My name is Maria. I’m a dog trainer and human coach.
I am here to tell you that you’re not broken and your dog isn’t either. You all may just be a little out of balance—together, we’ll find balance, ways to improve your relationship with your dog and ways to fulfill their needs that match your lifestyle.
With a background in human psychology, and now dog psychology I will help you build connection—to your dog, and to yourself. You need to heal and allow your body to come out of ‘fight or flight’ mode.
With over 20 years of experience as a coach in different areas now I guide dog owner through the process of restoring balance, building trust, and becoming calm, confident leaders for their dogs and in their lives.
Whether your dog is anxious, reactive, out of control, is a complex dog, or simply there’s no more harmony to do all the things you want to do together…the real shift happens when you begin to lead from a place of intention, not frustration. We’ll work together to create harmony in your home by helping you reconnect with the version of yourself you’ve been too busy to hear—the one who knows how to lead, just needs space to remember.
HEY THERE!
MY PACK:
SOLOMON
PEPPER
STELLA
DAISY
ASH
NOX
At Pawsitive Strides AZ, adventure isn’t about distance or intensity—it’s about creating balance through intentional movement and mindful leadership..
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.
“Our Philosophy”
This is why nature-based adventure hikes are at the heart of Pawsitive Strides AZ. Purposeful movement in the outdoors allows dogs to release energy, build confidence, and regulate their nervous systems in a way structured obedience alone cannot. These experiences create space for dogs—and humans—to reset, reconnect, and return to balance together..
Let’s walk this journey together—through calm, intentional strides and purposeful adventures that bring balance back to both ends of the leash.
Education/Mentorship/Memberships
Education/Continous Education:
Human Psychology - BA
Cycling, Strength, and Life Coach
Dog Psychology Fundamentals - Pack Leader University
Lead the Pack Mentorship Program - Lead with Grace Coaching, Grace Duy
Scent Adventure Training Foundation - Coastal Tails
Move (Part 1 of the 5 Part K9 Longevity Series) - Canine Decoded, Dr. Melanie Uhde
Learn (Part 2 of the 5 Part K9 Longevity Series) - Canine Decoded, Dr. Melanie Uhde
Coping with Canines - Handlers & Humans, Jess Adam
Person-Centered Dog Training - Handlers & Humans, Jess Adams
Understanding Your Dog’s Drives Workshop - The Balanced Dog, Brian Agnew
Dog Somatics 101: Understanding your Dog’s Nervous System
Train the Trainer - Pack Life LA, Samantha Johnson
Online Accountability - Pack Life LA, Samantha Johnson
From Anxious to Accomplished - 5 Day Anxiety Challenge Program - Canine Decoded, Dr. Melanie Uhde
Lead Academy - Joanna Stanford
Hope Plays Dogs - Hope Retter
Memberships and/or Mentorships Programs:
For The Love of Dog - Tiffany Thompson
Pack LA Life - Samantha Johnson
The Big Feelies Club - Rachel Martinez from The Healing Pack
Pete’s Adventure Pack - Molly Avrin
The Balanced Dog - Brian Agnew
Lead Academy - Joanna Stanford
Hope Plays Dogs - Hope Retter
Handlers & Humans - Jess Adam
Dream Come True K9 - Blake Rodriguez
Kane9 Dog Training & Academy - Kait