Guiding dog owners to achieve balance, create connection with their dogs and lead with confidence.

About Pawsitive Strides AZ

At Pawsitive Strides AZ, we don’t just work with dogs—we support the humans, especially the women, on the opposite end of the leash. The ones who’ve given their all—heart, soul, and energy—and who’ve carried the weight of the world for so long, that now they’re feeling drained, emotionally scattered, disconnected, and overwhelmed.

Hello! My name is Maria. And I know that feeling deeply.

I have been a very accomplished ultra-cyclist known for her tenacity, resilience, perseverance, and ability to finish every race I started…I even once was a motivational speaker that people looked up to in moments of self doubt and feelings of defeat. But over time, I found myself living in a constant state of rush, always on the go, not being able to say no to anything or anyone, and without setting clear boundaries until I couldn’t recognize myself anymore. Everything around me reflected the internal chaos I hadn’t stopped to face. Somewhere along the way, I got completely lost, got into a ‘fight or flight’ mode that depleted all of my energy sources, didn't recognize myself anymore and worst I stopped leading not only myself and those around me but also my dogs.

Pawsitive Strides AZ was born when I finally realized that something needed to change. I figured I didn’t need to to constantly thrive for ‘perfection’ and just needed to return to calm and find my balance again. I realized that if I wanted my pack to be balanced I needed to regain my own balance first as animals will not follow unbalanced humans.

We don’t add more anxiety and create more confusion by going straight into strict obedience training. We also do not tackle the symptoms but the root of the problem. Once we do we also help you become relevant and find connection with your dog through dog psychology—so you can live a harmonious life together with your pack.

Even when we can work with any kind of breed, we specialize in working breeds because trust me when I tell you no one gets as many working breeds as I got and ‘survive’…they are too smart for their own good, they need clear communication and a true leader as, like with any dog, they mirror our energy. When we’re unbalanced, they overcompensate. When we’re inconsistent, they take control. But when we step into calm, confident leadership—they breathe easier…and so do we which by default amplifies our connection with them..

This work is for:

  • Women or anyone who's burnt out, lost in the care of others, and ready to reconnect with themselves.

  • Women or anyone whose high-energy, intelligent dogs are acting out—and reflecting their own internal noise.

  • Women or anyone who wants more ‘peace’ in their home, their head, and their heart.


    You don’t have to do it perfectly.
    You just have to begin leading—with presence, with purpose, and with grace.

Come as you are.
Let’s walk toward balance together—one calm, intentional ‘stride’ at a time.

Explore What We Offer

Schedule a Time with Us

Ready to Find Balance?

If your home feels chaotic, your dog’s behavior feels overwhelming, or you’ve simply lost your stride—you’re not alone.

At Pawsitive Strides AZ, we don’t chase perfection. We seek progress and create harmony. We slow down, tune in, and lead with calm intention—so both you and your dog can find your footing again.

This is your invitation to reconnect—with yourself, and with your dog.
To walk forward not with force, but with clarity, trust, and confidence.

Whether you’re:

  • Feeling disconnected from the strong woman (human) you used to be.

  • Struggling with a high-drive dog like an Aussie.

  • Longing for peace in your home and your heart.

  • Needing a break from it all.

  • Just curious if this could be the shift you’ve been needing...

  • You’re in the right place.

Let’s grow together—calm, grounded, and one paw at a time.

Complete the questionnaire, book a free consultation today or simply reach out with questions—I’m here to walk this journey beside you.