Our Mission

Making compassionate, effective, and breed informed dog training a reality for all.

At The Compassionate Canine, ethical, science-backed training meets genuine passion for helping dogs and their owners thrive. We specialise inaversive free training – a humane, proven method that builds positive associations and makes learning enjoyable.

We support dogs at every stage: puppies getting the best start, or those with big emotions needing gentle guidance. Every journey is unique; we tailor our approach with compassion, patience, and expertise to fit your needs.

We believe quality training should be accessible to all, so we offer flexible pricing. Together, let’s build a lifelong partnership rooted in trust, respect, and teamwork.

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About Maria

  • Hi, I’m Maria, founder of The Compassionate Canine. I know how heavy it feels when your dog is struggling: the worry, the tears, the fear it might never get better. I’ve been there. At 17, my family adopted Frasier, a lurcher from Dogs Trust. Kennel life and a bad start in life left him; 10kg underweight, covered in old bite scars on his legs, and a cigarette burn on his side. He was terrified of men, flinched at water, and reacted fiercely to dogs on lead. Walks felt chaotic; we were lost.

    With a kind trainer’s empathy and science-backed steps, we turned it around. After blood, sweat, and lots of tears, Frasier transformed.

    Now in his senior years, he walks happily with other dogs, plays in the sea with my partner, and lives a full, joyful life. Seeing him free and truly himself is why I do this. That journey shaped has changed the rest of my life.

  • That journey ignited my path.

    • I Graduated with a 2:1 in Psychology from the University of Liverpool.

    • I trained with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT), earning my qualification with Merit.

    • I completed the Reactivity Specialist & Scent Training Specialist course with The Dog Training College

    • I am currently pursuing my Level 5 Behaviourist qualification with the College of Canine Science.

    All the while gaining hands-on experience walking dogs professionally in London. volunteering at Dogs Trust Puppy School and working one-on-one with reactive dogs in the New Forest, Bournemouth and Poole.

    All of this keeps me grounded in the latest ethical, evidence-based practices.

  • We see training as a true partnership, always listening to your dog’s needs, limits, and signals. We never use force, coercion, or aversive methods.

    Force-free methods reduce stress, prevent fear issues, and build deeper trust and lasting bonds. We specialise in a humane, proven way to help dogs form joyful associations, gain confidence, and learn eagerly.

    We tailor plans for every stage, puppies building foundations or dogs with big emotions needing guidance naviating the human world. We consider every aspect of your dog, from sleep, pain, diet, breed needs, emotional regulation, lifestyle and learned history all the way down to genetics.

    We stay connected through honest, regular communication: session updates, progress reports, and collaborative planning so you feel equipped to continue at home.

    Quality training should be accessible to all, so we offer flexible pricing. You’re not alone. I’m here to walk beside you, one gentle step at a time

    Your dog’s safety is everything. We carry full public liability and vehicle insurance for complete peace of mind.

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Don’t just take my word for it!

Dog training is unregulated in the UK. So it is very important to ensure that the person you choose is qualified with recognised bodies.

Click on the logo for the IMDT to check my qualification

Contact us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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