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dog training kirkland

Tailored Dog Training 

Experience professional dog training directly to your door — customized to your needs and lifestyle from day one. No generic methods, no crowded classes. Just focused, personalized work that creates real, lasting behavior change.

You don't have to keep struggling. The pulling, the jumping, the moments that you dread — that's not the relationship you signed up for, and it doesn't have to be your reality.

Transform the relationship. Expand the life you share with your dog.

Service Areas: Kirkland | Woodinville | Redmond | Bothell | Issaquah | Edmonds | Duvall | Seattle | Bellevue | Sammamish | West Seattle | Mercer Island | Mill Creek

 Dog Training Services

Philosophy

At the heart of my work is compassion — for dogs and the people who love them. Every dog deserves to be understood, supported, and able to move through the world with confidence. Training the dog is only half the work. My mission is to equip you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to lead your dog in a way that transforms your relationship from the inside out.

 

Real training for the real world

A dog who listens in your living room is a start. A dog who listens at the park, on a busy street, in a café, at a family gathering — that's freedom! I train in the environments that actually matter to your life, building skills that hold up under real distractions, real pressure, and real chaos. Because a well-trained dog isn't just easier to live with. They go more places, do more things, and open up a life that's bigger for both of you.

Whether you're navigating a new puppy, a rescue with a history, or a dog who's developed habits that have become too much — barking, pulling, counter-surfing, ignoring you the moment something interesting walks by — there's a path forward. I focus on the foundations that create lasting change: markers, engagement, environmental exposure, boundaries, and structure that makes sense for your home. 

The journey — and what it asks of you

Changing your dog's behavior means changing the relationship. These new changes need to become a new way of life for you and your dog. It can be challenging at first, but it certainly gets easier with time.

It asks you to show up differently — to set boundaries you've never set, to follow through when it's inconvenient, to be calm when you feel frustrated, and to lead when you'd rather just love. For many owners, that shift is the hardest part. Old habits are comfortable. Guilt is real. And when you've spent years relating to your dog a certain way, being asked to change can feel uncomfortable, even unfair.

But here's what's also true: your dog is waiting for you to step into that role. Dogs are not fulfilled by a lack of structure — they are relieved by it. A clear, consistent, confident leader doesn't diminish the bond. It deepens it. When your dog knows what's expected, when the rules are fair and the communication is clear, something shifts. Anxiety softens. Trust builds. The relationship becomes something neither of you has to fight against.

There will be days it feels slow, days you second-guess yourself, days the old patterns creep back in. That's normal. What matters is that you keep going — because the owners who commit to becoming the leader their dog needs, are the ones who end up with a dog they can take everywhere and enjoy without reservation.

I'll be with you through all of it and for any future support.

I work with a wide range of behavioral challenges, including:

  • Leash reactivity — lunging, barking, or fixating on dogs, people, bikes, or anything that moves

  • Aggression — toward people, other dogs, or both, including fear-based and resource-driven aggression

  • Fear & anxiety — dogs who are shut down, overwhelmed, or struggling to cope with the world around them

  • Separation anxiety — distress when left alone, including destructive behavior, vocalization, and inability to settle

  • Resource guarding — food, toys, furniture, people, or space

  • Multi-dog household conflict — tension, fighting, or instability between dogs living together

  • Barking — demand barking, alarm barking, boredom, or reactivity-driven

  • Jumping, counter-surfing & impulse control — dogs who haven't learned to manage themselves around people, food, or excitement

  • Leash pulling & poor walking manners

  • Unreliable recall & ignoring commands around distractions

  • Puppy foundations & early socialization

  • Rescue dog integration — helping newly adopted dogs settle, decompress, and build a solid foundation of skills for their new home

If you don't see your specific challenge listed, reach out anyway. Chances are, we can help.

Amanda - Duvall, WA

“Working with Marisa has been a total game changer for our home She's not only a talented dog trainer, but someone that truly takes the time to understand the unique personalities and needs of each dog- and each family."

Testimonials

Gervaise - Renton, WA

“Training with Marisa got us out of a slump. I had lost direction & thought we had achieved our main goals. I now see we can reach further & achieve a better quality of life completing a few simple tasks each day. She's very efficient & a pleasure to work with. I feel a renewed sense of purpose with what I can achieve with my dogs. Her methods are fun & effective. In the time we've been following her methods, I already see a big change in my dogs." 

Lindsey - Seattle, WA

“The progress we’ve made has been incredible—not only is my dog more responsive and well-behaved, but our bond is stronger than ever. Every session felt tailored, thoughtful, and supportive. I never felt judged—just empowered. If you're looking for someone who truly cares about lasting results and a deeper connection between you and your dog, I can't recommend Marisa enough”
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