Praiseworthy Pets

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Finding Balance in Our Lives with Pets - with Marissa Martino

How can the human side of pet training - understanding and addressing our emotions and mental state - contribute to a stronger bond with our animals and more effective training process?

In this chat with fellow pet professional Marissa Martino, we talk about...

  • why it's not just about teaching behaviors and working through training plans

  • how her dog Peru met the love of her life, a cat named Harold

  • what parallels there are between your work with your pet and your work with yourself

  • why "self care" most likely isn't the way to go

To listen to the full episode, click here to open it in your podcast player or press play below:

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Peru (and Harold)

Peru and Harold’s Second Meeting: Basic Procedure

  • Put a baby gate between the 2 animals

  • Harold came into the room in a crate, then was allowed to explore one side of the room

  • Did “find its” to reduce arousal

  • Put Peru on a long line and harness to be safe  

  • Reinforced Peru’s calm behavior around Harold 

This episode’s guest: Marissa Martino

Marissa Martino began her career working with canine companions after attending the Academy for Dog Trainers in 2007. She is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). Since then, Marissa has had the pleasure of working for three different animal shelters directing their behavior departments in Colorado and California. Her latest role included offering animal shelters and rural CO communities the education and resources needed to expand their animal welfare impact. 

In addition to her animal welfare career, Marissa operates her private practice, Paws & Reward, in Boulder, CO. She offers in-person behavior consulting and online programs. She is the author of Human-Canine Behavior Connection: Building Better Relationships Through Dog Training and hosts the Paws & Reward Podcast. 

You can get in touch with Marissa here:

Paws and Reward

On Instagram

Paws and Reward Podcast

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