Maria has been actively training dogs since 2005. She has been training in Nosework since it came to the East Coast in 2009. In 2013 she completed the requirements to become a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI).
She is currently competing with her Labrador Retriever, Willcare Gypsy Shadow VCD1, CDX, GN, RN, NW2, FDCH, CD-C (aka Kirby). At the first Nosework Trial on the east coast, Kirby placed first in the overall trial, exterior, and interior elements. Maria and Kirby were the only team to be "Pronounced" at the trial which desinates that all 4 judges at the trial felt they were an execptional team. Kirby earned his NW2 in October 2011, placing second overall and winning the vehichle element. In addition to Nosework, Kirby also is competing in various sports including AKC Obedience, Freestyle, CDSP Obedience, and Tracking. He is now retired from Flyball, but still dreams of running to the box for the ball.
Her youngest dog Nigthwind Lucky Penny (aka Penny), is just beginning her Nosework, Tracking, and Obedience career.
Seminars:
- Beyond the NW1 Title: Skill Building for NW2 Workshop - 2012
- Denise Fenzi - Motivation/Problem Solving 2012
- Beyond the NW1 Title: Skill Building for NW2 Workshop with Barbara Schwerdt CPDT-KA, CNWI – 2011
- Michelle Pouliot Workshop – Problem Solving and Performance Prep 2011
- From Basic to Brilliant - Kay Laurence 2011
- Advanced Concepts - Kay Laurence 2011
- K9 Nose Work Training Camp 2010
- K9 Nose Work – Intro to Odor Workshop with Amy Herot and Jill Marie O’Brien 2010
- K9 Nose Work Workshop with Amy Herot and Jill Marie O’Brien - 2010
- Pat Hastings Puppy Puzzle seminar - 2010
- Elevate Your Training with Bob Bailey and Parvene Fashoody 2010
- Kathy Sadao: So Many Choices: A workshop for trainers and dogs 2009
- Kathy Sdao's Get Smart About Training - 2008
- Kay Laurence's Learning Games Play -Performance, Perfection Polish - 2008
- Bud Houston's Traveling Agility Camp - 2007
- Debbie Gross Saunders, From Head to Tail Seminar 2007
- BARK Agility Camp 2007
- Sue Sternberg Bite-O-Meter Seminar, 2007
- Sue Sternberg Behavior Evaluation Seminar 2007
- Kathy Sdao's Cues & Behavior Chains Explained 2007
- ClickerExpo - 2006, 2009
- Camp Gone to the Dogs - 2006-2011
Other dog-related affiliations include:
- Labrador Retriever Club of Greater Boston
- Pioneer Valley Kennel Club