What I’ve learned so far: ​

You can have a happy, well-behaved dog or cat without harming your relationship with your pet. I can show you how to use humane, reward based techniques to reinforce the behavior you desire, while eliminating the actions you don’t want.

The Nirvana Tails' mantra is “least invasive, minimally aversive" (also known as the LIMA principle). It’s like the people to animal version of “do no harm.”

​Happy pets mean happy people. That’s always my goal.​

What I believe about my work: 

  • Animals are sentient beings
  • Pets and people deserve compassion and empathy
  • A strong bond with your animal is one of the most rewarding
  • We should base our training techniques on science and compassion
  • Every pet deserves an owner that is educated as to their needs
  • We should foster a climate of continual learning with our animals and others
  • We as professionals grow more when we support each other rather than attacking
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​Here’s how it all began: ​

I started working with the ASPCA in New York City, volunteering with the Behavior Department. I began learning how to help behaviorally challenged dogs and cats. I loved the work and wanted to know more, so I completed an internship working with the dogs rescued by the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Division.

​​In addition to Nirvana Tails, I work 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 am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), a Professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and a supporting member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).
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I believe that the pet/human bond is the most important aspect of my training. When humans and their pets are both happy, that’s a Nirvana Tails moment.

The rest of the story:

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.

The Oregon rain. NYC rain? Not as much. It’s much less poetic. There’s nothing like the spongy green turf under a canopy of tall pines to make you appreciate a warm summer shower.

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.
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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.

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