful collars or other outdated training devices or techniques. We continue to develop our knowledge of dog behavior, as well as stay current with the latest humane training and handling practices.

About Maria (she/her)

A lifelong lover of animals, Maria grew up with a menagerie of dogs, cats, hamsters, and goldfish in downtown Atlanta and learned from a very early age what a delight it was to experience animals using their minds to get things that they wanted. Through various twists and turns she discovered her true love in life: training dogs and their humans.

Maria is the owner and head trainer at Fetch the Leash. She is an honors graduate of the prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers and holds a Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC), as well as a PCBC-A from the Pet Professional Guild, an organization which represents pet industry professionals who are committed to results based, science based force-free training and pet care; and a CSAT (Certificate in Separation Anxiety Training) from Malena DeMartini, the industry leader in separation anxiety training.

Maria’s experience includes working with a wide range of shelter animals at various shelters in Northern California since 2007 (the East Bay SPCA, Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), Berkeley Humane, and Contra Costa Animal Services-Martinez). From 2010-13 she also taught classes for puppy raisers of puppies in training to become assistance animals for Canine Companions for Independence. Her specialties include raising behaviorally healthy puppies, helping adopted puppies and dogs transition well into their new homes; working with special challenges such as resource guarding or separation anxiety; and task-based service dog training. Maria also has a Ph.D. in human education from Emory University, and an undergraduate degree in music from Yale University. Maria enjoys helping people and dogs meet each other’s expectations through training!

Maria’s heart belongs to many dogs: Noodle, a scruffy little guy with a long tongue; Mandy, the girl next door; and Gideon & Bentley, a bonded pair of seniors enjoying their best life; a chow-chow/lab mix named Argie who was very shy and very sweet; and Jared, a yellow lab with a heart of gold to match his fur.

About Anna (she/her)

Anna is a dog trainer at Fetch the Leash and an honors graduate of The Academy for Dog Trainers, where she earned her Certification in Training and Counseling (CTC). With a passion for working with dogs of all kinds, Anna especially loves helping shy dogs build confidence, and has a soft spot for bully breeds.

Since childhood, Anna has been surrounded by family pets, which fueled her passion for caring for and understanding them. This love for animals extended beyond her home, as her first job as a teenager was at a boarding facility across the street from her high school. It was there that Anna spent several years caring for, playing with, and loving hundreds of family pets, as well as beginning to learn about dog behavior and the importance of meeting their needs. Many years later, she still remembers many of the dogs she cared for. They will always be special memories!

After high school, Anna’s academic path took her from New Jersey to the University of Vermont, where she graduated in 2022 with a degree in Environmental Studies and minors in Agroecology and Animal Science. During her time at UVM, Anna joined the Fetch the Leash team. Since then, Anna has gained invaluable experience in teaching dogs and their human companions. She hasn’t looked back once!

Currently, Anna shares her life with her beloved dog, Mako, a loving and goofy Pitbull/Husky mix, and her two adorable cats, Minnow and Fin. When she's not training, Anna loves to spend her free time exploring the outdoors with Mako and enjoying time with friends.