What I’ve learned so far:
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You can have a happy, well-behaved dog or cat without harming your relationship with them. I can show you how to use scientifically supported, humane behavior modification and training techniques to help you and your pet create a calm and happy household and an unbreakable bond.
Happy pets mean happy people. That’s always my goal. |
What I believe about my work:
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Here’s how it all began:
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Like so many others in this field, my road to behavior consultant started by volunteering, in my case with the Behavior Department of the ASPCA. I began learning how to help behaviorally challenged dogs and cats. I loved the work and wanted to know more, so I completed a year-long internship working with the dogs rescued by the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Division.
I opened my behavior and training business, Nirvana Tails, in 2010. In addition to Nirvana Tails, I have worked as a per diem Animal Behavior Counselor (cats and dogs) for the Adoptions Department and a Cat Behavior Counselor for the Anti-Cruelty Behavior Team at the ASPCA. It’s rewarding and a great way to help an organization that does amazing work. I've also had the good fortune to work hand-in-hand with Veterinary Behaviorists, teaming up to provide the most comprehensive and holistic solutions for our clients. I am a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (CCBC), a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), a Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP), a Professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and a certified member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). |
The rest of the story:
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This wasn’t the life plan. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy with how things have turned out so far. I’m optimistic about the future too. But I didn’t grow up wanting to be a vet, or rescuing kittens. I did have a poodle that was my family pet and confidant (only child) and since I lived in Oregon I love the rain.
I’m an actress and director with an MA in theatre. Which, as it turns out, is a decent foundation for working with animals. Acting is basically empathizing for a living. Directing is a bit like herding cats (I couldn’t resist). I miss the theatre action a bit now and then and then. There’s nothing quite like preparing and then putting everything into a performance and I’m grateful I was able to follow that dream. Thankfully, being in NYC means I can revisit the actor/director parts of my life when I need a fix. Most days, I’m content to work from my home (or yours) with my two cats, my husband, and a good mystery novel when there’s a break in my training sessions. |
I’m a life-long learner; another reason working with pets suits me. Keeping up with new scientific studies and improved methods are a big part of my passion for the job. Plus, I get to travel to conferences which helps with the wanderlust bug I get now and then.
Is there anything better than planning an amazing trip to a new city or country? I can (and sometimes do) spend hours poring over details like who has the best wine or where to find the perfect gluten free waffle.
I’d love to connect with you and answer your pet-related questions.
Is there anything better than planning an amazing trip to a new city or country? I can (and sometimes do) spend hours poring over details like who has the best wine or where to find the perfect gluten free waffle.
I’d love to connect with you and answer your pet-related questions.
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My husband and I are so happy to have been referred to Mary. Our pup, Gus, was 3 months old when we first started working with her and so much of what she taught us in the beginning had us smacking our heads and saying “duh!”, but as first-time dog owners we just didn’t even realize so much of the stuff we were supposed to be doing with him! Whenever Mary would walk in our door Gus would get so excited, which is exactly the response you want your dog to have to a trainer. Gus is such a better puppy and we owe it all to Mary. Couldn't recommend her enough. —Leslie Buller and Jeff Hoffman and Gus
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