About
Meet Saskatoon's Positive Dog Trainer
Marissa is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (she services surrounding areas as well). She has over eight years of experience working professionally with animals, working in both rescue and veterinary settings.
Marissa is passionate about teaching people to see things from their dog’s perspective, which is why she encourages teaching, not punishing. Here is a list of her formal dog training education:
- In Progress: Veterinary Technology Diploma via Thompson Rivers University (2025)
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer–Knowledge Assessed (Oct 2023)
- Victoria Stilwell Academy Certified Dog Trainer (Online) (2023)
- Certified Puppy Start Right Instructor (2023)
- Click to Calm for Instructors: Solutions for Dog Reactivity & Aggression (2023)
All of these programs/courses emphasize the science of how dogs learn best, which is through positive, force-free training methods. She trains without causing pain, fear, or intimidation.
My "Why"
Strider is basically where it all began…he started showing concerning behaviours from a very young age; Initially I was very confused; a dog that hates other dogs? How does that work? And what kind of puppy hates strangers? There was a HUGE learning curve for me, and this is where I discovered the benefits of positive dog training.
This training method allowed me to employ empathy with him, it strengthened our bond and it made him more confident. It also taught me how to advocate for him in every situation. I will never stop preaching how amazing and immensely rewarding positive, force-free training is–it completely changed his life for the better and has gotten him to a point I never thought possible.
